101 Things you need to know about student life in Liverpool 2017/18

Students – Welcome to Liverpool! Without doubt, the best city in the world – you’re gonna love it here.

Whether you’re moving here from abroad, down south or even from the Wirral, we’ve got you covered. From all the best nightclubs, festivals and gigs – plus where to dine when your skint and how to kit out your student digs on the cheap – we’ll also teach you a bit of lingo and let you know where does the best fancy dress. Oh, we’ve thought of everything!

You could be joining the creatives at our incredible Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, maybe you are on your way to Edge Hill, getting ready for the hustle and bustle of life at JMU or Liverpool University, or has our Liverpool Hope tempted you to the city? Either one, you are about to have the time of your life!

First off, a bit about us. We are The Guide Liverpool and pretty much do what it says on the tin; provide you with daily updates about what is happening right here in the greatest city in the world.  Whether you want to find your new favourite bar, meet your new favourite band or even just want to know what time the next bus is to Smithdown Road, you’ll find it all here.

Here’s 101 things you need to know about student life in Liverpool 2017/18….

1 – Medication club nights will be your go-to after Freshers, don’t fight it, its a rite of passage.

2 – Get yourself an NUS card and every other loyalty/point/freebie card you can get your broke-ass hands on!

3 – Discover the Baltic Triangle, a year-round creative playground where all the cool people hang out. The first point of call has to be the brand new Baltic Market. More below.

4 – Students get £10 off when you spend £20 at Pizza Express as well, how good is that?

5 – A bus pass seems like a big spend early on, but unless you’re living in town you’re going to be spending a lot of time on the 86, 80A, 75 and 82, so get one!

6 – You can’t live here and not go to at least one gig at The Cavern.

7 – Take your folks/grandparents on the Ferry ‘cross the Mersey, the cityscape view is spectacular.

8 – Embrace the scouse ‘curly blow’ with 20% off at Prado, Liverpool One.

9 – We have one of the best train networks in the country with 64 stations across the Merseyrail network. It is so easy to get pretty much anywhere on Merseyside by train, and fares start at just £1.95 return. Watch your Merseyrail student guide below and get planning your next journey here.

10 – Concert Square is the place to be when you’re starting out in the city. In fact you might as well move in. Someone say 2-4-1?

11 – Freshers week tastes awesome at GBK, Liverpool One. Classic Burgers are just £5 til 24th September.

12 – Line your stomach at the Peacock Friday night BBQ.

13 – Late night pints at Porky’s Ski Hutte, Berry Street are not to be missed. Open til 4am on Saturdays.

14 – We’ve got some of the UK’s most amazing beaches. Check out Formby, West Kirby and the iron men of Crosby Beach.

15 – The cash point at Carnatic Halls dispenses £5 notes!!!

16 – Grab a tiny table at Tokyou on Berry Street, indulge in some of Liverpool’s best noodles and the chance of a cab home just outside!

17 – St Luke’s Church, or The Bombed Out Church as it’s known locally, will be the Liverpool landmark you’ll remember most. Perfect meeting point.

18 – Which leads us perfectly on to the best city-takeaway you’ll also come to love. Nabzys chicken burgers and red salt chips will line even the most ale-soaked stomach

19 – You’ll know you’re on your arse when you can’t even afford a Nabzys. But fear not, the legendary Koka noodles will tide you over. Head to Home & Bargain and stock up on these 4 for £1 little beauties.

20 – Our sexual health services are top class, find details for the city centre GUM clinics here and don’t be a divvy.

21 – Prepare to fall in love with the bohemia of Lark Lane. Keith’s, Milo Lounge and Moon & Pea and our fave for value and boss service is Marantos (pictures above)…ahhhhh.

22 – We love festivals and you will too, from Reminisce, LIMF, Fusion and more. Get all the dates in your diary and info here.

23 – Download the Delta App, you wont regret it.

24 – Go play some vinyl at Jacaranda. One of the coolest (and oldest) bars in the city. Make sure you check out their vinyl store upstairs, equipped with listening booths.

25 – Hardman Street will be your second home. Live music at Hannah’s Bar, The Magnet & Buyers Club most nights and make sure you visit Fly in the Loaf at least once a week.

26 – You have to try scouse and then be taught how to make it for yourself by a fully fledged Scouser.

27 – The LGBT community is strong in our city, your first night out in the Stanley Street Quarter will be unforgettable.

28 – If you’re studying at Edge Hill Uni you’ll party at campus club The Quad and ace the Sunday quiz night.

29 – Learn what meff, boss, beaut, sound, and bevvied mean. You will be using them within a month without even realising it.

30 – If you’re at Greenbank or Carnatic Halls go check out The Dovey for the best Sunday roast around.

31 – Don’t worry if you don’t pick up the lingo straight away though. Leave it to Korean Billy to give you a Master Class in scouse.

32 – You’ll either love or hate The Krazy House. A stalwart of Wood Street sporting 4 floors, 3 bars and more stairs than a tanked-up student can manage.

