Best university cities in the UK – Liverpool

Liverpool is a city like no other, and its students are a huge part of that. Whether it's academic excellence you’re searching for, or a location packed with things to see and do while you study, Liverpool has it all. Plus, its North West location makes living in the area both affordable and exciting, with the region’s many other towns and cities on your doorstep. 

In this guide, we’ll look at Liverpool and break down why so many students flock to this historic coastal city. We’ll explore the different university options, accommodation and living choices. And we’ll even give you our top five best student pubs in Liverpool. Ready to become an honorary Scouser? Let’s get cracking. 

Universities to suit every future

No matter your desired career, Liverpool has a university to match your ambitions. Whether you're business-minded or creative, a traditional academic or a hands-on learner, Liverpool’s four main universities have something for you.

University of Liverpool

Both a redbrick university and a member of the renowned Russell Group, the University of Liverpool is right in the heart of the city, with a single campus that covers 100 acres and a whole range of departments and buildings. 

This university has been ranked 160th in the world and 19th best in the UK, so its accolades speak for themselves. This reputation extends to its partner university in Suzhou, China, where it offers a student exchange programme. 

What’s more, the University of Liverpool has facilities that include a 25-metre swimming pool, fitness centre and sports hall, perfect for if you want to stay active in an environment you’re not yet familiar with. There are also two libraries open 24/7 for that last-minute cramming before exams. 

Liverpool John Moores University

Offering a much wider range of degrees than typical universities, Liverpool John Moores University puts a mix of traditional teaching and real-world experience at the heart of all its programmes. 

From creative writing and film studies to policing and psychology, LJMU has gained a great reputation because 95% of its students move into employment or further education once graduating. It also provides opportunities to study abroad and get experience in the job you want before you leave. 

Depending on your chosen studies, you’ll be spending your time in either LJMU’s City Campus or Mount Pleasant Campus, both ideally located near the city centre. 

Liverpool Hope University

Much like the first two university options, Liverpool Hope University is spread throughout the city, with two teaching campuses and a large number of halls of residence. 

Hope Park, located a little outside the city centre, is the main campus, whereas the creative campus is more central. Either way, commuting to study couldn't be easier. It’s walking distance, or you can jump on any of the regular buses. 

Each campus is also designed to meet all your needs, with libraries open 24/7, cafes and shops, while also letting you explore the wider city whenever you want. 

As with LJMU, Liverpool Hope offers a wide range of courses. So no matter your future career, you’ll find a degree that suits you.  

Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

As if being founded by Paul McCartney wasn’t enough, Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) remains the ultimate arts, drama and music school. Here you can take your performance skills from good to outstanding, making use of the specialist spaces, equipment and teachings. 

With a limited number of spaces available each year – LIPA currently has 1,000 enrolled students and a 10:1 student to teacher ratio – students benefit from a more intimate relationship with tutors than in standard universities. And with a smaller range of courses available, tutors can dedicate more time to each student. 

Based in the centre of the city, LIPA is just the place if you want to follow in the footsteps of Liverpool legends or forge a legacy of your own. 

 

A city that has it all

Whether your social life involves partying, live music, board games or something else entirely, you’ll find a social haunt that works for you. These are some of our favourite spots to explore in Liverpool. 

• Concert Square

Concert Square is the beating heart of Liverpool student nightlife. With a number of bars in and around the square, you can dance, chat or even eat your way through the evening before a short walk home. 

• Baltic Triangle

The famous Baltic Triangle is home to the stylish student. Packed out with trendy shops, eateries and some of the best student pubs near the University of Liverpool, the Triangle and its markets are made for the quirky. 

• Seel Street

Perfect for a Liverpool student pub crawl, Seel Street has a large number of bars and pubs, perfect for craft ale connoisseurs, cocktail lovers and foodies alike. 

• Bold Street

Whether it’s a tattoo or a new pair of shoes, Bold Street has all sorts of shops, studios and cafes to explore and take advantage of as a student. 

