With major universities - The University of Liverpool, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool John Moores, LIPA and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine - and a student population of approximately 60,000 students, Liverpool is easily the best city for students in the UK for many reasons.
safe, friendly, culture-rich, diverse, touristic, packed with green spaces, offers a well-connected transportation network, has a variety of job opportunities and of course - Liverpool has some of the best student nights out!
Whether you need a little more convincing about why Liverpool is the perfect place to study or you're starting to get excited ahead of your move, this article has everything you need to know!
There are multiple reasons why Liverpool is the best student city in the UK, such as:
⚫︎ It’s affordable
⚫︎ It has a safe student nightlife
⚫︎ It’s packed with culture
⚫︎ It’s home to two well-known football stadiums
⚫︎ It has beautiful libraries
⚫︎ Scousers are super friendly!
But don’t just take our word for it - Keep on reading to learn more about the iconic city of Liverpool for yourself!
Let’s start by learning more about Liverpool’s location, population and weather to give you a head-up on what to expect as a student in Liverpool.
Liverpool, located in Merseyside in the North West of England, is classified as a Major Urban District by DEFRA and is one of the most densely populated areas in the country.
It’s the fifth-largest city in the UK, sitting on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary near the Irish Sea. The city’s maritime heritage is reflected in landmarks like the Royal Albert Dock and Liverpool Waterfront, both packed with history and culture.
With its own international travel hub, John Lennon Airport, and just 31 miles away from Manchester, Liverpool has everything you need with the bonus of easy connections to explore further destinations.
Liverpool’s population has steadily grown over the years, with an estimated 923,000 residents in 2024. This number is expected to rise by 0.65%, reaching around 929,000 in 2025.
As the city expands, so do its opportunities, creating room for more jobs and a thriving, dynamic community.
Liverpool has a typical British climate, with warmer summers and cold, wet winters. Summer temperatures typically hover around 67°F (19°C), while winter temperatures average around 39°F (4°C). Due to its coastal location, strong winds are common, which can make winters feel colder and summers more refreshing.
July is usually the warmest month with high temperates averaging 19°C (67°F), while January is the chilliest with lows of 2°C (37°F). October is the wettest month, receiving about 72.9mm of rain on average - so make sure to bring an umbrella!
In the table below, you’ll find the different universities, the courses that they’re popular for and the total number of students studying an undergraduate programme in the 2022/2023 academic year.
With so many courses to choose from in Liverpool, the top courses will depend on which university you are attending. However, popular university courses in Liverpool include Business, Engineering, and Science.
You’ll never be short of places to live and visit in Liverpool as a student. If you’ve never been to Liverpool before, then it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the area names so that you can recognise them when you arrive.
Some of the best areas in Liverpool for students include Liverpool City Centre, Baltic Triangle, Mount Pleasant and Wavertree / Smithdown Road. Find more about these below:
Liverpool City Centre is a lively and diverse area, famous for its connection to The Beatles and its wide range of shopping options. Bold Street, lined with Georgian architecture, offers a mix of independent stores and diverse restaurants serving Turkish, Indian, and Mexican cuisine.
The Cavern Club on Matthew Street draws music lovers, while the modern Liverpool ONE retail centre features popular brands like Apple, Zara, Bershka and Superdrug.
Once an industrial hub, the Baltic Triangle has transformed into a thriving district that attracts both independent companies and creatives. The area is home to unique spaces like Baltic Creative CIC along Jamaica Street, perfect for co-working, meetings, and events.
In addition to its creative vibe, the Baltic Triangle offers outdoor spaces, a skatepark, chic cafes, local bars, raves, and dance clubs. Don’t forget to take a photo with the iconic Liver Birds (Wings) graffiti by Paul Curtis on Jamaica Street!
Mount Pleasant is a street in the centre of Liverpool and is located near the University of Liverpool, making it a popular spot for students and young professionals.
The area offers a mix of old and new, with the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral located nearby and many different cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues like the Liverpool Philharmonic giving it a historic, yet modern, feel.
