Student city guide: Liverpool

(Flickr (specky4eyes))

What’s the big draw?

Liverpool offers a great deal to the thousands of students that enrol at each of the city’s five universities each September. The diverse culture, renowned nightlife, and a cheaper cost of living means it’s no surprise that Liverpool is home to 50,000 happy students. The city itself has been enjoying a renaissance in recent years, and a stroll around the dock front will show that recent investment has been well spent. Since being named the European Capital of Culture for 2008, the city has seen a surge in popularity from tourists, re-establishing Liverpool as a leading UK city around the world. This renewed interest has made it an exciting time to be a student in Liverpool.

What’s the nightlife like?

Liverpool offers a varied nightlife. Those looking for a classier evening may choose to visit the many bars situated on the Albert Dock for cocktails, or hit the swankier nightspots on Lark Lane. If it’s culture you’re after, a stay in Liverpool is incomplete without a night at The Cavern Club. Watch a Beatles tribute before heading out for a night on the town.

With so many students to cater for, the city has a vast array of clubs and bars to suit a tighter budget. The university experience would not be fulfilled without a visit to The Blue Angel, better known as The Raz. Prepare yourself with "raz shoes" (which you should not expect to wear ever again) and order a few fat frogs to distract you from the overwhelming aroma of the basement. You will love it.

What can you do in the day?

Liverpool offers as much by day as it does by night. As the UK city with the most museums outside of London, you won’t be stuck for things to see. Visit the newest, the Museum of Liverpool, to learn more about the history and culture of the city. For music fans, The Beatles Story is a must-see, whilst FACT offers the best in alternative art installations.

Flickr (karen_od) (Flickr (karen_od))

The city also offers a diverse range of shopping opportunities. For all the high street favourites, Liverpool ONE is the perfect destination. Meanwhile, Bold Street and its surrounding roads offer fantastic independently owned shops and eateries. Alternatively, go on a lambanana hunt around the city centre!

Where’s the best place for non-millionaires to live?

When it comes to looking for a second year house in Liverpool, students flock to the Smithdown Road area. With an ASDA, an Aldi, and enough takeaways to offer variety even to the laziest student, Smithdown is the natural hub of local student life. Of course, if you’re willing to pay twice the price for half of the living space, a stylish city centre flat is probably preferable to Smithdown’s terraced rows, but if it’s the true student experience you’re after, this is where the magic happens. Highlights include the Brookhouse, which thanks to the unreasonable volume of its speakers is these days some kind of pub/club amalgamation, and Friends, for probably the best kebab in the country. With all this, plus regular buses to the city centre, what more could a student ask for?