How to Study in Liverpool

Get ready to be surprised and impressed by Liverpool, a city in England that is soon to be at the top of your study abroad wish list! Fun fact: Residents of Liverpool are called Liverpudlians, or Scousers, after the dialect of English spoken in the area: Scouse. Scousers know what makes study abroad in Liverpool so special—the music, culture, architecture, and overall livability.

And let’s not forget about the passion for football.

Wondering how to study in Liverpool? We get it—the benefits of life in Liverpool make it the perfect study abroad destination. The fact that it’s also affordable while offering exciting nightlife, a wide range of activities, and extensive public transportation is the cherry on top!

To get started, you’ll need to apply to a study abroad program, like those offered by the University of Liverpool. With a wide range of study abroad opportunities, you’ll need to decide on a program that fits your needs. Luckily, there’s a wide range of offerings, including summer research programs, semester opportunities, and full years abroad! So...there’s pretty much no reason to not study in Liverpool.

Why study in Liverpool?

Did you know the Beatles are from Liverpool? Or that there’s an entire street dedicated to cultural buildings? The city and educational institutions, like the University of Liverpool, offer more than your standard study abroad destination. Reasons you’ll fall in love with Liverpool include:

• Cool neighborhoods, restaurants, and clubs. Aigburth, the Baltic Triangle, and Liverpool’s waterfront all contribute to the city’s cool, eclectic vibe. When you’re not having tea at a new cafe or bistro, or taking in the views at a rooftop bar, you could stroll through the oldest Chinatown in Europe or go shopping at Liverpool ONE.
• It’s a cultural hub. You’ll be surrounded by history and a unique culture in Liverpool. A popular port for trade and travel, Liverpool is now in the top five most visited places in the UK! This can partly be attributed to its many museums and galleries, the music scene, football games that draw fans from around the world, and unique tours like The Williamson Tunnels. There’s always something to see and do in Liverpool.
• Academics. Liverpool is popular for international students and you’ll be in a diverse student body! Learn from experienced professors in a setting renowned for its student life and societies. Doors will open for you with an international study abroad experience on your resume.
• Cost of living. Accommodation, groceries, transportation, laundry, entertainment…things add up, especially when living abroad! In Liverpool, you can rest assured that you can have a high quality of life at an affordable price. When you’re also paying tuition as an international student, you’ll want to make sure to live in an affordable city.
• Proximity to other destinations. Whether traveling to one of the local parks or backpacking through other parts of Europe over a long weekend, Liverpool is the ideal home base! As a transportation hub, you’ll have easy access to wherever you’re hoping to check off your bucket list.

What is student life in Liverpool like?

Liverpool will impress you with what it has to offer.

Liverpool has been ranked as one of the best cities for student life. The universities offer international clubs and a range of societies for students to meet one another and discuss their interests...or discover new ones!

As a student, you have access to a study abroad team, advisors, and your professors. The city is teeming with fellow international students; you’ll soon have a vast network of support and never want for company.

Students attending university in the city get to utilize the beautiful campuses, but you can just as easily hang with new friends at one of the many neighborhood cafes, Sefton Park, Crosby Beach, or the New Brighton promenade. Long story short: Student life in Liverpool is simply great (or boss if you’re a Scouser)!

How to study in Liverpool

Ready to get started? Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting to Liverpool, including details on finding a program, gathering materials, submitting your application, and making your travel arrangements.

1. Find a program

First, you’ll want to determine how long you wish to study abroad for (e.g. summer, semester, academic year) and speak to your current school to see if they have a partnership with a university in Liverpool.

If they don’t, that’s okay! It will just determine what type of study abroad or exchange type you’ll be on. Once you know the length of your study abroad experience, identify the specific program you’d like to apply to. Choices may include a research-based experience or a more traditional academic program.

Make sure you note the deadline for submitting your application, as these will vary depending on your program type, and any eligibility requirements (such as GPA, English language proficiency, and ability to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses).

2. Gather materials

And maybe brush up on the Beatles’ discography while you’re at it!

Check what items you’ll need in order to apply to study abroad programs in Liverpool. Usually these will include an application form from the school, your CV/resume, transcripts, references or letters of recommendation, writing samples, and occasionally test scores. Having all of these materials handy will make for an easier application process and identify you as a strong candidate.

3. Apply

Submit your application and any supplemental materials, carefully following any instructions put forth by the school. If you have questions, reach out to the study abroad staff at your school or chosen program. Apply early to give yourself time before the deadline for any last minute questions!

4. Get your visa

Do your research when it comes to obtaining your visa and make sure you are applying for the correct one (most likely a student visa). While your study abroad office may offer some helpful resources or guidance, you’ll ultimately be responsible for securing permission to travel to Liverpool. Start early, and apply for your visa as soon as possible to ensure you’ll be able to travel.

5. Book your travel

You may need travel booked to apply for your visa. Either way, make sure to follow any recommendations from the school or program you’ve been accepted to when making travel arrangements. Arrive in time for any orientation or to participate in any welcome activities—you don’t want to miss any part of your study abroad experience!

6. Finalize accommodation

We suggest staying as close to the action as possible.

While your school may also provide resources, recommendations, or guidelines when it comes to finding housing, take time to do your research on neighborhoods you may want to live in, proximity of said neighborhoods to the university, access to public transportation, pricing according to your budget, and any reviews from current or former students.

Even if you don’t need one, consider a roommate to widen your social circle and support network. University housing may be a great option for you and international students are encouraged to apply if they qualify.

7. Get ready to study abroad in Liverpool

Read up on the city and culture you’ll be diving into! Taking a virtual tour on Google Earth, packing and then re-packing your suitcase, joining a student life social media group...the journey to Liverpool is an exciting part of your adventure. You may even make connections before you get there!

Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get 5 personalized program matches!

London calling? Don’t answer—study in Liverpool!

Liverpool has it all—funky neighborhoods, diversity, activities galore, and access to other parts of Europe for the travel junkie inside every prospective study abroad student. The decision to study in Liverpool will forever change your life; you may just find yourself wanting to extend your trip! Study in Liverpool and see for yourself what makes it one of the friendliest cities in the world.

Explore ALL Study Abroad Programs in Liverpool on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from the University of Liverpool. The University of Liverpool was founded in 1881 and currently hosts about 8,000 international students every year. Study abroad students can choose from courses in Health and Life Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, or Science and Engineering.