

Your time at university might just be the most exciting years of your life, full of learning new things, new experiences, opportunities and making new friends – we hope you’re ready!
This guide is designed to help you get prepared for your time at LJMU once your place is confirmed, and includes information about what you need to do before you arrive, how to get the most out of your first few weeks, to finding support and help while you’re here.
We have dedicated online resources for parents and guardians supporting a young person during their time at university. This includes useful hints for you as they start this new chapter in their life and some pointers about the challenges they may face during their first year. We also show how you can ensure they get the advice and support they need. Why not bookmark it now and check back for regular updates during the year?
Scan the QR code to find out more:
Part of going to university, and especially for those moving into student accommodation, is learning to get along with new people. It is a great life skill and you will meet people from across the country, maybe even further afield. So why not reach out to your potential new pals before you arrive?
Download Campus Connect and meet those who will be on your course or in your accommodation in advance of getting on campus. We have individual groups set up for the different courses and for those of you moving into student accommodation, you can find a group for your chosen halls.
Check your emails for Campus Connect joining instructions!
Lots of our accommodation providers also have social media groups which you could join to meet your flatmates before moving in.
To become an official LJMU student you must complete your online registration on our My LJMU platform which involves activating your online account and uploading a photo for your student ID card. Check your emails for a message from the Student Registration team with instructions on how to get this sorted once your place is confirmed.
Your induction timetable should be available online from mid-August and will have details about which LJMU buildings you need to go to during your first week, plus times, room numbers and the activities you must attend. At these introductory sessions you will meet your academic teaching and support team as well as other students on your course, discovering more about what and how you’ll be studying. Your programme and personal timetables will be available in September.
Timetables:
It is essential to apply for your Student Finance now, if you haven’t already.
View our guide to fees and funding for more help:
Every year we award a range of scholarships, from £1,000 to £5,000 (that don’t need to be paid back), to encourage LJMU students to reach their potential. The good news is there’s still time to apply for a scholarship for this year. Applications close on Friday 29 August 2025 – apply through the Applicant Hub.
More info online:
If you originally planned to attend a different university and had already applied for your funding, you will need to make sure your funding body knows you’re now coming to LJMU to avoid any delay in receiving your money.
You have until Friday 12 September 2025 to do this via your Student Finance account online.
If you are moving into LJMU approved student accommodation, you will be allocated a slot by the owner of your hall to move in on either Friday 12 or Saturday 13 September 2025. Please do not make detailed travel arrangements such as booking flights, ferries or trains until your slot is confirmed. If you have any queries about moving into your accommodation, please contact your hall owner in the first instance.
On the day, staff from LJMU will be around to meet you and answer any queries alongside staff from your halls. Together we will ensure that your move runs as smoothly as possible. We can also arrange an earlier move-in on Thursday 11 September 2025 if you need it due to a medical condition or neurodiversity. accommodation@ljmu.ac.uk
As a general rule, if you can’t get all your belongings into the boot and back seat of a family car, you are probably bringing too much. Here’s what we think you’re going to need…
These will have been requested by your hall and us at LJMU - make sure to keep them safe.
Duvet and covers, pillows, sheets, and personal items like towels - but leave your mattress at home!
All our halls have basic appliances (like a cooker, fridge-freezer and a microwave), but you’ll have to bring your own crockery and cutlery. It’s a good idea to wait until you arrive to make larger purchases like a kettle so you don’t end up with too many in one flat.
We want you to be able to personalise your space and make it feel like yours, but it’s
important to remember that your hall bedroom may be smaller than you are used to, especially if it has an en-suite bathroom - so pack smart!
Your flat may contain a communal TV and if so, the licence will have been purchased for it. You will need to buy a licence for any device that you bring, if you plan to watch or record live programmes. Get a TV licence here:
There are many discount stores in Liverpool city centre within easy walking distance of your accommodation where essential home items can also be purchased once you’ve moved in. We also recommend going to local charity or second-hand shops to purchase items at a reduced price - this will help you to save money and it’s better for the environment.
Your first week as an LJMU student will focus on your academic introduction to the university – we call this your induction week. You’ll meet your academic team, teaching staff, and other students studying on your course, getting an idea of what and how you will study this year, plus information on all the services offered by the university and your Students’ Union, JMSU.
Your first week is the perfect opportunity to find out where your classes will be and how long it will take to get from home to LJMU. You are expected to attend all the sessions outlined on your induction timetable, which should be available online from mid-August (scan the QR code on p5) and will have details about which LJMU buildings you need to go to, plus times, room numbers and the activities you must attend. There will also be social and freshers activities that you can book through JMSU taking place across your first two weeks here, including the epic Freshers Fair. Their schedule of events will help you to get to know other new students and introduce you to some of the best things to do in the wonderful city of Liverpool. More about JMSU at jmsu.co.uk
You may have already met some people via Campus Connect, but make sure to say hi to people on your course, in your accommodation, and at freshers events.
