If you’re about to embark on an educational journey in Liverpool, we salute you for the choice. You’re not the only one making this choice, though. Liverpool is a city that attracts students from every corner of the world, thanks to its cultural heritage, a vibrant music scene, and prestigious universities. Yet, embarking on this journey in this iconic city demands finding the perfect student haven for a comfortable and enriching stay.
Starting your search for the perfect student accommodation Liverpool can be a daunting task. With diverse neighbourhoods and an array of options, the task might feel a bit too much. Worry not, though! This guide equips you with detailed tips to secure your ideal Liverpool home. Let’s get right into it!
Finding Suitable Student Accommodation in Liverpool
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Start Early and Plan Ahead
Because Liverpool is such a popular destination for students, good student rooms tend to go quickly. That means you need to start searching and planning for your accommodation well in advance. Also, starting early gives you an edge when it comes to choosing from a variety of options and landing your preferred student house in Liverpool; booking last-minute will limit your options and possibly force you to choose an accommodation not suitable for you.
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Set Your Budget
Before you decide on what student accommodation in Liverpool you want, setting your budget is essential. Keep in mind that the budget will not only include rent but also bills, groceries, transportation, and other potential expenses. Be realistic about what you can afford, and remember, a good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of your income on rent. This foresight ensures financial stability throughout your academic tenure in Liverpool.
Bonus Tip: Look for scholarships; these can also include comprehensive ones that cover your rent and other expenses.
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Decide Where You Want to Live
You need to also keep in mind that location matters and can be a huge budget-saving factor or a huge budget-consuming one. Liverpool is well-connected with public transportation, but living close to your university can save you time and transportation costs.
So, you need to consider the location of your accommodation in relation to your university, amenities, and the city centre. Remember, the closer to the city centre, the more expensive your accommodation is going to be. The most popular areas for students to stay in Liverpool include the city centre, Sefton Park, and Smithdown Road:
- The City Centre: The city centre is probably one of the most suitable places for students to stay. It is close to universities, shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. It also has excellent public transportation connections. However, as mentioned before, all these benefits come with a high cost.
- Sefton Park: A little more affordable than the city centre, Sefton Park is a great choice for students who love leafy, green, relaxed, hipster vibes. The area has many PBSAs and a quieter atmosphere, with many parks at your doorstep. The only con would be that it’s a little further away from some universities.
- Smithdown Road: An affordable area just like Sefton Park, Smithdown Road is usually the place to stay for University of Liverpool students, thanks to its proximity to the campus. It has a vibrant atmosphere, with many bars, restaurants, and shops. The only con would be the lack of green space.
Once you’ve decided on a general area, you can start to narrow down your choices by looking at specific properties.
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Consider Accommodation Type and Check for Amenities
Students in Liverpool have a diverse range of student accommodation options to choose from, including university dorms, purpose-built student accommodation, and private lets. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. For example, university dorms are a good option if you want to meet fellow students on campus and live within a shared community, while PBSAs—like Albert Court—and private lets offer more independence and privacy.
Also, you need to take into account what amenities you prefer because different Liverpool student accommodations come with varying amenities. Some accommodations, like PBSAs, offer fully furnished rooms, on-site gyms, common areas, and laundry facilities. On the other hand, others, like university dorms, will have fewer of these amenities on-site. So, evaluate your preferences and choose accordingly!
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Do Your Research and Go for A Visit
Last but not least, research and see the accommodation of your choice for yourself. Once you’ve found properties that match your interests and needs, you need to do some digging before signing any agreements. Read reviews from current and previous tenants and gather feedback about the property management. Also, whenever possible, schedule personal visits. This allows you to inspect the living conditions, assess the neighbourhood, and get a feel for the overall atmosphere.
Final Tip: As an international student, you’ll need to find a guarantor who is a UK resident. This is someone who will agree to pay your student accommodation Liverpool rent if you are unable to do so. Ensure you fulfil this requirement early in the process to make things easier.
And there you have it, mates!
Finding the perfect student accommodation in Liverpool requires thorough research, planning, and prioritisation. Start early, set a realistic budget, explore options, and consider the location and amenities that matter most. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to finding a place that you’ll love, and that ensures a comfortable and enjoyable home base for your vibrant city adventure.