Wavertree, especially Smithdown Road, is another popular area for students to live and visit in Liverpool. Located just south of Liverpool City Centre, it’s affordable and offers a lively community.
The area has many student-friendly cafes, bars, and eateries, plus fun events like the Smithdown Festival, showcasing live music and local talent.
For outdoor lovers, you’re also near Wavertree Park ("The Mystery") and Wavertree Botanic Gardens, which are perfect for sports or peaceful walks.
If you’re looking for part-time, full-time, temporary or graduate work in Liverpool as a student or following your studies, you’ll never fall short of opportunities. Keep reading to learn more!
Part-time jobs in Liverpool are plentiful, especially in retail, hospitality, and customer service, with flexible hours ideal for students.
Another great part-time option is tutoring. As a student, you can earn a good income by tutoring others in subjects they excel at. The job doesn’t require additional qualifications, which makes it an easy and enjoyable way to earn money while helping others.
Websites like Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, and Gumtree are great for finding part-time opportunities. For temporary and flexible roles, Staffline, Adecco, and Manpower are helpful platforms.
If you’re looking for full-time employment, Liverpool has a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, education, business, and digital sectors. Many large companies and startups are based in the city, offering positions in various fields.
To find full-time job opportunities in Liverpool, check out the following platforms: LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired.
After you’ve graduated, Liverpool offers excellent career prospects, especially in sectors like technology, creative industries, marketing, and finance.
You can find graduate schemes, graduate jobs and internships on websites like GradJobs, Milkround, Indeed, and TargetJobs.
Liverpool is naturally a student-friendly city with affordable costs of living and easy access to transport options. Learn more about this below.
Compared to other major UK cities, Liverpool offers a more affordable lifestyle. Rent is cheaper than in places like London or Manchester, and everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and dining out are reasonably priced.
Many students find it easy to live comfortably in Liverpool, while managing their budgets, unlike student life in other big cities, where it can be difficult to fund their student accommodation.
If an easy transport system is important to you, then choosing to live in Liverpool as a student is a perfect choice. Here are a few transportation methods you can use:
Liverpool has many reliable bus links that connect the city internally and to nearby locations outside of the city centre. With affordable fares, it’s great for students wanting to explore. Here are the three main bus stations in Liverpool:
➡️ Liverpool One Bus Station
➡️ Liverpool Queen Square Bus Station
➡️ The Bus And Coach Station Liverpool One (located opposite Liverpool Queen Station)
Built in 1790, Liverpool Lime Street Station is the main train station in Liverpool and connects the city to other major cities in the UK including Manchester, Birmingham, London and Edinburgh. This rail station allows students to discover new cities in the UK and provides top comfort and convenience for longer trips.
Merseyrail is an underground rail network that makes it easy for students and commuters to travel to various destinations in the wider Merseyside region. Operating over 600 regular services every 15 minutes daily, it’s a quick and affordable method of transport in Liverpool.
Here are the four Merseyrail stations:
➡️ Liverpool Central
➡️ Moorfields
➡️ Liverpool Lime Street
➡️ James Street
➡️ ADDITIONAL: In 2027, a new Merseyrail station - the Liverpool Baltic Station - is set for completion and will cover the Baltic Quarter.
Liverpool is becoming more bike-friendly with expanding bicycle lanes and bike-sharing programs. Cycling is a great way to get around the city while staying active. It’s an affordable method of transport and can also be taken on trains and ferries.
Areas like the City Centre and Waterfront have well-marked lanes, making biking a safe and efficient way to get around. You can find more about where the cycle routes are in Liverpool City Centre here.
As a compact student-friendly city, there is a wide variety of popular areas to find pubs, clubs and bars for students including the Ropewalks District, Seel Street, Parr Street, Hardman Street, Dale Street, Cumberland Street and Eberle Street.