33 – Walkabout on Concert Square is like a bit of a sit-off.  Free wifi, a mates-rates card and cheap Jagerbombs and pints of Fosters.

34 – When the back yard starts resembling a landfill, check out liverpool.gov.uk for your bin collection dates.

35 – Liverpool Student Union website is the fountain of all knowledge, from emotional support to rating your landlord and joining clubs and societies.

36 – Sport doesn’t just mean footy here, why not have a crack at Park Run, The Santa Dash or push yourself and own the Tunnel 10k to claim your medal on New Brighton promenade!

37 – If you sign up to shake buckets for charity in the city centre, give it 100%. Fancy dress, face paint, bust some moves, sing, recreate cult film moments…whatever…..you will be rewarded handsomely.

38 – You NEED to make a night, or a day of it at the Bierkeller complex, one of the most fun and lively places in the city. Situated in Liverpool ONE, open 7 days a week you can sample cocktails and beers from around the world, watch all of your live sports and even dance the night away with their incredible live OOMPAH BAND!

39 – Knowing where your local launderette is could come in handy 1. If you pull and 2. If your parents visit unexpectedly. Don’t upset your mum, get your wash on here

40- Your Scouse mates families will adopt you. Prepare to be welcomed into the fold and called Girl or Lad from the first time you call round.

41- You’ll love our parks. Sefton Park is the PERFECT place to get away from rowing housemates, Jagerbombs and revision.

Sefton Park

42 – The Augustus John on the UoL campus is one of the best hidden little pubs in the city. Try the cider selection; it’s awesome!

43 – If you’re living on Picton Road, rather than Smithdown, drink in the Edinburgh – it is a superb little boozer hidden away from the real world.

44 – Ditto in town, Peter Kavanagh’s is the pub to take your old man when you’re lining up a loan request from the bank of Dad.

45 – We don’t need to tell you we’re an image conscious city. Scousebrow….check…….shellac….check…..tan…..check, now get yourself into Superdrug for some velcro rollers and you’re practically a local!

46 – Liverpool and labels go together like gin & tonic, but on a student budget you’d be better off scouring our wealth of charity shops for a designer bargain. Bold Street is the place to be.

LEAF, Bold Street

47 – Liverpool Guild runs some mega events on its Give It A Go programme, get involved.

48 – You might have noticed the giant, yellow weird-dog looking thing on Tithebarn Street if you’re a regular at the Avril Robarts Library. Its our Superlambanana.

It’s called a SUPER-LAMB-ANANA

49 – We have one of the best event spaces in the country and it’s perfectly located on our beautiful waterfront. Check out what’s coming to the Echo Arena this year.

50- Up for a laugh? Get down to Slaughter House, Hot Water Comedy Club or Liverpool Comedy Club for regular comedy gigs from top comedians on the UK circuit. Ps, you will get roasted.

51- Liverpool Pride is a huge deal. The parade alone shuts down roads through the city centre ad is one huge big rainbow party.

52 – Do not miss out on tickets for the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club, its always an epic all-dayer.

53 – Steve’s Chippy in Aigburth Vale, and Chris’ Chippy on Rose Lane will be the saviour of hangovers if you live at Carnatic Halls.

54 – People will talk to you on the bus/train, this isn’t London. Refer to your Scouse lingo training to understand what the hell people are taking about, or just nod and smile.

55 – And music heavy weights also rock our O2 Academy, Philharmonic and Olympia throughout the year.

56 – You have to go and explore our beautiful Albert Dock. It is full of bars, restaurants, shops and attractions including the Victorian carousel. Well, you’re never too old for a ride.

57 – Get your fancy dress stuff for freshers week, Halloween, Christmas and everything in between at Pound Land, Lilli Bizaare, Smiffys Bold Street and of course Home & Bargain.

58 – The Tavern on Smithdown Road does the best pancakes in the world! Breakfast 7 days a week and the enchiladas for tea aren’t too bad either!

59 – You need to experience Mathew Street in all it’s glory at least once. Sing songs in all it’s bars, Chinese tourists everywhere, and a whole lot of fun, and there is even a Turtle Bay which does 2-4-1 cocktails

60- Getting a ticket to Bongo’s Bingo will feel like Christmas.

Johnny Bongo is a LEDGE!

61- Match day atmosphere is awesome, just don’t try to travel in the north of the city when the game lets out. And while we are on the footy make sure you experience the roar of the mighty Kop or get behind the toffees at a home game this season.

62 – The Merchant pretty much has you covered 7 nights a week, bar, kitchen and garden located no the corner of Parr Street. Cult quizes, nights dedicated to your favourite artists, mini raves, movies & boss gin goblets!

63 – It’s perfectly acceptable to eat £1 Iceland pizzas 5 nights a week.

64 – When you find a beer garden/terrace/sit off during the summer months, stay loyal to it.

Oh Me Oh My

65 – And….The Kazimier Garden, Red Door Rooftop, Concert Square or Constellations will feature in your top 5 faves.

