Everything freshers need to know about Liverpool before moving here

Moving to a new place for uni can be daunting. The first few weeks act as an introduction to Liverpool itself, so before you even consider your uni work, here is a list of everything Liverpool freshers need to know.

Football dates

You can’t separate Liverpool from the football scene. Home to two amazing clubs, the city prides itself on the accomplishments of both, bringing in fans from near and far. 

So, keep track of the dates, especially when there’s a home game. Being able to plan means that after a long day, you don’t have to worry about squeezing your way past the crowd and ensures that the bus diversion (which will happen) doesn’t catch you out.

Night out events

It’s always a bit embarrassing not knowing the night out events of the week, even if you’ve only just stepped foot in your accommodation. We’re here to save you that feeling, providing the holy grail of the Liverpool night out.

Mondays belong to the Raz (make sure to bring cash and get in the queue early) or Tropiloco at Baa Bar. Skint has £1 entry on Tuesdays, so there’s nowhere else to be. Wednesday is sport social night – for UoL Hatch is the place to be, LJMU tend to spend the night in the ball pit at Level instead. Thursday night is the staple of the week, with Shindie at Elektrik and Heebies being top tier with so many floors of music. Fridays and Saturdays are great for Concert Square, O’Sheas and Fitz.

Bakeries and coffee shops

Leave the coffee chains behind. Liverpool is full of independent businesses and has a thriving bakery and coffee scene. Even if you don’t like coffee, there are many other options such as matcha, teas, juices and bubble teas. Explore and become a regular whilst supporting small businesses!

Sport activities

Liverpool is a great place to keep active, whether you are an athlete or a beginner. Both UoL and JMU have state-of-the-art gyms with great prices for student memberships. The UoL one also includes access to a swimming pool and a rock-climbing wall.

There are also many sports clubs that play casually and competitively, in tournaments such as Varsity. There are running clubs scattered throughout the city, and venues to accommodate each need. Don’t forget about aquatic sports, Liverpool is on the Mersey after all!

Beaches

Talking of water, Liverpool has easy access to many beaches! From as little as 30 minutes away on the Mersey Rail, the two most popular locations are Formby and Crosby. Formby, known for its sand dunes and forest walks, is the ideal location for nature lovers. A place to relax and rest after a stressful deadline season. Crosby, famous for the Crosby man, is the more social location.

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Pack your towels and enjoy the last few weeks of sun and warmth.

Travel

Not to brag, but by choosing Liverpool, you also chose amazing travel opportunities. The connection to other big cities such as Manchester and Leeds makes day trips very accessible. With it getting dark in autumn and winter, you must check out the holiday sales both close by and on plane prices. If you’re more into staying local, we recommend the Manchester Christmas market, and the new year races at Aintree!

Weekend getaways are calling your name, with flights as low as £20, it’s a great opportunity to experience a new place with your flatmates, and it’s probably cheaper than a train ticket to London…

River of light

A yearly event where the waterfront of Liverpool is lit up by spectacular art installations. This year it is set to run from 23/10 – 01/11, with the theme of ‘Togetherness’. Keep track of updates so that you can enjoy all the beauty. And maybe a cheeky pint after x

Bus pass

Now this is a more niche topic, but if you have accommodation further from campus, such as Greenbank. Then make your life 10 times easier by buying a student bus pass. A student pass allows you to use the bus as much as needed, without having to pay every time. Just keep in mind that the bus pass offered at the guild only includes Arriva buses – you’ll have a nasty shock if you try to scan it on a Stagecoach.

Gigs

As the home of the Beatles, Liverpool is the heart of music. It is no wonder that there are always many gigs spanning the city. Experience this scene through big artists at Anfield and the M&S arena, or the up-and-coming smaller artists in more intimate venues. Keep your eye out for posters around campus and on social media.

Befriending a musician or two wouldn’t hurt either.

Pack for all weather

Take this warning seriously. The wind in Liverpool is no joke. It makes five degrees feel like minus five with the intensity of being slapped around. It is essential to be prepared with a good coat and hat for the coming rain, as the weather changes in seconds.

On the bright side (no pun intended), this is one of the only negatives about the city. Just try to not get blown away.