Student life and nightlife in Manchester.?

what kind of student day to day and nightlife is in Manchester? Im goin to be a uni student there soon,Im irish...what is there as an alternative from clubbing,raving and drinking?I appreciate that kinda stuff Im just not in to it...Id be interested in more of art kind of stuff-are art galleries open til late so people can just browse around for a fri sat or wednesday night?..Id be more in to theatres,art galleries and being on my own to be honest!..what about libraries?.are they open til late? Also I come from a very rough area and I know that around our way snobs and middle cl people are in to arty kind of stuff but Im pure proud of whre im from!.could anyone give me recommendations or place to go or sumting?...Any info would be brill,ta to anyone who helps!:)