Liverpool Student Accommodation Guide

A City Built for Students

Liverpool is one of the premier university cities in the United Kingdom. Home to the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), and Liverpool Hope University, the city hosts over 70,000 students every academic year.

Because of this massive student population, the accommodation market is incredibly diverse but also highly competitive. This guide breaks down the three main types of student housing available, helping you choose the right environment for your budget and lifestyle.

1. University Owned Halls of Residence

This is the traditional route for first year students. You are placed in a large block managed directly by your specific university.

* The Pros: It is the easiest way to make friends in your first year. All utility bills, high speed Wi-Fi, and basic contents insurance are included in the weekly rent. The university acts as your landlord, which provides a high level of security and pastoral care.

* The Cons: It is generally the most expensive option. You have very little control over who you share a kitchen or bathroom with. The rooms are often incredibly basic.

* Locations: Many University of Liverpool halls are located at the Greenbank Student Village near Mossley Hill or directly on the central campus.

2. Private Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

The Liverpool skyline has been transformed over the last decade by the construction of massive Private Student Halls. These are run by private companies (like Unite Students or Student Roost) rather than the universities.

* The Pros: These buildings often feel like luxury hotels. They frequently feature incredible amenities such as on site cinemas, state of the art gyms, private study rooms, and games areas. Like university halls, all bills are included.

* The Cons: This is the absolute most expensive way to live in Liverpool. An en suite room in a high end PBSA in the City Centre can easily cost over £180 per week. Furthermore, because these blocks house students from multiple different universities, it can sometimes be harder to form tight knit friendship groups.

* Locations: The vast majority of PBSAs are located in the City Centre, the Baltic Triangle, and the Knowledge Quarter.

3. Traditional Private House Shares (HMOs)

For second and third year students, renting a traditional terraced house with a group of friends is a rite of passage. These are known legally as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

* The Pros: This is generally the most cost effective way to live. A room in a traditional student house in Wavertree usually costs between £100 and £130 per week. It also offers genuine independence and a strong sense of community, as you are living in a real neighborhood rather than a high rise block.

* The Cons: You are dealing with private landlords or letting agents. The quality of the properties can vary wildly, from newly refurbished boutique homes to outdated, damp terraces. You are also responsible for setting up and managing your own utility bills, unless the landlord specifically offers an "all inclusive" package.

* Locations: The undisputed capital of student house shares in Liverpool is the Smithdown Road area in Wavertree and Kensington.

When Should You Start Looking?

The Liverpool student letting cycle moves incredibly fast. For second and third year private house shares, properties for the following September are typically released onto the market in November of the previous year.

The best houses in prime locations (like the top of Smithdown Road) are often fully let before Christmas.

If you are an investor looking to purchase a student property, you must read our HMO Investment Guide to understand the strict planning and licensing regulations currently in force.