Everything you’ll learn as a Liverpool fresher that the prospectus doesn’t tell you

First of all: Congratulations! You’ve secured your spot at the University of Liverpool and you’re already celebrating like a silly little fresher, which is very well deserved. Preparing for what will arguably be your biggest life adventure so far is a daunting concept – and there are only so many times you can read the UoL prospectus back to front, upside down, and in multiple languages before you get slightly lost. Everyone you speak to about Liverpool mentions the infamous accent, and nothing more. They might bring up one of the football teams if you’re lucky.

There’s no need to fear the Liverpool lifestyle, and by the end of second semester you might even be able to make it to your lectures without following the campus map on the Timetables app every time you leave your accom. Everyone is in the same boat as you – so give yourself a one up over all the freshers by following our incredibly sound advice. We’re here to inform you on EVERYTHING that the UoL website really doesn’t tell you.

1. Make the most of the Welcome Week events

The Liverpool Guild of Students is the backbone of the student community in Liverpool. We’re talking £5 Guild Burritos, exclusive Bongo’s Bingo student specials, vintage and vinyl sales on the Guild Walk literally every week, and so many vouchers for Domino’s Pizza. Like so, so, so many.

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The Guild host a series of events during Welcome Week that range from give-it-a-go sessions for societies, friendship speed dating, bike rides, tours around the city centre, and even a giant pub quiz on the Monday of Freshers’ Week. One of the quiz brains from The Chase was there last year – a literal chaser, in the Student Union. You might be inclined to find it a little bit cringey, or be too nervous to go alone, but trust us, it is so worth it to get yourself out there. Even if you only make it as far as The Sphinx, which is the Liverpool Guild’s bar, don’t stress. It’s more than a drinking spot, it’s a lifestyle.

2. Prepare for the awkward first night in halls hangout

Yes, you might be sharing a wall with your brand new forever best friend. Yes, your kitchen cupboard might be next to your future husband’s. Yes, you’ll make some of the best memories in your first year accommodation. But the first night you spend hanging out with your flatmates at uni is the most AWKWARD encounter you may ever have in your life.

Imagine going round a room of people and repeating the same three questions over and over again. Where are you from? What course are you doing? What did you get in your A Levels? There will be moments within the first week where you feel like the weirdest person on earth, but don’t worry. You’ll conquer your embarrassment in no time.

3. Debunk the Freshers’ Wristband myth before you arrive

If you’ve even taken one glance at your socials within the past week, then you’re most likely getting Instagram adverts about Freshers Wristbands already. Don’t cave in to the girlies in the 2024 Freshers’ group chats and spend £40 on a ticket for two different clubs before you’ve even moved in. Keep your options open for your Freshers’ Week nights out, and stay spontaneous. Some of the best times you’ll have are the last minute pre-drinks where you stumble into a random bar or club and it just matches the vibe perfectly.

4. Don’t be heartbroken if you don’t get into Crown Place

Speaking from experience here, everyone and their dog always holds onto the hope that the accommodation gods will treat them nicely by awarding you a spot in the infamous Crown Place. Rumour has it that it’s the most social of all the uni halls, has the best flat parties, and other than being really sweaty in the summer, the best place to be as a fresher. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lovely spot for your first year accom but it’s not the be-all and end-all if you’re put in Philharmonic Court or Greenbank instead. It’s obviously a sign from the universe that you’re destined to meet your people somewhere else. No need for disappointment!

5. On that note… don’t jump into the Greenbank pond

Receiving the confirmation that you’ve got a flat in Greenbank Village is soul destroying when you realise you have to wake up before 8:50am to get to your 9ams. The 699 bus might be impossible to catch, but the on-site gym and beautiful grounds around the accommodation make up for it a million times over.

As pretty as it is, the Greenbank pond is a well-known danger spot after a few drinks at The Brookhouse, so don’t be tempted to go for a cheeky olympic swim in there at 2am. I’ve witnessed it with my own eyes – and it’s not a pretty sight.

