Interview of Alexis Manhattan about the book he wrote titled "Alex's University Tips - What students need to know to make the most of university"

Can you tell us about the book?
It's a guide for students to make the most of university, at a price everyone can afford. The information is presented in an easy to read format and without the filler associated with other books. Also, this way it was possible to keep costs down and make it excellent value.

Why was it important to keep costs down?
Because students don't all have lots of money, and I wanted to make the book affordable to everyone, so they can make a good start to university.

How did you end up starting university twice?
I started university in Sheffield, successfully completed the first year, then changed to Manchester where I started first year on a different course and did a 3 year degree. This gave me extra experience and insight into how universities work, how to find the best entertainments, the best ways to study, and much more.

For what reason did you change universities?
There were a few reasons - Sheffield is a good place now, but at the time it was more like a small town - I preferred a city. It's not possible to know what a place is really like until you live there. What affected Sheffield at the time was Meadowhall - a shopping mall which took away a lot of the city's business. Sheffield has regenerated a lot since. Manchester was always a vibrant city so I left Sheffield and went there.

How did starting twice give you an extra insight?
Having been the first time around at Sheffield, I got to do freshers week and first year all over again in Manchester. People I knew from school were saying that I was in a good position, because they had some regrets, wishing they'd done more in first year.

So why did you write the book?
It was so students could have all the knowledge first time around and make a good start. With the book they have studying tips to help them get good grades, there's tips on the best entertainments, accommodation, how to make friends and more. Now students can have at the start of university what took in the past 2 or 3 years to work out.

With the success you've had with the book so far you've achieved lots of recognition, what are your plans for the future?
At the moment more bookstores are starting to sell it as well as online. I want to let more people be able to find out about it and get hold of a copy, so many more students can make the most of university.


To find out more about the book by Alexis Manhattan called "Alex's University Tips - What students need to know to make the most of university" click here