Here’s an ideal student self care day itinerary to prepare you for your Liverpool Uni era

Semester one is about to kick off, and the thought of deadlines, group projects and 9am lectures might already be stressing you out. Even if you’re a seasoned second or third year, by the time September rolls around, it’s time for a serious reset and some time out before your big day back.

Our answer to that? Hit pause and have a self-care day! Liverpool isn’t just about its buzzing nightlife and bottomless brunches, it’s also packed with cosy cafes, green spaces, spa hideaways and boss food spots that are perfect for a little reset before the chaos begins.

Whether you would rather sip an overpriced latte in peace, get lost in nature, or indulge in a proper treat yourself brunch, here’s the ultimate guide to the best student, and budget, friendly Liverpool self care day.

9am: Have a cosy coffee

Before term starts, reclaim your mornings. Forget Tesco meal deals and energy drinks – Liverpool has plenty of calming cafes where you can escape the madness.

Milo Lounge is cosy and full of character, located on Lark Lane for all the Greenbank and Smithdown students. Beware of its temptations: Milo Lounge is one of those places where you plan on having just a quick coffee and end up staying for hours!

92 Degrees is the home of minimalist interiors, speciality brews and a chilled vibe. Perfect for journaling, finally “reading” that book you started in June, or just a quiet doom scroll. Bold Street Coffee is an obvious Liverpool classic too. Their flat whites are iconic and that playlist? Always on point.

11am: Head to a slow morning brunch spot 

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Sometimes the best self care days start with grabbing brunch, switching off your phone and letting yourself just exist for an hour. Liverpool is overflowing with dreamy brunch spots that make slowing down completely effortless.

Bamboo Brunch and Cocktails is legendary for its fluffy pancakes, large portions and relaxed vibes – this has to be one of my all time favourites! While we’re on the pancake theme, Moose Coffee’s breakfasts can certainly compete, with their beautiful dishes and even more beautiful interiors.

We’re currently mourning the loss of LEAF on Bold Street, but their Smithdown spot is equally a brunch haven, serving both wholesome food and every flavour of tea you could imagine. This vegan friendly café is perfect for catching up with friends, but make sure to arrive early, because it’s almost always overflowing with customers. Don’t forget to make the most of any student discounts too. Every little helps, as they say.

1pm: Try out a spa or wellness retreat

Fully disappearing from responsibility for a while and treating yourself to a spa day might seem extreme on a student budget, but it’s one of those things that definitely helps amid the stress of looming deadlines and silent seminars. Liverpool has got you covered when it comes to spa and wellness treatments.

It’s not just a shop: LUSH also hosts its very own LUSH Spa! The ideal spot to fully relax and reset your mind, the spa offers full body treatments, facials and scalp massages, hot oil massages, hot stone massages and many more.

If you haven’t spotted it on your travels already, Wyld Sauna is the UK’s first public floating sauna, which opened on Princes Dock only last year! Boasting stunning views and an intimate atmosphere, here you can enjoy their sauna, ice baths, heated outdoor showers, and even a dip into the Princes Dock if you’re brave enough! They’re also well within a student budget price range, what more could you ask for?

Hope Street Hotel Spais more on the pricier side, so if you have any friends with August or September birthdays, a treatment session here would be the perfect group gift. Their luxurious and calm vibe is not all they have to help you relax as they also offer multiple bodily treatments, two swimming pools, two saunas, and a steam room. What better way to start the term?

3pm: Head on a green escape or a nature walk

City life can become overwhelming, especially when Freshers’ Week kicks in. Luckily, Liverpool is full of spots where you can rest, breathe green air, and pretend you’re not about to spend the next three months chained to Sydney Jones.

Even as a silly fresh, you’ll know that Sefton Park is Liverpool’s biggest and most iconic green space, ideal for mindful walks by the lake, sunset picnics, or just lying under a tree doing absolutely nothing. When summertime rolls around, you can make the most of taking some tinnies down to sit on the grass and have a natter with your housemates. For now? Let’s keep it chill.

Calderstones Park is a little quieter than Sefton, but also boasts a calming lake, botanical gardens, and some amazing ice cream. If you fancy trekking further afield, the Otterspool Promenade is perfect for stunning sunset views across the Mersey and breezy riverside walks. Studies have shown that being near large bodies of water is good for your mental health, so I recommend taking a solo stroll while listening to a podcast – the perfect mindful vibe to get you prepared for term.

6pm: Test out a new dinner location

What better way to finish your relaxing day of self-care than tucking into a meal at one of our favourite Liverpool restaurants? Aldi dinners can be saved for when term starts, so fuel up on some nourishing and delicious cuisine while you have time. Even if you’re missing home comforts a little bit, nothing beats gathering your friends up for dinner and drinks during winter.

If you need inspo, The Baltic Market is a food hall with mouth watering options for everyone. The perfect choice if you’re going with friends, or just indecisive! No judgment here.

Maray serves Middle Eastern inspired sharing plates, incredible cocktails and the kind of lighting that makes everyone look good. Take some Instagram pictures while you’re here, because soon your camera roll will be full of library BeReals and lecture slides. A similar vibe is Mowgli, the home of fairy lights, wooden swing seats and Indian street food small plates. Perfect for sharing with friends, or keeping it all to yourself.

If you didn’t get to go abroad this summer or just want to relive your Euro holiday days, The Italian Clubis the perfect restaurant to visit. Here you can find an immersive and authentic atmosphere, as well as delicious home-baked food that won’t break the bank.

Liverpool is full of little escapes, cosy cafes, green parks and food spots to have an indulgent self care day, or even more than one! Give yourself time to reset before term kicks in, soon it’ll be all deadlines, clubbing, caffeine-fuelled nights and catching up on lectures. Future you will be thankful when you’re knocking back Raz Bombs like there’s no tomorrow.