6. The Raz is SO quiet during Freshers’ Week

A second year’s best kept secret is a nightclub called The Blue Angel. Fondly referred to as The Raz, for mysterious reasons unknown to many, you’ll grow to learn about the length of the queue on a Monday night and the struggle of waiting out in the rain if you don’t get your wristband before 10pm.

Hated by some, and loved by many, The Raz is the place to be at the start of the week in Liverpool. You’ll manage to make it halfway through first semester before you sense the influx of freshers as they discover the hidden beauty of a sweaty underground cave that serves £1 “raz-bombs” on a Monday.

7. You’ll confirm your loyalty to one kebab shop on your first night out

UoL vs LJMU rivalry? Non-existent. Hot ‘n’ Tender vs Nabzy’s? The most intelligent debate you’ll ever have in Liverpool. You’ll stumble into one kebab-slash-chicken shop on your very first night out in town and form an unbreakable bond with the bossman that you’ll declare your loyalty to for the rest of your life. Choose wisely.

8. Prepare to be a victim of a VOI scooter hit and run

You’ll learn pretty quickly that the rentable electric scooters in town are operated by the most carefree riders known to man – be aware of the fact they will happily attempt to run you over after a night out.

9. Dropout season comes round FAST

There’s a slight chance that January will result in some familiar faces on your course slowly disappearing – the Christmas break makes some people realise that a roast dinner and a comfy bed at home is miles better than living the student life, and a few of your friends might return to normal civilian life during dropout season. Don’t be afraid if you feel the same way,

10. Buy a nice coat x

It’s as simple as this – it rains a lot in Liverpool.

11. Print off a map for your first visit to Sydney Jones

There’s something about your first visit to the Sydney Jones Library that will leave your head spinning for a few hours, believe me. Navigating the different wings and staircases of the library is not an easy feat, so just look confident when you’re wandering around looking for a free seat – bring a map with you.

12. Take some time to explore your new home

It’s a pretty daunting experience to be left alone in a brand new city that you now call your home. Liverpool is the perfect size to walk around and soak up some of the sights, whether that be down by the Docks or a wander around Sefton Park. Don’t be afraid to do things solo too – there are so many activities around town that will help you to thrive whilst your at university. Try something new with your housemates, go shopping for room decor or a some new uni outfits, or even sit and read a book somewhere scenic. Soak it all up before deadline season rolls around!

13. Also make the most of being 20 minutes away from a beach

Along those same lines, you can hop on a train from Liverpool Central Station and wound up in one of the many beaches in the North West within 20 minutes. Spending half of semester three at Formby Beach is basically a right of passage as soon as we get a glimpse of the sun in Liverpool – a rare occasion, we know. Gathering your new mates to pile onto a train and have a BBQ by the sea is one of the most wholesome activities ever.

14. There’s a huge vibe shift after Christmas

Those few weeks before and after Christmas break come as a bit of a shock to freshers. For some people, the novelty of going out four times a week has started to wear off, and as deadline season approaches, most of us are ready for a lie in and a home-cooked meal – and probably a cuddle with the dogs you left behind at home.

Returning to university after the festive period isn’t something to fear at all, but just bear in mind that your friendship groups might shift as you fall out of contact with friends from the first few weeks of Freshers’, and especially as you start searching for your second year house. Your course gets a bit more serious, the weather gets worse, and everything calms down a whole lot compared to semester one. It’s the best time to get caught up on uni work though – make the most of it!

15. UoL vs LJMU rivalries don’t exist – unless you’re sporty

Not once have I witnessed a single drop of University of Liverpool vs Liverpool John Moores beef since being at university. It certainly shines on a Wednesday Sport Social night, or at Fight Night, but on the whole – nothing to be afraid of.

16. You’ll be surprised at the amount of niche societies we have

You’ll expect to find the usual sports societies, groups for your courses that hold social nights, and student committees representing the university’s accommodations, but we have some wild societies here at UoL with something to float everybody’s boat. From Yoga to K-Pop, Pole Dancing and Horrible Histories (yes, the TV show) and even a Taylor Swift Appreciation Society, there’s something for absolutely everyone and their niche interests. and don’t be afraid to join them! You’ll meet some of your best friends at uni when you’re getting involved with societies that truly represent your vibe.

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