66 – It’s just £2 entry into Shit Indie Disco nights, rob a merchandise flag and make your own uni shrine.

67 – Make sure you play Ghetto Golf at least once, it’s awesome. Plus they even have a Home Alone themed bar arriving this Christmas!

68 – Mattas International Food is like the Narnia of foodstuffs and it’s cheap. Stock up on noodles here.

69 – Camp & Furnace is the hub of effortless cool, get to Nightgarden on a Friday, free entry too.

70 – When you have a clear out before your flat inspection, donate all decent gear to the Whitechapel Centre.

71 – Liverpool cabbies are all boss and will welcome you with open arms, but don’t expect a smile when you are taking ages splitting a £4 fare between 3 people.

72 – Before you graduate, see the inside of at least these four magnificent buildings; Town Hall, Cathedrals x 2 and St George’s Hall.

73 – Accept the fact that your mates back home will never understand how awesome our city is.

Just look at that for a skyline!

74 – Complete the Smithdown Road pub crawl at least once and keep your ears out for news on the next Smithdown Road Festival.

75 – The personal bankers in Barclays, HSBC and The Co-operative will also become extensions of your family when you beg for another £100 on your overdraft….every month.

76 – You’ll never forget your first time in The Raz…..oh wait maybe that should be ‘you’ll never remember it?!’

77 – If you have to resort to getting a job during uni, Job Centre Plus is on Williamson Square. Suck it up.

78 – Christmas is super special in Liverpool, the L1 Christmas switch on event is a great excuse for a night on the mulled wine.

79 – McDonalds on the Dock Road, by Baltic Triangle is 24 hour. Just saying.

80 – While you’re down there check out other bars, eateries & clubs on the Baltic, 24 Kitchen Street brings you the now infamous Sonic Yootha every month, and is a big, fat, glittery MUST!

81 – No space to store a bike of your own? No worries, hire a Bike & Go from Liverpool Central for £3.80 and explore the city with pedal power.

82 – The view from the 4th floor roof terrace at Central Library is a stunner, great first date sit off too.

83 – You can charge your phone on the sly in Costa MetQuarter, plug sockets under certain tables. You’re welcome.

84 – Liverpool One loves students. Even after the colossal 50% freshers week offers, you’ll always be in line for a cheeky 20% here and there on top brands.

85 – Students in Chester and Edge Hill can get into the heart of the city from as little as £1.95 with Merseyrail. Don’t miss out!

86 – Yard & Coop, Hanover Street do the most amazing buttermilk chicken lunch deals for £5. Get some.

87 – If you’re gonna get bladdered, do it the classy way on Absinthe cocktails at Some Place, Seel Street.

Some Place

89 – Have an old school day out at the seaside. Jump the train to New Brighton and hire a bike to explore the Wirral coastline. There’s seals and everything.

90 – Download the Day & Night App for all the best deals on food, drinks and days out, right across Merseyside.

91 – Destination Allerton Road. Do the Three Piggies Pub Quiz, feast on bao buns at Mr Miyagi, and head to Penny Lane Wine Bar for one last drink.

92 – You have to experience Maray. Even if you student loan is on its last legs, you can afford to sample the 5* rated dishes, brilliant service and there’s two locations to choose from, Bold St & Allerton Road.

93 – For the ultimate late night party, get to Level. There’s literally three levels of fun with an R’n’B, Pop and full on dance soundtrack. You’re likely to see your fave reality stars here too.

94 – Taking time out from the books? Check out all our free Museums & Galleries. Learn about our city, our maritime history, modern and classic art, Ancient Egypt, life under the sea, mini beasts and much more.

95 – Our Beatles pub crawl its a must. Details here.

96 – Impress your mates back home with our winning Instagram Scouse Selfie hotspots list.

Liver Bird Wings

97 – If you’re based out in the ‘burbs, go check out village life in Woolton. Great cafes, independent shops and high end pubs including celeb chef Simon Rimmer’s gaff, Liberty Tavern.

98 – Get following these stellar Liverpool Twitter stars; @scousescene @Liverpool_Noise . Get your local music hit from @BidoLito and @GetintothisHQ and for full on scouse comedy follow @ScouseBirdBlogs @scousema and @POTNOODL3FRINGE .

99 – For a big old dose of scouse comedy get yourself to The Royal Court for the cream of the Liverpool comedy crop. Local writers, actors, set designers, crew and event staff come together to create the kind of plays that make you wet your knickers laughing.

100 – TIP if you see a scouse seagull F*$king leg it! They will dive bomb you, steal your chippy and make you drop you precious iPhone. Seriously, they’re evil.

101 – Stick with us! We’re constantly bringing you all the up to date what’s on and where’s good info, as well as live updates from the best of the city region festivals, events and attractions.

Students, go forth and have the time of your lives!

All that’s left to do, is get out there and experience it all for yourself! If you’ve been a student in Liverpool or you just want to shout about what you love, drop us a line with your suggestions! Tweet us @TheGuideLpool or email us info@theguideliverpool.com and we’ll share the best on our socials.