International Student Accommodation in Liverpool: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Liverpool has earned its reputation as one of the UK’s most vibrant cities for international students. Ranked 62nd globally in the QS Best Student Cities rankings and voted one of the top 10 friendliest cities in the UK, this historic port city combines affordability with a world-famous cultural heritage stretching from the Beatles to Premier League football.
The city is home to three major universities: the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, and Liverpool Hope University. Together, they welcome over 70,000 students each year. Approximately 12,000 of these students are international, arriving from over 130 countries to study here.
Student accommodation in Liverpool generally offers good value for money. Weekly rents typically range from around £85 to £250, depending on location, room type, and facilities.
What sets Liverpool apart is its modern, walkable city centre, living costs that run 35% lower than London, and a cultural scene that punches well above its weight. You are just over two hours by train from the capital. It is a city with global fame that’s already ready for a good time.
The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students
When searching for student accommodation in Liverpool, finding the right area is crucial. Here are five neighbourhoods popular with international students.
Smithdown Road
The main student area in Liverpool, Smithdown Road, is the heart of academic life. Around 7,000 students call this neighbourhood home. The street is lined with pubs, takeaways, and budget supermarkets, including Asda and Lidl.
Regular bus routes connect Smithdown to all university campuses. The area has a lively social scene with student nights at local venues. Average weekly rent ranges from £85 to £125, making it one of the most affordable options.
Kensington
Kensington (Kenny) offers some of the cheapest rents in Liverpool while remaining well-connected. Just a 15-minute walk or short bus ride to the main university campuses, this area suits students on a tight budget. Victorian terraced houses line the streets, many converted into shared student homes.
Local amenities include Lidl, Tesco, Iceland, and Home Bargains. Rent typically ranges from £60 to £100 per week, with many properties offering bills-included packages.
City Centre
Living centrally puts you within walking distance of all three university campuses, plus the famous Cavern Quarter, Concert Square nightlife, and stunning waterfront.
International students appreciate the convenience of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions within easy reach. The trade-off is higher rent, typically £130 to £200 per week, and a busier environment.
Baltic Triangle
Liverpool’s vibrant creative centre features independent coffee shops, street art, nightclubs, and music venues. For students studying art, media, or any other creative field, this is an attractive choice. Student apartments here are modern with excellent facilities and are within walking distance of the city centre. Rent is typically £120 to £175 per week.
Wavertree
Adjacent to Smithdown Road, Wavertree offers an alternative with easy access to the same amenities. Penny Lane, made famous by the Beatles, runs through the neighbourhood. Rent ranges from £80 to £130 per week.
Getting to Liverpool as an International Student
Arriving in a new country can feel overwhelming, but getting to Liverpool is straightforward.
Nearest Airports
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the closest airport, sitting just 7 miles from the city centre. It serves mainly European destinations and is ideal if you are flying from within Europe. For intercontinental flights, you will likely arrive at Manchester Airport (35 miles away), London Heathrow (200 miles), or Birmingham International (100 miles). These larger airports offer direct connections to destinations across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and beyond.
From Liverpool John Lennon Airport
The Arriva 500 bus connects the airport to the city centre in 25 to 35 minutes, running every 15 minutes from 4 am to midnight. A single ticket costs around £3 to £4. The 86A runs 24 hours for late arrivals. Taxis cost £20 to £30.
From Manchester Airport
Direct trains run from Manchester Airport to Liverpool Lime Street station, taking around 1 hour 15 minutes from £15 when booked in advance. National Express coaches take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
From London
Direct trains run from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street, taking around 2 hours 15 minutes and costing from £25 when booked ahead. National Express coaches take around 5 hours from £10 if booked in advance.
Getting Around Liverpool
Liverpool is one of the UK’s most walkable cities, ranked 12th globally for walkability. The Merseyrail network covers the Liverpool City Region with three lines. Arriva buses serve the city and suburbs. A Walrus card from the Merseytravel Travel Centre provides pay-as-you-go access across buses, trains, and the famous Mersey Ferry. Student weekly bus passes are available for around £16.