All-out affordable

There are many reasons why so many students enjoy their time in Liverpool, including the fact that it’s one of the most affordable places to live while you study in the UK. Over your years at your chosen university, you have a choice of the following accommodation options

• Halls of residence

Most first-year students will live in halls of residence. This gives you the chance to meet new people outside of your course and build a solid friendship group. Some of the most popular halls of residence include: 

1. Crown Place: A centrally located apartment complex equipped with en-suite rooms, an in-house laundrette and outdoor social spaces. Rent starts at £187 per week.
2. The Electra: A luxurious student accommodation on Caledonia Street that offers studio flats featuring a kitchen and bathroom. Rent starts at £210 a week.
3. iQ Great Newton House: Located on Lower Gill Street, these halls offer en-suite rooms or two-bedroom flats at a lower price. Rent starts at £140 per week.
4. Greenbank Student Village: The ultimate first-year accommodation, located on Mossley Hill, this complex offers a mini-gym, tennis courts and large activity spaces. Rent starts at £214 a week.
5. True Liverpool: Right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from both the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University campuses. Rent starts at £155 per week. 

All four universities in the city offer their own halls of residence in the form of student flats around the city centre. They also partner with providers like Unite Students, Kaplan Living or Student Roost if you miss out on your specific accommodation, or want a certain standard of room. Here, you will likely be mixed with students from other universities. 

• Shared housing

From second year onwards, and once you’ve got your group of friends together, you might look into renting a student house in Liverpool. Areas like Smithdown Road and Kensington are large and packed with student homes, offering rental prices to match student budgets. 

What’s more, as a student in Liverpool, you’ll get access to all sorts of student discounts to make life more affordable. Whether it’s through the standardised UNiDAYS app or something else, you’ll be able to save on things you never thought you could. 

Quality of life

Thanks to outstanding healthcare, including student-focused GP practices and hospitals, public transport and job opportunities, Liverpool offers students a fantastic quality of life. 

When it comes to transport, a well-connected Liverpool Lime Street station can let you explore the rest of the country with ease, or get you home for the holidays, no matter where you live. With just over half an hour on the train to Manchester Piccadilly, or about an hour and a half to London Euston, Liverpool is exceptionally well connected for students. 

For travel within the city, check out the Merseytravel bus routes to see if there’s a convenient route for where you need to go. Failing that, Liverpool has plenty of taxis you can use to get around if needed, just like any other major city. 

If you’re looking to make a little extra money to supplement your student loan, there are plenty of opportunities to find a part-time job in Liverpool. Moreover, once you're done with your studies, you won't be hard pressed to find numerous graduate roles, regardless of your chosen subject.

Beyond university

Outside of university, Liverpool is a place you won't forget in a hurry. With its rich history, thriving arts scene and two major football teams in Liverpool FC and Everton FC, it’s no wonder so many students choose to stay in the city after graduating. 

While you’re in Liverpool, be sure to explore the following landmarks and experiences in order to get the most out of your time. 

• Royal Albert Docks

These historic docks are home to great food and drink across a fleet of some of the best restaurants and student bars in Liverpool. Also, don’t forget the culture

• Liverpool Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

Liverpool Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Britain, was built between 1904 and 1978. Here you’ll get a taste of Church of England history and religion, be it in the form of morning prayer, choir services or tours. Or, visit the more contemporarily designed Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, a Catholic church of worship built between 1962 and 1967, situated in the heart of the university district. 

• The Beatles Story Museum

Learn all about the most famous band in history and take a thrilling ride through Liverpool’s musical heritage. Featuring original guitars and drums played by the band, along with iconic items like John Lennon's Sgt Pepper medals or Paul McCartney’s bass amp, you can explore the history of the world’s greatest rock group right on your doorstep. 

• Anfield and Everton Stadium

Whether you support Everton, Liverpool or another team, a visit to each stadium will give you an atmosphere like no other in the country (especially when the two teams play against each other in the Merseyside derby!).

• The Cavern Club

The Cavern Club is famous around the world for its connection to the Beatles, and a must-visit for any music fan. Take some photos, learn the history and see the formation of greatness. But most importantly, go and experience a gig there for yourself. 

 

Best student pubs in Liverpool

Whether you drink or not, Liverpool University pubs are the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of lectures, seminars or socialising. They can also be fantastic spots to get the gang together at the start of a night out. Not to mention the day after the night before, when you head out for a pub breakfast that will pick you back up for your studies. 

In no particular order, these are five of the best student pubs in Liverpool. 

Join us at one of our student pubs in Liverpool

Liverpool is a city that really does have it all. It’s a brilliant place to live as a student, especially with all of the great pubs you’ll find across the city. Whether you’re scoping it out as an option or simply looking for the best student pubs in the city, we hope to see you at one of our pubs in Liverpool soon.