Calling all Liverpool freshers! Here’s everything you need to do in your uni city today
It may be cold but it’s a lot of fun
Congrats and welcome to Liverpool! This city is both beautifully scenic and incredibly high energy. Their nightlife is some of the best around the country, the people are super friendly and the drinks are cheap. As a student, you might want to get used to going to the club without your coat on because it’s part of the city’s culture.
Before you get stuck in, you might want to think about a student bank account. The NatWest Student account* comes with an offer of £50 cash and four year tastecard membership – giving you 2-4-1 or 50% off food deals at participating UK restaurants and takeaways. To apply for a NatWest Student account – visit natwest.com/students.
*Student account eligibility criteria apply. Apply online only. Offer Terms and Conditions apply. £50 cash is a limited time offer until 5th November 2021. Offer can be withdrawn at any time.
Moving into a new city as a student can be overwhelming and a bit intimidating. This is only heightened when you don’t know your way around. To save you the hassle and stress, we’ve put together an in-depth guide to Liverpool with recommendations from uni students themselves.
The best places to live
The Georgian Quarter
Price: £££ Noise level: || Supermarkets: Co-op, Tesco Express
This is the pricier part of town with beautiful houses and boujee shops. The Georgian Quarter is on the cusp of the city so it’s great for bars, but not necessarily for parties or pre-drinks. It’s close to uni, being only a 15 minute walk.
The Baltic Triangle
Price: £££ Noise level: ||| Supermarkets: Aldi, Tesco Express
This is the heart of Liverpool’s artsy nightlife, away from the rest of the uni clubs. It’s ideal for trendy club nights and bars, making it perfect for the more adventurous students. This area is also a 30-minute walk or 15 minutes bus ride from uni.
Smithdown
Price: ££ Noise level: ||| Supermarkets: ASDA
This is the main student area in Liverpool, where you’ll likely find everyone you know. Smithdown is a big social hub, and most parties and pre-drinks take place in this area. It’s also about a 30 minute walk or 15 minute bus ride from uni.
Kensington
Price: ££ Noise level: ||| Supermarkets: Lidl
If you don’t find anywhere you like in Smithdown, this is a good second option with a very nice student community. It’s also less busy than Smithdown but still walking distance from clubs and popular spots. Kensington is also a 10 minute walk from uni.
Food spots
Close to uni:
Starbucks at The University Guild – this may sound too obvious but it’s every Liverpool student’s favourite
The Guild at The University Guild
La Finca Eivissa on Arthouse Square – tastecard offer available
Backyard in Wolstenholme Square – they have amazing tacos and delicious cocktails
Oven Door on Brownlow Hill
Greggs on Brownlow Hill – you’re not in Liverpool if you’re not going to Greggs four times a week
The Sphinx in the Guild
Down the Hatch on Duke Street – for indulgent vegan junk food, this is the place to go
Worth the journey:
Bakchich Lebanese Restaurant on Bold Street
Mowgli on Bold Street – their Indian street food is extremely popular
Silk Road on Beetham Plaza – tastecard offer available
Crust on Bold Street – their pizzas are famous among Liverpool students
Spice City on Stanley Street – tastecard offer available
Amalia on Campbell Square
The Blackburne Pub & Eatery on Catharine Street
Where to grab a drink
Brookhouse on Smithdown Road
Dovedale Towers on Penny Lane – a cosy, classic pub that always has a great atmosphere
The Augustus John on Peach Street
The Pilgrim Pub on Pilgrim Street
White Bar at Radisson Blu Hotel – tastecard offer available
The Sphinx in The Guild – their huge courtyard is beautiful in the evening
The Lime Kiln on Concert Square
Vu Bar at Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel – tastecard offer available
Love & Rockets on Lark Lane
The Font on Arrad Street – this is so close to the uni, it’ll likely become your post-uni drinks spot
Revolution on Albert Dock
The Alchemist on Brunswick Street
Night out spots
The Raz
Location: The Blue Angel When: Monday, Friday, Saturday Music: Cheese, Pop, Indie
SKINT
Location: The Peacock When: Tuesday Music: Hip Hop, RnB, Garage, House, Techno
Dirty Antics
Location: Heebie Jeebies When: Thursday Music: House, Techno, Hip Hop, RnB, Indie
Quids In
Location: Level When: Wednesday Music: House, Hip Hop, RnB, Pop
Block Party
Location: Brooklyn Mixer When: Weekly Music: Live music, Electronic, Hip Hop
Runway
Location: Ink When: Friday Music: Hip Hop, RnB, House
McCooley’s
Location: McCooley’s When: All week Music: Live bands, Indie, Rock
Transport
Taxis: Uber, Delta
Bus services: Get a Stagecoach student card and you can travel for as little as £0.90 per day
Liverpool students’ top tricks and tips
“The Sydney Jones Library can get really busy – find a seat and protect it with your life”
“Bold Street is great for vintage stores if you want a break from high street chains”
“Weekends in Concert Square are stag and hen-do central. Try and find events closer to the student areas if you want to avoid”
“The Docks are really picturesque, but save it for when your parents come up or your overdraft will suffer”
Your mini bucket list for the city
• Go to Bongo’s Bingo – it’s a big favourite among students
• Get involved in the University of Liverpool vs. John Moores varsity
• Head to the Liverpool Docks (Royal Albert)– it’s nearby the Tate Modern and the Beatles Story museum which are also both worth a visit
• Go shopping in Liverpool One during the Christmas markets
• Check out the Baltic Market, it’s open Wednesday to Sunday and the food choice there is amazing
• See the whole of the city on top of Radio City Tower
• Head to Sefton Park and set up a picnic with your mates
• Go to the Cavern Club and soak up the Beatles memorabilia, or catch some new live music