Living in Liverpool as a student
Liverpool is a city that ticks all the boxes for student life: affordable, lively, and packed with culture and entertainment. With its legendary music history, buzzing nightlife, iconic waterfront, and famously friendly locals, it’s easy to see why so many students flock here. Whether you’re off to the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, or any of the city’s specialist colleges, you’ll be joining a welcoming and diverse student community that makes Liverpool feel like home from day one.
Where do students live in Liverpool?
Liverpool is well-known for its variety of student-friendly areas, each with its own unique vibe. From the fast-paced city centre to the relaxed, leafy suburbs, there’s no shortage of great places to live. So, where do students live in Liverpool? The answer really depends on your lifestyle and budget. Some students love the convenience of living right near their campus, while others prefer quieter areas with a stronger sense of community and more green space. Let’s explore the top Liverpool student areas to help you figure out which one is your perfect match…
Top student areas in Liverpool
Liverpool offers a fantastic range of places for students to call home. Each area has its own distinct character, providing different experiences. Here’s a rundown of some popular student areas in Liverpool to help you decide where you might like to live.
Liverpool City Centre
Liverpool city centre is undoubtedly a prime location for students. It’s at the heart of everything: close to university campuses, shopping districts like Liverpool ONE, parks, nightlife, and all sorts of attractions and cultural landmarks. You'll find everything the city has to offer right on your doorstep.
While it can be busy and occasionally noisy, the convenience and vibrant atmosphere are major draws. If you can find good quality, affordable student accommodation, living here means you’re never far from the action, the iconic Liverpool Waterfront, and all the bars, clubs, and cafes you could wish for. It's a fantastic Liverpool student area for those who love to be in the thick of it.
Sanctuary Students has two buildings in this area, offering modern, affordable student accommodation in Liverpool with everything included – perfect for a hassle-free student life.
Baltic Triangle
The Baltic Triangle (locally referred to as ‘The Baltic’) is another popular choice for students to live in Liverpool. It has transformed from an old industrial area into one of Liverpool’s coolest neighbourhoods.
Located south of the city centre, near the Royal Albert Dock, it’s a creative hotspot full of street art, indie cafes, independent businesses, and lively event spaces. It’s conveniently close to Strand Street, the M&S Bank Arena, Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Liverpool ONE, and Chinatown. Plus, it's just a short distance from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.
It’s close to campus and the city centre, but be prepared to pay a little extra for the privilege of living in such a trendy spot. If you’re looking for an affordable place to live near the Baltic Triangle, why not check out our student accommodation at Grenville Street?
Knowledge Quarter
The Knowledge Quarter is an ideal spot if being close to your studies is a top priority. This is where the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University main campuses are located. You'll also find key institutions like the Victoria Gallery & Museum, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and Liverpool Lime Street station here.
While it’s quieter in terms of nightlife, you’ll never be far from the action with the city centre just a few minutes’ walk away. The Knowledge Quarter is definitely a key Liverpool student area for those who value a short commute to lectures and university facilities… Ideal for students who want to roll out of bed and straight into lectures!
Edge Hill
Situated close to the Knowledge Quarter, Edge Hill is a convenient and increasingly popular area for students. It offers a more residential feel while still being within easy reach of university campuses and the city centre. The area benefits from local amenities and good transport links, making it a practical choice. Edge Hill provides a slightly quieter alternative to the city centre buzz, with several parks nearby for relaxation and recreation.
Smithdown Road
Smithdown Road is an extremely popular area, particularly with students from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University. Located southeast of the city centre, it's a long, bustling road lined with an eclectic mix of shops, supermarkets, takeaways, cafes, and pubs. The Brookhouse pub is a well-known student hangout, and while the city centre is a bus ride away, regular services make it easy to get around. The vibrant local scene and strong student community make Smithdown Road a lively place to live as a student.
Wavertree
Wavertree borders Smithdown Road and offers a similar student-friendly atmosphere with a slightly more residential feel. This student area in Liverpool offers a mix of housing options and shares many amenities with the Smithdown area. It has a strong community feel and is well-connected by bus routes to the city centre and other parts of Liverpool. Wavertree Park (The Mystery) is perfect for sunny days and outdoor sports. This student spot is especially popular with Liverpool Hope University students thanks to its location nearby in Childwall.
Kensington
Just east of The Knowledge Quarter, Kensington is a residential area that offers a relatively short walk to university campuses and often more affordable rents compared to the city centre. It’s a practical choice for students looking for convenience without the premium price tag.
While not as bustling as Liverpool’s city centre or the Baltic Triangle, Kensington is only a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride from the main attractions. Edge Lane Retail Park provides additional shopping options nearby. You'll find local takeaways, supermarkets, and a few pubs, but for a wider range of entertainment, the city centre is easily accessible.