Universities in Liverpool and Where International Students Live
University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool is a Russell Group university with a truly global outlook. Founded in 1881 as the original ‘redbrick’ university, it now welcomes around 7,900 international students from 135 countries, making up approximately 25% of the student body. The university is ranked 147th globally in the QS World University Rankings and holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Many University of Liverpool students live in the city centre (within walking distance of campus), Smithdown Road (a short bus ride away), or Kensington (a 15-minute walk). Campus facilities include the Sydney Jones Library, the Sports and Fitness Centre, and the Guild of Students building.
International student support is available through the Student Services Centre and the dedicated International Student Support team, who provide visa, immigration, and settlement advice.
2026/27 Term Dates
Autumn Term: Monday 28 September 2026 to Friday 18 December 2026
Spring Term: Monday 11 January 2027 to Friday 19 March 2027
Summer Term: Monday 12 April 2027 to Friday 4 June 2027
Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool John Moores University welcomes over 27,000 students from more than 100 countries across its city centre campuses. LJMU is known for career-focused courses and strong industry connections, with 95% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating.
Students at LJMU typically live in the city centre (within walking distance of both campuses), Smithdown Road, or Kensington. The university has three main campus areas: City Campus on Byrom Street, Mount Pleasant Campus, and IM Marsh Campus in Aigburth.
International student support includes dedicated advisers, English language support, and specialist careers consultants.
2026/27 Term Dates
For 2026/27, LJMU will follow a similar term structure beginning in late September 2026. Exact dates are yet to be published.
Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool Hope University is the UK’s only ecumenical university, welcoming around 5,000 students from all faiths and backgrounds. Consistently ranking in the UK’s top 25 for student satisfaction, Hope offers a more intimate learning environment with a strong focus on teaching quality.
The university has two campuses: Hope Park in the leafy Childwall suburb and Creative Campus in the city centre, connected by a free shuttle bus. Students typically live near Hope Park or in city centre accommodation close to the Creative Campus.
International student support includes orientation programmes, English language support, and dedicated advisers throughout your studies.
Cost of Living in Liverpool for International Students
Liverpool is one of the most affordable student cities in England. Living costs here run around 35% lower than in London, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious international students.
Accommodation (weekly)
Rent varies by room type and location. Expect to pay £85 to £125 per week for a room in a shared house in areas like Smithdown Road or Kensington. En suite rooms in purpose-built student accommodation typically cost £130 to £180 per week, while private studios range from £150 to £250 per week. Most PBSA includes bills, which simplifies budgeting.
Food
A weekly grocery budget of £25 to £50 is realistic if you cook at home. Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl offer the best value. For international ingredients, Bold Street in the city centre offers diverse options, while Chinatown stocks East Asian products.
Transport
Liverpool is highly walkable, so many students rarely need public transport. A weekly Arriva bus pass costs around £16. The Walrus card provides pay-as-you-go access across buses, trains, and ferries. A 16 to 25 Railcard (£30 per year) saves a third on national rail fares.
Other costs
Gym memberships run around £20 to £30 per month, though many PBSA buildings include an on-site gym. SIM only phone plans start from £6 to £10 per month. Socialising typically costs £50 to £150 per month, depending on lifestyle.
Realistic monthly budget
Most students spend between £800 and £1,200 per month in total. For visa purposes, you will need to show £1,171 per month in savings.
Liverpool saving tips
Download UNiDAYS and TOTUM for student discounts. Take advantage of student nights at bars and clubs for reduced entry. Use the Too Good To Go app for cheap meals. Cook in batches with housemates. Liverpool is compact enough that most journeys can be made on foot.
Visa Services and Support in Liverpool
UKVCAS Service Point
Liverpool has UKVCAS centres where you can attend biometric appointments after submitting your online visa application. All appointments must be booked in advance through the TLScontact website.
eVisas and BRP Collection
From 2025, UK visas will be issued digitally as eVisas rather than physical BRP cards. If you applied before this change and need to collect a BRP, your university can receive it directly. Contact your university’s international student team for collection arrangements.
University Immigration Support
If you have visa problems, contact your university’s immigration team, as they can liaise directly with UKVI on your behalf.
International Student Community in Liverpool
Liverpool has one of the most diverse student populations in the UK, with students from over 130 countries represented.
