International students in Manchester & Salford
– meet new friends, practise English, join free weekly iCafe events for international students in Manchester, and find a new home
New to Manchester or Salford? Come and meet other international students, make friends, practise your English and enjoy being part of a friendly international community.
🌍 iCafe Manchester – Mondays 7pm → Union Hall (M15 6DY)
🌍 iCafe Salford – Thursdays 5:30pm → Angel Centre (M3 6FA)
iCafe is a free weekly international student gathering in Manchester and Salford, welcoming university, college and language-school students from all over the world.
Whether you have just arrived in the UK, have been studying here for a while, or simply want to meet more people from different cultures, you are very welcome. You can come by yourself – you don't need to know anyone already!
What happens at iCafe?
iCafe is relaxed and informal. It's a place to meet international students and local people, practise conversational English and enjoy an evening together.
Depending on the week, there may be:
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games and fun activities
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conversations and English practice
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food and snacks
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discussions about British culture and life in the UK
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interesting topics and questions about life, culture and faith
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special celebrations, trips, hiking events, and other free social events
Most importantly, iCafe is about making friends and finding community while you're studying away from home.
iCafe Manchester – Monday evenings
📍 Union Hall, Stretford Road, Manchester, M15 6DY
🕖 Mondays, 7:00–9:00pm
💷 FREE
Come along for a relaxed evening with international students from different countries and friendly local people.
No need to bring a friend – just come along!
iCafe Salford – Thursday evenings
📍 The Angel Centre, 1 St Philip's Place, Salford, M3 6FA
🕠 Thursdays, 5:30–7:30pm
💷 FREE
iCafe Salford is a friendly weekly international student meet-up where you can make new friends, practise English, play games and learn about British culture and other interesting topics. There is a free hot meal every other week!
Each week we also have a short Focus discussion around a cultural or life topic, presented by a member of the community and discussed together.
Who can come?
iCafe welcomes international students aged 18+ studying at a university, college or any language school.
Students from the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford, language schools and other colleges are all welcome.
I'm new to Manchester – can I come alone?
Definitely!
In fact, iCafe is especially suitable if you've recently arrived in Manchester or Salford and don't know many people yet.
Moving to another country can be exciting, but it can also take time to build friendships and feel at home. iCafe gives international students a regular place to meet people each week rather than having to find a new event every time.
You don't need perfect English, and you don't need to register as a group. Just come and say hello.
Looking for international student friends in Manchester?
Manchester and Salford are home to students from all over the world. If you're searching for international student events in Manchester, places to make friends, free student activities, English conversation or an international student community, we'd love for iCafe to become one of your regular places.
Come once and see what you think!
About Friends International
iCafe is organised by Friends International, a Christian charity that welcomes and supports international students studying in the UK.
Friends International activities give students opportunities to meet local people, build friendships, experience British culture and explore questions about life and faith in a friendly environment.
Find out what's happening this week
Times and activities can occasionally change, particularly around university holidays, Christmas and summer, so please check the latest iCafe information before travelling.
See iCafe Manchester & Salford on Meetup →