Leaving Liverpool this summer? Here’s everything you should squeeze in before you graduate

It may not feel like it when lectures seem never ending, and you can’t draw yourself away from your laptop, but the thought of saying goodbye to your student self and bidding farewell to Liverpool is actually a lot sadder than you might think. This city is bursting at the seams with activities and things to do, and it’s not until you’ve reached your final weeks that you realise how much you haven’t ticked off your bucket list yet.

Whether you’re about to spend your final year in the city and want to experience as much as you can in the time you have left, or you’re an incoming fresher looking for ideas on how to make the most of the next three years, here’s a wholesome student friendly checklist that should have you covered when it comes to maximising your time here.

Off-peak free time and student discounts don’t last forever, and once you enter the scary world of graduate jobs and LinkedIn networking, you’ll look back at your days spent frolicking in Sefton Park with so much nostalgia.

Try and pull an all-nighter in the Harold Cohen

Let’s start with a classic, something all Liverpool students have either done, or definitely contemplated doing before.

It really isn’t a true university experience without pulling at least one all-nighter, where you leave the library at 7am still feeling like you don’t know anything. You’ll be delusional, over caffeinated, and can barely string a sentence together.

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Here’s top tip though: You won’t believe how much more productive you are when you romanticise your revision and make studying seem aesthetically pleasing. Making a day in the life TikTok to document how productive you are? Planning a “study with me” video with voiceovers and video clips? It’s guaranteed to help you lock in for at least 12 out of the 24 hours you’re determined to spend in there.

Get those Red Bulls in and make being productive feel cute, even if you regret it the day after. It’ll be one for the university memory book, that’s for sure.

Be a tourist in your own city for the day

You’ve probably always joked with your friends whenever you see the Magical Mystery Tour bus that you should all do it one day, and you should! Ask the majority of people what they associate with Liverpool, and you can almost guarantee they will mention The Beatles – so if you’re in the city, why not take the tour to see all the historical sites like Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane? It would be rude not to, really.

From the Cavern Club to the many themed bars down Matthew Street, you’re never far away from some musical history. If you’re willing to extend your budget a bit further to justify the tourist prices, you should totally think about having a night out away from Concert Square, to soak up the true spirit of the city.

You could complete the true Liverpool tourist experience by getting a ferry trip across the Mersey, just like the iconic song, which you’re guaranteed to hear the second you step on the boat. If you’re more of a sports fan, go take a look at Everton’s new ground on Bramley Moore Dock, or head to Anfield for a stadium tour. We’re not biased towards either of them, don’t worry.

Also, who doesn’t love a day out in museums and art galleries? Head on down to Walker Art Gallery, Tate Liverpool, Museum of Liverpool or The British Music Experience, and truly live out your tourist dreams as you splash your student loan in the gift shop.

Explore outside the city centre

No, Smithdown Road doesn’t count, sorry.

Everyone knows about the classic sunny day trips on the train to Formby or Crosby beach, or the views and walks on the Wirral, but one thing this city has is some brilliant hidden gems that are only a short journey from the city centre. Combine that with all the transport links we’ve got, and you’re in for a treat when it comes to exploring those last few places pre-graduation.

Or, maybe you, or one of your friends, drive? Then you’ve bagged yourself an easy excuse to get a day out at Knowsley Safari Park. Fancy seeing zebra, rhinos, giraffes, and tigers, all in person? Or seeing your housemate freak out when there’s a monkey running over the front of their car? You definitely do, you just haven’t thought about it yet.

And if you’re willing to spend a bit more on the train, you can even easily access the classic seaside town of Blackpool and not break the bank. Trust us, next time your housemates are discussing what you should all do for the day, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is sure to go down a treat. Nothing beats being a bit tipsy on a rollercoaster by the seaside.

Make the most of the scenic parts of the city

It might not seem like it when you spend most your time on the 699, but this city actually has some incredibly beautiful scenery that you might not have soaked up yet.

There are some classic picturesque sites like the Georgian Quarter, the docks, and Lark Lane, which have to be a staple for any Liverpool student. Plus, some gorgeous cafes and bars in these areas make an aesthetic day trip all the more appealing; but watching the sunset at Everton Park, or having a picnic in Sefton, also has to be considered for some of the most aesthetic scenery of the city.

Also, why not appreciate the views of the whole city while you can still call it home? Liverpool Cathedral is stunning as it is, but realising you can go up the tower and see beautiful views from all across the city makes it even better for all Liverpool students. If you want to tick something scenic off your bucket list, then this is the way to go.

It’s safe to say that the lecture halls and library you spend eight hours a day in don’t really make for the most memorable views.

Go all-out for your final student night out experience

It might not be the most aesthetically pleasing when you’re throwing up in Hatch at 2am, but it’s still a bucket list uni experience nonetheless. Marking the end of your stint as a student by going for the ultimate pre-graduation night out is definitely the way to go.

If you haven’t already ended up doing karaoke in an Irish bar after only going out for “casual drinks”, then now’s your chance to do it. You’ve never gotten into an Uber with a sign from Shit Indie Disco, and realised you don’t have anywhere to put it in your house? The opportunity is right there.

Why not plan your final flat night out, and tick off all of the places you’ve always wanted to try? Pub golf has always been a student staple, gathering the girls for bottomless brunch still feels sophisticated, and even just hosting that giant pres that you’ve always wanted to attend, are perfect ways to mark the end of your student era.

So, whether it’s appreciating the scenery before you leave, or spending all night either in Irish bars or the library, before you graduate and get stuck down to a 9-5 grad job, you really should experience the city in all its glory, in true student style, of course.