With a large student population and a cultural scene that delivers in spades, Liverpool is one of the most loved student cities in the UK. The city is considered one of the most affordable in the region and Student.com can help you easily find the right student housing for your budget.

You can use our search filters to narrow down the options and find your perfect student home. Whether you want to live in the city centre or right next to your university, our range of student accommodation in Liverpool caters to everyone.

Start browsing at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about student life on Merseyside! If you need any more information, you can always give us a call or talk to us via the live chat function.

Universities in Liverpool

Liverpool is home to two world-class universities in the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, while it also has a host of other institutions offering specialised courses.

University of Liverpool

Liverpool’s biggest university by enrolment, the University of Liverpool has almost 30,000 students – of whom roughly 10,000 are from abroad. It's a member of the prestigious Russell Group and regularly ranks among the top 150 universities in the world.

The main campus is based just a short walk from the city centre – ideal for exploring Liverpool. The university boasts strong subject rankings across the board, but is especially well known for business, engineering and life sciences.

Joining the ranks of Liverpool’s biggest university? Get browsing our amazing University of Liverpool accommodation! 

Liverpool John Moores University

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has about 25,000 students, over 3,000 of whom are from outside the UK. So, if you’re looking for an international atmosphere while studying, you’ll be sure to find it here.

LJMU places strong emphasis on career skills, with lots of courses involving work placements. It has an amazing reputation for sports science and exercise, while it’s also a great option for engineering.

Heading to Liverpool’s other major university? We have an excellent selection of LJMU accommodation available! 

Liverpool Hope University

Home to around 5,000 students, Liverpool Hope University is a smaller institution with a rich history dating back to 1844. It’s based on the eastern fringes of the city, offering a more relaxed feel than the other two universities.

The university boasts strong student satisfaction rates and offers a wide range of programmes, with key strengths in arts, humanities and education.

Like the sound of this university? Check out our accommodation for Liverpool Hope University! 

Things for students to do in Liverpool

There are several things that make Liverpool a great city to study in. It’s laid-back, fun and affordable, and if you want to have a great party after a long week of studying, Liverpool is definitely the place for you. 

Arts & culture

Liverpool is a cultural hotspot. Outside of London, it has more museums and art galleries than any city in the UK. From Tate Liverpool and its world-famous collection of modern art to the live music and performances of East Village’s Arts Club and RIBA award-winning theatre the Everyman – just to name a few – it has cultural interests to meet all needs.

The city also has the oldest Chinese community in Europe. The cultural vibrancy of Liverpool really adds to the student experience, allowing newcomers to easily connect and interact with the city and its inhabitants.

History

With a grand backdrop of Victorian and Georgian buildings, Liverpool is a vibrant city that celebrates its glorious past. And it’s always looking to innovate, too – take the famous ‘Bombed Out Church’ which has been transformed into a concert venue as an example.

The city is home to many famous landmarks such as the homes of The Beatles members, the Liver Buildings, and the historic docks – all of which will become familiar sights if you choose to study in the city.

Sport

A huge part of Liverpool’s worldwide fame is thanks to its football. It’s home to one of the sport's most famous rivalries, the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton, two storied clubs in the English Premier League. Liverpool FC is one of the most successful teams in England and Europe.

Even if you’re not a hardcore football fan, don’t miss out on the chance to see a Premier League game at one of the city’s famous stadiums – you can be sure the atmosphere will be great.

Nightlife

Liverpool is known for its laid-back way of life – but it comes alive at night. There are bars galore from Concert Square all the way to the Cavern Quarter. If you're looking for a good student night out, there’s somewhere to go each day of the week.

The warehouse scene in the Baltic Triangle provides several options, while Secret bars like Berry and Rye and Ex-Directory provide less-than-typical experiences.

Smithdown Road is home to a large percentage of Liverpool's 60,000-plus student population and is always brimming with energy. Here you can have fun with fellow students and enjoy cheap pints at the city’s long-established student quarter. 

Best student areas in Liverpool

When it comes to student housing in Liverpool, there are a handful of key areas that most students look to target. 

Smithdown Road

Stretching from Edge Hill just east of the city centre through Wavertree and Picton, Smithdown Road serves as Liverpool’s main student hub.

Here you’ll find lots of students from the University of Liverpool and LJMU. There’s plenty of affordable accommodation available in the form of converted student flats. 

City centre

The city centre is another popular choice for students as it puts you right on the doorstep of Liverpool’s top attractions while still being close to the two main universities.

Modern, purpose-built student complexes are common, which often come with flashy amenities like on-site gyms, but generally command a higher price. 

Kensington

Kensington is just a short walk east of the city centre and another contender for student living. Again, it’s convenient for both University of Liverpool and LJMU students.

Like Smithdown Road, it’s mostly made up of terraced housing, offering great value and that classic UK student experience. 

Student cost of living in Liverpool

One of the most important aspects of choosing a city for university is its affordability, and Liverpool is one of the most affordable cities in the UK.

Student discounts are offered in most bars and clubs, and if you happen to take a cab or bus to get there, it won’t cost you as much as transport is very affordable. 

Free things to do in Liverpool

Many of Liverpool’s museums and art galleries offer free admission, including Tate Liverpool, Walker Art Gallery, Merseyside Maritime Museum, World Museum and the Museum of Liverpool.

The Albert Docks, home to award-winning attractions like the Beatles Story and the International Slavery Museum, often has free events. 

Student discounts in Liverpool

Many of the big-name shops in Liverpool’s compact central shopping district provide student discounts ranging from 10% to 20%.

You can also sign up to discount platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans using your student ID to unlock additional discounts throughout the city. 

Public transport in Liverpool

Getting around Liverpool is easy thanks to the city’s comprehensive public transport system, which includes buses, trams and even ferries! 

Rail

The local Merseyrail system encompasses a mix of underground and overground stations for navigating the city centre and surrounding areas. You can also easily reach other major UK cities like Manchester and London via the national rail system. 

Bus

The bus is the affordable way to get around town and covers areas not directly served by the rail system, with stops conveniently placed near all three of the city’s universities. 

Ferry

For a more scenic way to travel, Mersey Ferries runs regular services across the river between Liverpool and Wirral. These are great for sightseeing along the waterfront. 

Frequently asked questions

Is Liverpool a safe place for students to live?

Liverpool is indeed a safe city for students. It’s well-lit and well-known for its friendly atmosphere, while it also has various safety initiatives in place. Popular student areas like Smithdown Road and Kensington are especially safe, but, as in any major city, you should still exercise basic precautions. 

Is there a high demand for student housing in Liverpool?

Liverpool’s large student population means the demand for accommodation is consistently high – particularly in key student hubs like Smithdown Road and Kensington. The most desirable properties are usually booked by early spring, so it’s best to start your search early in the new year to avoid disappointment. 

How much does student housing in Liverpool cost?

Student accommodation in Liverpool is generally a lot cheaper than in other major UK cities. At the lower end of the scale, a room in a shared student house in an area like Smithdown Road may cost as little as £80 per week, while a private apartment in the city centre will generally be around £150 per week. 

Where are the best areas for students in Liverpool?

Smithdown Road has long served as Liverpool’s main student area, with nearby Kensington also popular and offering a similar vibe. The city centre is also popular and has a host of modern student residences, though these tend to be considerably more expensive than flats in the city’s outlying neighbourhoods. 

Do I need a visa to study abroad in Liverpool?

Yes, if you’re planning on studying at a university in Liverpool as a non-UK or Irish citizen, you’ll need to apply for a student visa before you start your course. You can learn more about the requirements and application process here. 

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