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Posted Feb. 12, 2015

Finding Student Accommodation in Liverpool

So you’ve explored a few universities and you’ve decided on one in the great city of Liverpool . You know all about it – you know it was the City of Culture, that it’s famed for The Beatles, and that it’s got two football teams that don’t really like each other. There’s just one thing you’re stuck on: Accommodation .

Now obviously, where you decide to live depends on what you want out of your new home – so with that in mind, let’s take a look through some of the best locations.

University-owned accommodation/halls of residence If you’re quick and well-organised and heading to the University of Liverpool, you can get in before the July 31st deadline and get an on-campus place for your first year. The rooms are single-occupancy and self-catering, and include utilities, content insurance and internet fees in the rent. This is a great option for those of you whose priority is about managing your money effectively, as well as for those worried about socialising (since in halls of residence, it’s really easy to meet people). The two main postgrad halls are Dover Court and Vine Court .

If you’re going to Liverpool Hope , it’s also good news – there’s the option to live in St Julie’s Hall (which is undergrad-free!) with all-inclusive rent. Based in Aisburth Student Park Village, it’s 15 minutes by bus from the city centre, so great if you’re not the biggest fan of loud centre city life.

Liverpool John Moores also offers some postgrad accommodation – either in North Western Hall (central) or Rose Lane (further out), depending on the campus you’re at. If you’re looking for something less studenty but still uni-provided, they offer some self-contained studios at Apollo Court for £140 a week (all-inclusive). Though a bit more pricey, these may suit those of you who value your freedom more than the standard accommodation.

Of course, not everyone wants to be tied down to living in university accommodation or halls of residence – for some it can be too reminiscent of undergrad days. And of course, it’s usually full of current undergrads. Maybe you want something similar – the shared vibe without actually being reliant on the uni - in which case you should take a look into...

Fresh Student LivingPrivate Accommodation These days private accommodation providers – such as Fresh – specialise in student accommodation that is similar to the uni places – offering shared accommodation within an apartment block. These student flats are often somewhat fancier the then uni-owned accommodation – offering great facilities and living spaces in great locations. For instance, Fresh’s Liverpool block is within walking distance of John Moores and the University of Liverpool – and unlike their campus accommodation, all of the rooms are ensuite. The kitchens and living areas are shared – which offers a great chance to meet and mingle with fellow students – and the living area includes a flat screen TV, so that’s one expense down! As with the campus accommodation, the rent includes bills and contents insurance. It’s also very close to Lime Street station, the main station in the centre.

There are other private companies too – and you'll generally find they’re the cheapest option for living in the city centre if you can’t or don’t want to live in university halls. Or maybe you’re looking for something removed from that entirely – perhaps you’d rather be in a flat or houseshare. With that in mind, here are some basic facts about the other areas in Liverpool.

Wavertree
  • about 2 miles from the city centre
  • high proportion of students (especially on Smithdown Road)
  • terraced housing
  • middle rent costs
  • transport links to centre and to Liverpool Hope University

Kensington

  • about 1.5 miles from the city centre
  • mix of locals and students
  • terraces and flats
  • middle-high rent costs
  • good links to centre

Toxteth

  • about 1 mile from the city centre
  • limited students, mostly residents (bar Catherine Street)
  • shared terraces or self-contained flats
  • high rent costs
  • close to city centre

City Centre

  • it is the city centre!
     
  • lots of students and lots of residents
  • varied accommodation types
  • very high rent costs
  • good travel links out, but expensive parking

Childwall

  • about 3 to 4 miles from the city centre
  • mostly residential, some students
  • standard shared houses
  • middle rent costs
  • walking distance to Liverpool Hope University, good bus routes in from Allerton Road

Mossley Hill

  • about 3 miles from the city centre
  • loads of students, some residents
  • varied accommodation
  • middle rent costs
  • walking distance to Liverpool John Moore’s IM Marsh campus and the University of Liverpool halls, on bus route to Liverpool Hope University

Aigburth

  • about 3 miles from the city centre
  • decent amount of students (somewhat quieter)
  • varied accommodation
  • middle rent costs
  • walking distance to IM Marsh Campus and bus links to Liverpool Hope University. Good rail links.
     

Finding a House The best thing you can do in order to check out landlords is to get in touch with the university or student union. They’ll usually have a list of landlords they’ve vetted – so you can avoid getting scammed or ending up with a landlord who is rarely there. The University of Liverpool’s FAQ page is great for advice. In addition, they’ll often have groups of students looking for people to rent with. We recommend Liverpool Student Homes – a search engine/organisation which requires all properties it advertises to fulfil their standards. It’s supported by all of the universities, and it’s great if you have any worries and its standards include ensuring there is a fire alarm, gas safety checks and good heating. More can be found here .

Renting a Room You could always rent a room, rather than a house. There are some disadvantages of course – depending on whose house you are renting a room in you may well have a (soft) curfew and rules about who can stay, but then the advantages may just outweigh that. This is probably better if you want to live in one of the quieter, residential areas – or if you’re interested in the city centre, but running low on money. Also living with residents is great if you’re new to the area – they’ll be able to introduce you to the lesser known entertainments of the city, such as the markets that run on Edge Lane or Great Homer Street, or some of the best pub gardens – like those at the Kazimier.

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