Call us:
0151 522 580022nd July 2024
Mark Barrow
Welcome to Liverpool, a city that perfectly blends rich history with a vibrant, modern atmosphere. Known for its friendly locals and cultural heritage, Liverpool attracts students from all around the world to its renowned universities. With a diverse student population of around 70,000 and 4 or 5 universities (depending on whether you class LIPA as a university) Liverpool is very much a ‘student city’, but what’s it actually like to live and study here?
In this blog, we’ll take you through the best student-friendly eats, life on campus, accommodation options, nightlife, fun activities, cultural highlights, shopping spots, and tips for getting around the city. Get ready to discover why Liverpool is one of the best places to be a student in the UK!
Life on campus in Liverpool is vibrant and full of opportunities for students to engage, learn, and grow. Each university in the city offers a unique campus experience, the two city centre universities are just a short walk from the city centre, and everything is based on campus, unlike some universities where the different buildings are spread across a wide area.
Liverpool is built up with a big city vibe, but in a small, compact footprint and your never far from a cafe or bar if you want to meet up with friends between lectures.
All the universities share a commitment to providing excellent facilities and support services. From mental health and counselling services to academic support and career advice. Whatever your area of study, you can expect state-of-the-art libraries, modern lecture halls, and extensive research facilities, plus there are numerous study spaces and resources available on each campus.
Sports and fitness are integral parts of campus life in Liverpool. The University of Liverpool’s Sport Liverpool facility includes a gym, swimming pool, and various sports courts. Similarly, LJMU’s sports facilities are top-notch, with the IM Marsh Campus offering extensive sports and exercise science resources.
There are loads of different societies to get involved in so you won’t struggle to make friends. Clubs include the usual sports societies, from archery to windsurfing, but there are more cerebral subjects including politics and philosophy. Head over to the ‘clubs and societies’ section at the Freshers Fair and introduce yourself, they’re always looking out for new members.
Named as Time Out’s 11th best city in the world for food in 2024, the highest place achieved by any city in the UK, Liverpool can now claim the title of the country’s best place to eat out.
The huge and diverse student population has certainly had a positive effect on the food scene in Liverpool, which stretches out from the city centre to the suburbs where the student houses are to be found.
In the city centre, our fave is the Duke Street Food and Drink Market, an award-winning food hall, home to six different independently owned kitchens that offer everything from tapas, Asian and Latin-inspired dishes to BBQ and more.
Over in Wavertree, you’ll find the local student favourites ‘Big Lolas Taqueria’, ‘Spitroast’ and ‘Picnic’. All are independently owned and super tasty. We can’t get enough of the beef tacos at Big Lolas, and the rotisserie chicken and loaded fries at Spitroast are ‘chef’s kiss’.
Students in Liverpool are generally guaranteed a room in university halls during their first year, either in university halls or within university-approved accommodation, provided they apply before the specified deadlines. This guarantee helps ensure that first-year students have a secure and comfortable place to live as they transition into university life.
Greenbank Student Village is a particular favourite with Uni of Liverpool students, located in Wavertree, just three miles from campus, and set in private parkland, it’s away from the hustle of the city centre, but still offers a vibrant first year experience.
Most students transition from halls to student houses for their second and third years in Liverpool. The areas that offer the best student life in Liverpool are Wavertree and Kensington, however, Wavertree is fast becoming the main student housing hub as it is close to Sefton Park, Allerton Road and Smithdown Rd, with its incredible selection of bars, cafes and shops, and all-important supermarkets. Rents here are generally cheaper than the private halls found in the city-centre, and there are some excellent, high quality homes with high-end fixtures and furnishings to choose from.
Looking for a place for you and your mates to share? Check out our 1-bed to 9-bed student flats and houses across Liverpool here.
Let’s face it, if you’re moving to Liverpool, the incredible nightlife is the main draw. Liverpool students are spoilt for choice with some of the country’s best student bars and events. Coyote Ugly, The Sphynx, Modo, The Brookhouse and The Hope and Anchor are among the most popular (and cheapest!) student watering holes across the city that you have to check out.
You’ve also got the best student clubs around, love dancing to cheesy pop? Popworld is the place to go. If pulsating beats are more your thing, head to the Electrik Warehouse nightclub. Whatever you’re into, Liverpool has you covered, and then some. Check out our blog on The Best Student Nights in Liverpool for a deeper dive.
Live music plays a huge role in Liverpool life, students are spoilt for choce with options ranging from local concerts at venues like Matthew Street and Zanzibar to large concerts at the Echo Arena featuring world famous artists, Taylor Swift anyone?
Everywhere you look in Liverpool, you’re surrounded by culture and history. From the awe inspiring Albert Dock to the famous Three Graces on the iconic River Mersey waterfront, there’s a lifetime of fascinating places to visit.
Currently undergoing a full refurb, and due to open again in 2025, the famous Tate Liverpool Art Gallery is one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary artworks outside London an absolute must-visit.
To truly understand the city and its heritage, head to the World Museum, this venue is dedicated to highlighting Liverpool’s history, growth and significant influence on British history. Plus, there are exhibitions on ancient culture, the cosmos, dinosaurs, an aquarium and lots more to see.
Liverpool offers a fantastic shopping experience for students, with a mix of high-street brands, independent boutiques, and quirky markets.
Liverpool ONE is the city’s premier shopping destination, featuring over 170 stores, including popular high-street brands like Zara and H&M. There’s also a variety of restaurants and cafes, making it a great place to spend a day shopping and dining with friends.
Bold Street in the city centre is the place to go if you love independent shops and unique finds. Known for its eclectic mix of stores, Bold Street offers everything from urban streetwear to vintage clothing.
The Baltic Triangle is another hotspot for students, especially those with a taste for vintage and retro items. The area is home to the Red Brick Market, located in the historic Cains Brewery, where you can find a wide range of vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and quirky home decor.
Getting around Liverpool is convenient and affordable, making it easy for students to explore the city and beyond.
Liverpool has lots of outside spaces to enjoy. In the summer students head to the numerous parks such as Sefton Park which holds numerous festivals, including the annual Africa Oye, and once the sun comes out, students flock to the beaches and riverside areas to relax and soak up the rays.
Walking: Liverpool is a compact city, and many of its main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking along the waterfront from Pier Head to the Albert Dock is a great way to take in the sights and enjoy the fresh air.
Public Transport: Liverpool has an extensive public transport network which includes buses, trains, and ferries that connect the student areas, the universities and the city centre. Plus, students can benefit from discounted fares with a student travel card.
Rail: The Merseyrail train network is another efficient way to get around. It connects the city centre with the suburbs and nearby towns, making it easy to explore areas like Crosby Beach. Liverpool Lime Street is the main train station, offering connections to other major cities like Manchester and London.
E-Scooters: For a quick and fun way to get around, e-scooters are available for hire in Liverpool. These are perfect for short trips and can be found at various docking stations throughout the city. Just download the app, unlock a scooter, and you’re ready to go.
Day Trips: Liverpool’s excellent transport links make it easy to take day trips to nearby attractions. You can hop on a train to visit the historic city of Chester, explore the beautiful beaches of Formby, or hop on the ferry and explore the Wirral Peninsula.
Student life in Liverpool has it all, from a rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife to its excellent universities and diverse shopping options, there’s always something to see and do. All this and we haven’t even mentioned the Beatles or football once!
It’s no wonder that students from all over the world choose to call Liverpool their home. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey and make the most of your student life in this dynamic and exciting city! You won’t regret it.