Liverpool is one of the largest and most famous cities in the UK. It is full of history and culture, a hugely popular destination for tourists and home to several universities. If you study here, you have a chance to be part of this thriving metropolis and experience everything it offers.
Why do students choose Liverpool?
Liverpool is a bustling city with around 500,000 residents, and that includes approximately 70,000 students. It is clear that many people have been attracted to it for various reasons, from its low cost of living to its nightlife. If you are thinking of studying in one of Liverpool's universities, you will be glad to know that the city is considered a very good place for students to live.
Cost: Everyone knows it is expensive to be a student, and with university fees constantly rising, that seems unlikely to change. That is even before you get to accommodation and bills and food, all of which are essential to survival. If you are studying in London, then renting somewhere to live is likely to cost you an extortionate amount of money, and even basics for your regular grocery shop are likely to cost more. Liverpool, on the other hand, is considered one of the cheapest student cities in the UK.
There are a variety of reasons that living in Liverpool is likely to cost you less. To start with, rent is cheaper, leaving you more to spend on other necessities and even on having some fun. There are many bargain department stores and affordable markets that can supply everything you need at a low cost. Even the clubs and bars that makeup Liverpool's nightlife are relatively inexpensive.
Nightlife: If you want to celebrate in style, with live music and cocktails, then take advantage of the student discount at many of Liverpool's bars and clubs. Thanks to regular buses and affordable taxis, they are easy enough to reach, with most venues concentrated around the city centre, Baltic Triangle and Lark Lane. TJT Students can get 10% off at The Entry Bar on Seel Street, see our members portal for details.
Local attitudes: People who live in Liverpool, commonly known as Scousers, do not always get the best press, but they are a friendly and welcoming group. You will soon find yourself invited into city life, with plenty of locals available to give you directions and advice as you navigate the unfamiliar streets.
Culture: Until recently, several parts of Liverpool city centre were considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the city is still a hub of history and culture. It is second only to London in terms of the number of museums and galleries, many of which are free to enter and buildings and parks of historical significance. Places of particular interest include the Tate Liverpool art gallery and The Everyman theatre. Still, there are plenty of venues at which you can enjoy live music and performances. After all, this city is the birthplace of the Beatles, and musical history is significant here. You can also make use of the many libraries, from those attached to universities to the beautiful Liverpool Central Library, between which you should be able to access every book, journal and website you need for your course or you can just enjoy some leisurely reading.
Sport: The two biggest football teams in Liverpool are Liverpool F.C. and Everton, both of which are popular enough that some people would probably choose to study there just to be closer to their favourite side! Even if you are not a football fan, be prepared to listen to lots of talk about the local teams, especially when there is a big match and supporters throng the streets.
Sport is not limited to football, with boxing and horse racing also having proud histories in the city. Whether you want to watch or participate, you should also be able to find most of the other major sports, including rugby, cricket, golf, athletics, gymnastics and swimming.
Outdoor Space: Just because Liverpool is a big city doesn't mean it is all concrete and steel. There are plenty of green areas if you want to take a breather and enjoy nature. Sefton Park, St Luke's Gardens and Princes Park are all beautiful outdoor spaces where you can study or relax, whether by yourself or with friends.
Is Liverpool a safe city for students?
It can be nerve-wracking to move to a new place, especially when you will be on your own for the first time. Big cities, in particular, can have a reputation for crime and disorder, but that does not mean you need to worry. Liverpool is a relatively safe city, and there are steps you can take to moderate any risks.
Most university campuses will have their own security procedures with helplines and online advice pages that you can access. Then there are the basic steps that are likely to be recommended wherever you live:
1. Pay attention - looking at your phone or listening to music when walking can distract you from possible dangers. Make an effort to be aware of your surroundings.
2. Night travel - try and avoid alleyways or poorly lit areas, and do not travel alone. Where possible, use licensed taxis or stick to main roads if walking.
3. ATMs - do not use ATMs late at night or when drunk, and always take measures to shield your pin.
4. Valuables - keep valuables safe and out of sight, even in your home. Do not leave laptops and other devices unattended in coffee shops or libraries. Immobilise is a database where you can register your belongings to increase the chance of them being returned if they are stolen.
5. Bikes - always use a bike lock. If your university or accommodation has specific bike storage spaces that are secure, use them.
6. Utilities - if living in private student accommodation, familiarise yourself with procedures for dealing with water, gas and electricity problems. Know how to switch your water off at the mains. Be aware of the dangers and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
7. Contact numbers - obviously, in a serious emergency, you should call 999, but also make sure you have other important numbers - campus support, landlord, utility companies etc. - to hand.
Where do students live in Liverpool?
There is a range of factors to consider when choosing student accommodation in Liverpool. They include cost, transport links, availability of amenities and services, disability access, and the choice between busy and quiet areas. Some areas of Liverpool have proven particularly popular with students:
Liverpool University Area: The easiest way to do it is probably to choose a property in the Liverpool University Area, which puts you within easy travelling distance of both Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool and within walking reach of the city centre. There are lots of students living here, and everything you could need is relatively close by. That includes cultural sites such as museums, galleries, Liverpool Central Library, and Liverpool Lime Street Station.
Wavertree: This is a little further from the main campus (a forty-minute walk, though shortened to 20 minutes if you use a bus), but student accommodation in Wavertree combines pleasant green spaces with a diverse range of shops, bars and restaurants. It is a lively community that is great to visit or live in, with pretty low rents even compared to the rest of the city. In recent years it has become steadily more popular for student living.
Baltic Triangle: When it comes to the creative and cultural life of Liverpool, then the Baltic Triangle is the place to be. Old, derelict warehouses are turning into venues for live music and good food, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. You can easily walk to Chinatown, or even the city centre if you are looking for more.
Liverpool City Centre: If you are willing to pay a little more, you could find student accommodation Liverpool city centre. It will increase your costs, but literally, everything is right on your doorstep. Even if you don't live in the city centre, you are likely to be visiting it fairly regularly.
Why choose TJT student properties?
Now you know how popular Liverpool is as a student destination and you have decided you want to live and study there, you need to find accommodation that suits your every need. TJT Students can offer you both student flats and houses at the heart of the city, convenient for the University of Liverpool, John Moores and LIPA.
Our locations include historic buildings specially converted for student living and flats directly above shops and pubs. Prices include bills and Wi-Fi and there is even CCTV so you can feel safe and secure. Laundrettes or washing machines are available on site.
To take advantage of this bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis with all its history and culture, consider a property from TJT Students. You will soon be experiencing the best of Liverpool as well as university life, all for reasonable prices. Choosing the best accommodation will allow you the best opportunities to feel safe and have fun as you enjoy all the aspects of student living.