FAQs

Everything you need to know about House of Social.

What is House of Social, and where is it located?

House of Social is a new kind of student house based in the centre of Manchester. With a food hall featuring five independent kitchens downstairs, and rooms to stay upstairs. Each student house has shared spaces that are designed for fuelling friendships, with plenty of space for everyone.

We’re just a 10-minute walk from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, with plenty of shops, restaurants and things to do nearby.

Who can live at House of Social?

House of Social is open to full-time students aged 17 or older. It is designed to cater to both undergraduate and postgraduate students looking for a more social and modern living experience during their studies.

What types of rooms are available?

House of Social offers a variety of ensuite rooms within shared ‘houses’ (2, 5, and 6-bed options). The types of rooms available are:

Essential Rooms: These rooms are the most affordable option and come with an ensuite bathroom, while the kitchen is shared with other residents.

Enhanced Rooms: These rooms are larger in size and still share the kitchen with others but offer more space and comfort.

Elite Rooms: These rooms come with a private kitchen, offering more independence and a higher level of convenience. You’ll still be able to access the shared kitchen too.

Accessible Rooms: These rooms are specially designed for students with additional accessibility needs, with step-free access, larger bathrooms, and adaptable features.

Duo Rooms: These rooms are perfect for students who to live near their friend. Our Duo Rooms are two adjoining rooms where each student has their own kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. However, you’ll easily be able to hang out as there is a door connecting the two rooms.

When should I book, and what if I haven’t been accepted to university yet?

It is recommended to book your accommodation as soon as possible. Rooms tend to sell out quickly, and prices usually increase throughout the year. If you have not yet been accepted to university, you can still make a booking. If your university application is unsuccessful, you can cancel free of charge under the “No Place, No Pay” policy.

What are the contract length options?

You can choose between two contract lengths:

A 44-week contract, which covers the typical academic year.

A 51-week contract, which allows you to stay over the summer holidays, providing accommodation for the entire year.

Do I need a guarantor, and is a deposit required?

No, House of Social does not require a guarantor for booking your accommodation. Additionally, you do not need to pay a deposit. Instead, you will need to pay an Advance Licence Fee, which covers the first two weeks of rent.

How can I pay for my accommodation?

You can choose between several payment options:

Pay annually (which is the most affordable option).

Pay in four instalments.

Pay monthly.

Payments can be made via card or bank transfer through your House of Social account.

What is the cancellation policy?

House of Social allows cancellations within a 5-day cooling-off period (or 48 hours for bookings made after the 27th of May 2025). In certain cases, such as not receiving an offer from university or not obtaining a visa, the “No Place, No Pay” and “No Visa, No Pay” policies apply, and you can cancel for free. After this period, you will need to find a replacement tenant to avoid paying for the full duration of the contract.

Can I live with my friends or book an entire house?

Yes! You can request to book with friends, and you can even secure an entire five or six-bed house if you’d like to live together. This is subject to availability, so it’s recommended to book early.

Are utility bills & WiFi included?

Yes, rent at House of Social includes all utility bills, such as water, heating, electricity, and high-speed WiFi (with a 250Mbps connection). There are no additional utility costs.

Is there a gym, and is it free?

Yes. House of Social has a 24/7 fully equipped gym that is free to all residents. This means you can get a sweat on without any extra cost.

Is cleaning provided?

House of Social provides a bi-weekly cleaning service for shared kitchens and lounge areas. However, residents are responsible for cleaning their own rooms to maintain a clean and tidy environment.

Are guests allowed?

Yes, you can have guests stay. Guests can stay for up to two consecutive nights for free but must be signed in at reception and must be accompanied by you at all times.

Can I personalise my room?

You can personalise your room with non-permanent décor (such as posters or small decorations), but be aware that any damage caused to the room will need to be repaired at your expense.

Are pets allowed?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at House of Social but we do allow dogs in the food hall. However, if you require an assistance animal, please reach out to the team before booking to make necessary arrangements.

What should I bring when moving in?

House of Social provides kitchen appliances and furniture, but you will need to bring your own utensils, bedding (pillows, duvet, and towels), and personal items. Certain items, such as heaters, microwaves, and candles, are prohibited for safety reasons.

Is there laundry on-site?

Of course. House of Social has a 24/7 laundry room in each building, equipped with washing machines and dryers. You can use these facilities through a top-up app for payments.

Are there study & social spaces?

Yes, House of Social offers several spaces for both studying and socialising, including your shared kitchen/lounge space, and open study spaces in the food hall. Where you can either settle in a booth for the day or book out a private room. There are plenty of seating areas with power outlets for working.

Is printing available?

Yes. A printing machine is available on-site. After you check in, you will receive an email with the setup instructions so you can print documents whenever needed.

Is there a secure parcel system?

Yes! Parcels are delivered to a locked parcel store for safekeeping. You will receive an email notification when your package arrives and can collect it from the store.

What kind of community does House of Social offer?

House of Social is all about building bridges, not burning them. Our rooms and spaces are designed to make house sharing easier, so you can connect with people on a deeper level.

Are there events for residents?

While House of Social does not run resident-only events, our food hall regularly hosts nights that everyone is welcome to attend. The food hall regularly hosts public events that all residents are welcome to attend. This gives students a chance to engage with the wider community.

How secure is House of Social?

House of Social buildings have multiple security measures in place to ensure the safety of all residents. This includes:

Key fob-controlled entry points.

CCTV monitoring throughout the building and grounds.

On-site staff available throughout the day and night.

What emergency safety measures are in place?

House of Social has robust emergency safety measures, including:

Fire alarms and emergency lighting.

Trained on-site staff available 24/7.

Evacuation plans in place to ensure quick and safe exits in case of an emergency.

What is the House of Social Food Hall?

House of Social’s food hall brings together five independent kitchens to serve up the best food in the city. We’ll be open day and night, where you can either come down to work for the day, or to hang out with friends at night. We have a house bar, so whenever you’re feeling thirsty you can drop in for a coffee, beer, glass of wine or cocktails – we’ve got it all.

When does the food hall open, and what are the hours?

The food hall will open in Summer 2025. The opening hours are as follows:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Thursday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Do residents get discounts?

Absolutely. House of Social residents receive exclusive discounts and benefits at the food hall.

How far is House of Social from universities & the city centre?

House of Social is just a 510 minute walk from both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. It is also only a few minutes’ walk from Manchester city centre, offering easy access to shopping, entertainment, and more.

Are there grocery stores, transport links, and parking nearby?

Yes! There is a Sainsbury’s Express just a 2-minute walk away, and other grocery stores and convenience shops are nearby. Public transport links are also within walking distance, with bus, tram, and train services accessible.

While there is no on-site parking, there is secure paid parking available nearby at Q-Park First Street.

What is the nearest airport?

The nearest major airport is Manchester Airport, which is approximately 20-30 minutes away by public transport.

How can I contact House of Social Manchester?

You can contact the House of Social Manchester team through the following methods:

Email: hello@houseofsocial.com

Online enquiry form available on the website