Just beyond the Booth Street junction with Oxford Road a footbridge crossed Oxford Road proudly declaring that you entering the University of Manchester.  Manchester is the UK’s most popular University with more than 64,000 undergraduates applying in 2007.  The university offers 500 different degree programmes via 23 academic schools a hundreds of specialist research groups.  This learning is supported by libraries that hold 4 million printed books and manuscripts, over 41,000 electronic journals and 500,000 electronic books.  The students can enjoy the UK's largest Students' Union and all first years are guarranteed a place in the university's 9,200 bed accommodation service

The history of the university can be traced back to a legacy from a wealthy Manchester business man, John Owens.  John was educated in Ardwick and later became a partner in his father's business.  As their business grew they became involved in trading calico around the world and importing cotton, hides wheat and other commodities.  John Owen died at his house in Chorlton-upon-Medlock in 1846 leaving a bequest of £96,654 for the foundation of a college. 


The money was used to purchase Richard Cobden's former home on Quay Street which became the first home of Owens College in 1851.