Nationality-Based Societies
All three universities run extensive networks of cultural societies. The University of Liverpool Guild of Students hosts numerous international societies, including the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, Indian Society, Nigerian Society, Malaysian Society, and many more. LJMU and Liverpool Hope offer similar groups. These societies organise cultural celebrations, social events, and provide essential peer support for newcomers.
Global Food and Shopping
Liverpool caters well to international tastes. Bold Street in the city centre is famous for its diverse range of international restaurants and cafes. Chinatown offers authentic East Asian cuisine and groceries.
Where to Socialise
Popular student areas include Concert Square and Mathew Street for nightlife, Bold Street for independent cafes and restaurants, and the Royal Albert Dock for waterfront bars and cultural attractions. The Cavern Quarter hosts live music every day.
Banking, Healthcare, and Essential Services
Banking
Major banks with branches in Liverpool city centre include Barclays, Natwest, Lloyds, Halifax, and Nationwide. To open an account, you will need your passport, student visa or eVisa, proof of UK address (tenancy agreement), and a university enrolment letter. Digital banks like Monzo, Starling, and Revolut offer quicker setup without branch visits.
NHS Registration
Register with a GP during your first week. You will need your Liverpool address. Allow seven days for registration to process. For non-emergencies, call NHS 111 or use the NHS App. In emergencies, call 999 or visit Royal Liverpool University Hospital A&E.
Police Registration
No longer required. The Home Office has repealed this requirement for international students.
Other Services
The main Post Office is on Ranelagh Street in the city centre, open Monday to Saturday. For international money transfers, Wise and Remitly offer better exchange rates than traditional banks.
What Makes Liverpool Special for International Students
Weekend Adventures
Liverpool’s location makes exploring Britain easy. North Wales is just over an hour away for hiking in Eryri (Snowdonia) or visiting seaside towns. Manchester is 45 minutes by train for shopping and nightlife. London is 2 hours 15 minutes by train, with advance tickets starting from around £25.
Local Attractions
The city offers the world-famous Beatles Story at the Royal Albert Dock, the Cavern Club, where the Fab Four played over 290 times, and locations like Penny Lane and Strawberry Field. The Royal Albert Dock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to Tate Liverpool, the Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Liverpool. Liverpool Cathedral is the largest in Britain. Anfield and the Hill Dickinson Stadium attract football fans worldwide.
Student discounts are widely available through UNiDAYS and TOTUM cards, and a 16 to 25 Railcard saves a third on rail travel.
Career Opportunities
Liverpool has one of the strongest regional economies in the UK and sits within the country’s largest manufacturing region. Major employers include Jaguar Land Rover (manufacturing plant at Halewood), Unilever (Port Sunlight), the NHS, and numerous financial service companies.
International students can legally work up to 20 hours weekly during term time. All three universities run internship programmes with local businesses, and the University of Liverpool is one of the UK’s most targeted universities by top graduate employers.
Alumni Network
The University of Liverpool is associated with ten Nobel Prize winners, including Sir Ronald Ross (Medicine, 1902) and Sir James Chadwick (Physics, 1935). Notable alumni include Victoria Derbyshire (BBC News and Radio presenter) and Chris Lowe (Pet Shop Boys).
Liverpool FAQs
Is Liverpool safe for international students?
Liverpool city centre is well covered by CCTV and has a large police presence around student areas and nightlife districts. All three universities have 24-hour security teams and dedicated student safety programmes. Popular student areas like Smithdown Road have active community networks. Like any major city, use common sense at night and stick to well-lit areas.
What are the differences between Liverpool’s three universities?
University of Liverpool is a research-centric Russell Group university with ten Nobel Prize winners associated with it. Liverpool John Moores University emphasises career-ready, practical courses with excellent graduate employment rates. Liverpool Hope University offers a smaller, more intimate learning environment and ranks highly for student satisfaction. All three welcome international students with dedicated support services.
Do I need a car to get around Liverpool?
No. Liverpool is a compact city centre where everything is within easy reach on foot. The Merseyrail train network, Arriva buses, and the iconic Mersey Ferry provide excellent public transport coverage. Many students walk, cycle, or use public transport without any need for a car.
Ready to Book Student Accommodation in Liverpool?
Now that you have seen all that the city has to offer international students, it is time to explore our fantastic range of options for student accommodation in Liverpool.
If you have more questions relating to more general international student topics, check out our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.