Who is Piccadilly Point best suited for?
Piccadilly Point is a modern purpose-built student accommodation at 23 Berry Street, Manchester, run by Unite Students. It houses 588 residents in a mix of ensuites and studios. The property is located within walking distance of the main campuses of the city’s two large universities, making it a logical choice for students who want to minimise commute time and live in a dedicated student community.
The residence works well for:
- Students who prefer a large, managed property – with 588 rooms, Piccadilly Point has a full reception team, maintenance support, and common social spaces. This appeals to first-year students or those new to Manchester who want a structured environment.
- Those who value convenience over character – the building is purpose-built, meaning modern furnishings, good security (keycard access, CCTV), and bills-inclusive rents. If you want to avoid hunting for a private landlord or dealing with separate utility bills, this is a straightforward option.
- Budget-conscious students who want an ensuite – the minimum price of £194 per week (indicative – confirm with the operator) for an ensuite room is competitive against the Manchester city-wide weekly from-price of £132. While £194 is not the cheapest in town, it delivers a private bathroom in a central location, which many students rank as their top priority.
- Group bookers – Unite Students often allows groups of friends to be allocated in the same flat. Piccadilly Point’s cluster flats typically have 4–6 ensuite bedrooms sharing a kitchen and living area, which suits social living.
Who is it not suited for?
- Students on a very tight budget – the cheapest rooms start at £194 per week, whereas some other Manchester student properties advertise from £132 per week. At roughly £50–60 more per week, Piccadilly Point is priced above the entry-level market. If rent is your only concern, you can find lower-cost options elsewhere.
- Those who prefer independent living in a house – if you want a terraced house with a garden, or a flat in a non-student area, a purpose-built block like Piccadilly Point may feel regimented. Shared communal areas, fixed move-in dates, and standard room layouts might not suit everyone.
- Students who need on-site parking or large storage – like most city-centre PBSA, Piccadilly Point has limited parking and no dedicated large storage for bicycles or bulky items. Check with the operator if this matters to you.
- Late bookers seeking the cheapest rooms – the best-value rooms (lower-floor, standard ensuite) tend to sell first. Booking in 2026 for the 2026/27 academic year from October onwards gives you the widest choice and lowest prices. Waiting until summer 2027 may leave only higher-priced or less desirable rooms.
Price positioning versus Manchester’s from-price
Manchester is one of the UK’s most competitive student housing markets, with 43 properties listed on the platform and a city-wide weekly from-price of £132. Piccadilly Point’s minimum price of £194 per week (indicative) places it above the city floor but within the mid-range band. For context:
- Entry-level rooms (often old stock or shared bathrooms) start at £132.
- Standard ensuites in central managed buildings typically range from £180–£220.
- Studios at Piccadilly Point go up to £283 per week (indicative – confirm with the operator), which is aligned with Manchester’s studio market.
What you get for the extra cost compared to the cheapest option: a private bathroom, a dedicated management team, a location within 5–10 minutes’ walk to university buildings, and a newer building with modern fixtures. If you value these features, the premium is reasonable.
Remember that all prices are indicative and subject to change. Always confirm the exact weekly rate and any deposit requirements directly with the operator before committing.
Room-type guidance
Piccadilly Point offers two main categories: ensuite rooms (private bedroom with private bathroom; share kitchen with 4–6 flatmates) and studios (private room, private bathroom, own kitchen). The exact mix and number of each type are not shown in the available data, but Unite Students typically allocates around 60–70% ensuites in their larger properties.
- Standard ensuite – cheapest option at £194 per week (indicative). You get a private shower room, a bed, desk, wardrobe, and storage. Kitchen and lounge are shared with your flatmates. Best for sociable students who don’t mind sharing a kitchen but want their own toilet and shower.
- Premium ensuite – slightly larger room or better floor view, usually £10–20 more per week. Worth it if you spend a lot of time in your room.
- Studio – from £283 per week (indicative). Complete independence: own kitchen, own bathroom, no flatmates. Suits postgraduates, students who cook elaborate meals, or anyone who values peace and quiet. The premium is substantial – about £90 per week more than the basic ensuite. Consider whether you would use the extra space and privacy enough to justify the cost.
No room-type price breakdown beyond the range is given, so contact the operator for exact rates for each room category in 2026/27.
Booking timing
For the 2026/27 academic year, booking windows for PBSA in Manchester typically open in October 2025 and close when sold out. Unite Students often releases rooms in phases. Key points:
- October–December 2025: early-bird phase for students who have accepted university offers. Prices are usually at their lowest, and availability is greatest.
- January–April 2026: most remaining rooms are released. Some discounts or group-booking incentives may be available.
- May–September 2026: late booking. You may still find rooms, but the cheapest ensuites are likely gone. Studios sometimes linger because they are more expensive.
- No deposit information is given in the data, so ask the operator about any holding fee or deposit requirements when you enquire.
If you know you will study in Manchester, begin checking Piccadilly Point from October 2025. Use the platform’s on-site assistant to see live availability and pricing for 2026/27.
FAQ
Is Piccadilly Point close to the universities?
Yes. It sits at 23 Berry Street, within a 10–15 minute walk to the main campuses of both major Manchester universities. Many students find they can walk or cycle easily; bus and tram stops are also nearby. The exact distance depends on which building you are going to – check a map with the operator if you need precise walking times.
What is included in the rent?
Rent is typically all-inclusive: water, electricity, gas, Wi-Fi, and contents insurance. Unite Students also provides a maintenance team on site. You should confirm any extras (e.g., parking, bedding packs) directly with the operator, as policies can vary by year.
Can I choose my flatmates?
Unite Students allows you to form groups of up to 6 people and request to be placed together in the same flat (subject to availability). If you are booking individually, you will be matched with other students, usually of the same gender mix as your flat. Check with the operator for the 2026/27 group-booking policy.
Sources & data date
All prices and property information are taken from the housing platform as of July 2026. They are indicative – confirm exact rates and availability with the operator before making any booking decisions.
For live availability and room pricing at Piccadilly Point, use the on-site assistant on this page.
See also: listing details · browse more