Some of the best clubs for going out in Liverpool include: The Raz, Moji, Salt Dog Slims, Be At One, Brewbog, Modo, Heebie Jeebies, Electrik Warehouse and many more. Learn more about where to find the best student nights in Liverpool here.
Liverpool may not have a Michelin-starred restaurant just yet, but the city offers an impressive selection of restaurants with a wide range of cuisines to choose from.
If you're looking for elegant interiors and a top-tier dining experience, be sure to check out Panoramic 34, Manifest, Gaucho Liverpool, Restaurant Bar and Grill, Hawksmoor, Gino D'Acampo 360 Sky Bar, The Ivy, San Carlo, Viva Brazil, Riva Blu, and Gusto.
For those who enjoy popular chain spots, Liverpool offers plenty, including The Alchemist, Neighbourhood, Slug & Lettuce, Wetherspoon, Mowgli Street Food, and The Restaurant Bar & Grill.
Looking for even more dining inspiration? Head over to Castle Street, Bold Street, or the Royal Albert Dock which are all packed with tasty places to eat.
And if you're planning a move to Liverpool, or just visiting, don’t forget to try Liverpool’s iconic dish, Scouse. It's a traditional Liverpudlian dish typically presented as a type of stew made from chunks of beef or lamb with potatoes and veg - Perfect for the cold winter months.
With two popular football teams, Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C., Liverpool is the perfect city for sports fans. Whether you’re a local or a student, Liverpool brings excitement, especially on match days!
If you like to watch sports in a bar with your friends, here are a few popular sports bars in Liverpool for you to choose from:
⚫︎ Legends Sports Bar
⚫︎ The Long Shot Bar
⚫︎ Rileys Sportsman Bar
⚫︎ The Bierkeller Liverpool
Liverpool offers an incredible variety of beautiful green spaces. Whether you prefer to relax and read a book or get active outdoors, choose from the following nearby parks and green areas in Liverpool include:
🟢 Sefton Park
🟢 Palm Hosue
🟢 St Luke’s Gardens
🟢 Princes Park
🟢 Chavasse Park (a smaller green area in Liverpool One)
As a new student in Liverpool, you’ll never be short of things to do and sights to visit in Liverpool. Make sure to check out:
➡️ Anfield Stadium
➡️ Everton Stadium
➡️ Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
➡️ Liverpool Cathedral
➡️ Museum of Liverpool
➡️ Beatles Statue
➡️ Beatles Museum
➡️ Beaches (Crosby Beach, New Brighton Beach, Southport Beach, Ainsdale Beach, Formby Beach)
➡️ Libraries (Liverpool Central Library, Harold Cohen Library)
Liverpool is a creative and culturally rich city where history, art, and music unify. No matter where in Liverpool you are, you’ll never be far from either a gallery, theatre or live music venue.
Moving to Liverpool soon? Great - Be sure to check out the following attractions (some of which are free!):
⚫︎ Tate Liverpool (Founded in 1988)
⚫︎ Walker Art Gallery (Founded in 1877)
⚫︎ Everyman Theatre (Founded in 1964)
⚫︎ Liverpool Empire (Opened in 1925)
⚫︎ Liverpool Playhouse Theatre (Originated in 1866 as a music hall, and became a theatre in 1911)
Since 2013, we have been offering private, student-only accommodation that is safe affordable and comfortable to help you can thrive as a student in Liverpool.
As a family-run provider, we genuinely care about your well-being, including mental health. That's why, when you choose Stockton Students, you’ll receive a 30-minute check-in with our wellness coach, Ollie, to support you during your student journey.
Moving to Liverpool for this upcoming semester? Check out our range of contemporary en-suite options in Liverpool or contact our dedicated team directly via telephone at 03301 359065 or email info@stocktonstudents.co.uk with any questions.
On the whole, Liverpool is a safe city. However, like most cities, there can be some places that may appear more dangerous than others like Toxteth and Bootle. As a student, living in well-lit areas that are close to university campuses is a great idea, especially if you are new to the city and are moving alone.
