MMU is one of the largest universities in Britain, offering approximately 700 courses, and giving students the opportunity to undertake a range of industry placements and exchange programmes with international universities. The student union has recently undergone a massive transformation and its bars are always heaving. Manchester has a well-established gay scene and boasts a rich cultural life, with a huge range of museums and live music venues. Accommodation All UK-EU and overseas students in the first year of study who are coming to the university alone, studying for the full academic year and who hold a firm offer will be able to secure accommodation in either MMU or private student halls of residence. Costs range from £92-140 a week. Facilities Great for sport: the Manchester Aquatics Centre is a £30m purpose-built swimming pool complex located on the Manchester campus, boasting two Olympic-standard main pools. The Sugden sports centre features a 100-station fitness suite with state-of-the-art resistance and cadiovascular training machines. High-spec engineering and science labs, and good arts facilities, too. Transport Transport around either Manchester or Cheshire is easy and there are great links to the rest of the country and (via the international airport) the world.