Liverpool, UK

[Matilda_Tone]

(Did a search- pretty sure this is a new one).

I know this one may be a bit of a long shot- but if there is anyone who has spent some time in Liverpool, England- or better yet, attended the University of Liverpool- I would love to hear your thoughts on the city.

I have been to quite a few British cities but have never been to Liverpool. Now I am considering a generous last-second offer from them, but I am worried how much I’ll like the city itself (I don’t want it to be terrible if I plan to spend four years there).

I have heard it is a bit...grimy, and my parents are concerned about safety (the crime rates used to be quite high- though I hear it is a safer city now). I am used to big cities, and Liverpool is a bit small by my standards- I wonder if it will have enough of a big city feel (a sense of life, frequent cultural events, lots of great neighbourhoods to walk around in/explore...) to keep me happy. Any insight is great!

[carolinesays]

I can't offer any insight, but I'm looking for the same information. I'm strongly considering Liverpool John Moores Uni...

[noxrosa]

This is second hand information, and not much of it, but I have a couple of friends currently living there, and I understand it has a VERY vibrant arts scene (music, theatre, comedy at least). Since they got that "European city of culture" distinction a few years ago I think they've really revamped a lot of the city.

[Weepsie]

As before, upon being european capital of culture a lot of effort has gone into reviving the city. I've visited it twice and liked it. It's quite small, but on the weekends expect influxes of people from all over due mostly to football matches for Liverpools FC and Everton. However you can easily access Manchester, London, Edinbirgh, Dublin and a few other places at a relatively low price from liverpool via plane, boat and train.

As I said its smaller than other cities, namely, London, Birmingham and Manchester but as with all UK cities its people are quite unique and I found them to be quite friendly. . Ive heard good things about the uni too and it seems to be garnering a better rep as time goes by as many UK city unis are. Of course ive only spent short times there and never lived but maybe that can be of some help

[Mertonian]

Again, like the others above, I am not a Liverpudlian or Scouser but have spent a fair bit of time there as my fiance is a native.

The city is not as big in terms of population as London or Birmingham, but is still in the 600,000 people range so has a large city centre with enough to satisfy your needs - whichever they may be (including a huge shopping centre). The city does have negative reputation but judging by my impressions from the late 00s it has been revamped (if that reputation was deserved to begin with) and has plenty of nice areas. Check out the Docks, a really beautiful part of the UK, let alone Liverpool, and the huge Anglican cathedral (5th biggest in the world).

As people have said it has a vibrant cultural scene with plenty of bars and venues to cater to all tastes. I have uniformly enjoyed my time there and while there are bits to avoid (Toxteth for example) that is no different to any large city anywhere.

[UKMPA2011]

I would agree with a lot of what's been said here. I'm from London, but have lived in the North West.

While it's not as big as London, Birmingham or Manchester, it's still considered a major English city. As people have said, it's a major cultural centre, particularly for music. I doubt if there's any similar sized city in the world that has produced as many bands as Liverpool: http://en.wikipedia....ic_of_Liverpool

As someone has said the other major thing the city is known for is football (soccer). Whether or not you have any interest in the sport it would be hard to live there and be unaware of the sport as two major premiership teams are based in the city.

There's more than enough other stuff going on in the city to keep you occupied. There are major art galleries, including a Tate and a huge amount of history dating from the British Empire, particularly slave trade history. It's also near(ish), with a car, to some of the UK's most beautiful areas; the Lake District and the Peak District. Finally, if you exhaust the restaurants, bars, shops of Liverpool - Manchester is very accessible by train and is even more busy and full of things to do.

As with many UK cities Liverpool has a pretty strong regional identity, with accompanying accent. Understanding people might be a challenge at first, but in terms of friendliness of locals, you're better of in Liverpool than London.

Finally on crime. Liverpool does (particularly did) have a bit of a reputation for crime, but as a general rule UK cities are a lot safer than US cities. Plus, you wouldn't be spending much time in Toxeth/Croxeth, so don't worry about it too much. In general in the UK the thing to watch our for is drunk people getting into fights, but you don't have to be a genius to spot drunk and rowdy teenagers - so just avoid them.

Edited April 6, 2011 by UKMPA2011

[Mertonian]

True, you are unlikely to venture into Toxteth - but you might by accident! It is so close to the Anglican Cathedral and the nice Georgian houses which stretch between the university and the place!

[ikatticus]

I'm originally from the south, have lived in Manchester for the past 4 years and have been to Liverpool a fair bit. The centre is very revamped, lots of oldish pretty buildings still, really good sense of a student vibe. I guess like most cities, if you wander into a dodgy area with your ipod and wallet hanging out your back pocket it's not a very good idea. Some parts are grimey, some parts are lovely. You definitely won't be bored if you go there, lots going on.

If you do decide to go, definitely speak to some students to see what areas they recommend living in. And go eat at Chaophraya at least once as it's one of my favourite restaurants!

[crossoveranx]

Any updates on places you would recommend living in liverpool? Things to do, places to avoid, and must see places or favorite places to eat? Possibly living in Liverpool for Ph.D., so please let me know thanks!