Everton
Everton, located north of the city centre, offers a more residential and often quieter living experience. While it might not have the immediate buzz of central student areas in Liverpool, it provides a different perspective on city life. It’s a bus ride from the main university campuses, but services are frequent.
This area has the usual local amenities such as supermarkets, shops, pubs, and parks. If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet away from the student crowd, Everton could be a good option.
Toxteth
Toxteth is situated a short distance southeast of the city centre, accessible via Upper Parliament Street. It's a culturally diverse and vibrant area, popular with students due to its character and often more spacious or affordable accommodation options. It’s a real melting pot of cultures and lifestyles, blending affordability with a fantastic community feel.
You’ll need to take a bus into the city for lectures and nightlife, but services are regular and inexpensive. Toxteth is close to the beautiful Sefton Park and Princes Park, and there are loads of local cafes, shops, and cultural spots to explore. It’s an increasingly popular choice for students who want value for money without compromising on location.
Georgian Quarter
The Georgian Quarter is renowned for its stunning architecture, cobbled streets, and sophisticated atmosphere. It's home to the Everyman Theatre, the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, and a host of independent boutiques, traditional pubs, and charming cafes.
This beautiful student area in Liverpool offers a more tranquil living experience while still being very central. It's particularly popular with students who want to live somewhere with character, and it's within walking distance of both main universities.
Allerton
Allerton is a popular South Liverpool suburb known for its leafy streets, attractive parks like Calderstones Park, and a more relaxed, residential atmosphere. While further from the city centre than some other student areas in Liverpool, it boasts excellent amenities, including independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, particularly around Allerton Road.
Penny Lane runs right through it, so Beatles fans will be in their element! It’s a bit further out (around 20 minutes by bus) but offers a relaxed pace of life with parks and open spaces. It offers a good balance for students who prefer a quieter base but still want good local facilities and transport links to the universities and city.
Aigburth
Stretching towards the Mersey River in South Liverpool, Aigburth is known for its Victorian architecture, the popular Lark Lane with its bohemian collection of bars, cafes, and boutiques.
Aigburth is ideal if you love nature and want to be near Sefton Park and Otterspool Promenade. It offers a village-like feel within the city, boasting a lively yet laid-back atmosphere.
This Liverpool student area has great transport links which makes it popular with students and young professionals alike who want a balance of city and suburban life.
Mossley Hill
Adjacent to Allerton and Aigburth, Mossley Hill is another sought-after South Liverpool suburb. It shares many of the attractive qualities of its neighbours, including green spaces like Sefton Park on its doorstep, good schools (which contributes to its pleasant residential feel), and a range of local amenities.
Students living in Mossley Hill can enjoy a more suburban lifestyle with convenient bus and train links to the city centre and universities.
It’s a quiet, safe area with great local pubs and cafes. While it’s a little further from the city centre, the strong sense of community and green spaces make up for the commute. It's a great option for those looking for a peaceful Liverpool student area.
Childwall
Childwall offers a peaceful, village-like atmosphere with everything you need close by. It’s perfect for Liverpool Hope University students thanks to its location, but it’s also great if you want a more chilled-out environment away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
It's known for being one of the more affluent parts of the city, offering a quieter, more residential environment. While it doesn't have the same density of student-focused amenities as areas like Smithdown, it provides a peaceful setting with good local shops and transport links. For students seeking a calmer living experience, Childwall is definitely worth considering.
Find the perfect place to live as a student in Liverpool
As you can see, you’re not short of options for a place to live in Liverpool as a student.
Whatever your budget or lifestyle, there’s a Liverpool student area that’s right for you. From the non-stop energy of the city centre to the cool vibes of the Baltic Triangle, the academic focus of the Knowledge Quarter, or the community feel of areas like Smithdown Road, Wavertree, and Aigburth, there’s a student area in Liverpool to match your preferences.
Ultimately, the right place for you will depend on your priorities – whether that’s being close to campus, having amenities on your doorstep, or enjoying a quieter residential vibe. No matter which area you choose, Liverpool is sure to provide an incredible backdrop to your university years.
Sanctuary Students offers high-quality, affordable Liverpool student accommodation in fantastic city centre locations, including Grenville Street and the Marybone student village (Marybone 1, Marybone 2, and Marybone 3). These properties are all within easy reach of university campuses and everything the city has to offer.
These properties offer various options to suit your budget and preferences, including student studios, private student halls, and one-bedroom student flats, all within easy reach of university campuses and everything the city has to offer.
You’ll get your own en-suite room complete with all furniture, super fast Wi-Fi, a common room with Sky TV, laundry facilities, onsite security, ongoing maintenance and regular cleaning of communal areas. With fully inclusive rent that covers all bills (no hidden costs!) and no mid-contract price increases, we make it easy to budget while enjoying a comfortable and sociable place to live.
Want to discover more? Check out the best places to live in Liverpool for extra inspiration.