There’s a lot to take in and remember in your first week –everyone gets a little bit lost! Check our interactive map for building locations before you set off and don’t be afraid to ask staff for help.
It’s normal to feel a little anxious or homesick during your first few weeks of uni, but having a little space away from social media might help. It’s the start of a new journey for you – enjoy the moment!
These first weeks of university may feel quite daunting but remember everyone is in the same situation and will likely be sharing the same thoughts as you, but if you are struggling remember to ask for help – we’re here to support you no matter what. Find information about our Student Advice and Wellbeing team on p10.
Thursday 18 September 2025
Friday 27th September Exhibition Centre, King’s Dock
Get to know your Students’ Union and what we’ve got to offer - from sports clubs and societies to community groups and volunteering opportunities... not to mention the opportunity to bag yourself some freebies (and lots of Domino’s pizza).
You can also get clued up on how we can help you throughout your university life and beyond, as well as find out more about LJMU services such as Student Advice and Wellbeing, Unitemps, libraries and more.
For more information on Freshers and other JMSU events,visit our website... jmsu.co.uk/events
From help around student funding to dealing with homesickness and disability-related support, our friendly advisors within Student Advice and Wellbeing (SAW) offer a wide range of support to all students.
You can speak to SAW staff in the Student Life Building on our Mount Pleasant Campus or the James Parsons Building on our City Campus, just stop by anytime Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.
We also have a team of trained Mental Health Advisors and Counsellors to support your mental wellbeing. Appointments can be booked in person and virtually via Teams or by telephone. Alternatively, you can email us at studentsupport@ljmu.ac.uk
Book a SAW appointment:
We hope you will have an amazing experience studying here and getting to know the city if you are living here for the first time. Liverpool is a safe place and has Purple Flag status, which is awarded to places that promote the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents. Your safety is so important to us here at LJMU:
• The Student Life Building is open 24/7 with LJMU security staff always on site
• The emergency security phone number will be on the back of your student ID card if you need help on campus: 0151 231 2222
• We have a university police officer, PC Martin Triggs, who you can speak to in confidence, he’s in the Student Life Building every Monday, Thursday and Friday 10am to 2pm, or email martin.triggs@ merseyside.police.uk
We recognise that incidents of harassment and sexual misconduct can unfortunately occur both within and beyond the university. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we are committed to promoting a culture in which these incidents will be addressed. We have created an overview on our website of all the provisions in place to address harassment and sexual misconduct within our university community. Plus, you will be required to complete awareness training at the beginning of the academic year. You will be contacted about this in due course.
Find out more on our website:
We also have an online reporting tool called Report + Support so that any member of our university community can report incidents of harassment and sexual misconduct. Reports can be made anonymously (if no support is needed) or you can include your contact details so that our full range of support is available to you. The university has a range of staff in place to respond to any reports and this includes specially trained Sexual Violence Liaison Advisors.
Report + Support platform:
It’s important to look after your health when living away from home. Vaccinations are more important than ever in helping to protect yourself and our community. The following vaccinations are recommended for university students:
• Meningococcal ACWY (Meningitis ACWY) immunisation
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunisation
• Flu vaccination (for certain at-risk groups)
• HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccinations
It’s vital that you register with a GP as soon as you arrive in Liverpool. GPs are your first point of call for most health issues. To find a local GP ring Healthwatch on 0300 77 77 007 or go to www.nhs.uk/ service-search/find-a-GP. If you are not from Liverpool you can still see your own doctor when you go home. You will also be able to register with a GP practice at the Freshers Fair on Thursday 18 September 2025.
If you are moving to Liverpool permanently and intend to make the city your home for the full academic year, then you may need additional support. Our Inclusion Support team offer a wide range of support to care experienced students and students who are estranged from their families. They are the first point of contact for anything you need and they can also help you access additional funding through our Imagine Award bursary scheme.
The team will contact you in the first few weeks of term if they have your details. But if you are not sure they are aware of you or if your circumstances have recently changed, you should contact them.
Drop them an email: imagine@ljmu.ac.uk
Most students who have a disability or medical condition can apply for financial support from the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). It is important that you apply for DSA before you begin your course to avoid any delay. Find out more online:
If you are not eligible for DSA, we can still help you. You may be able to get extra time in exams, note-takers, dyslexia tutors, mobility assistance or support with your mental health.
The Disability team can help you throughout your time as an LJMU student. They can be contacted by phone 0151 231 3168 or email disability@ljmu.ac.uk - any information you disclose will remain confidential and your support needs will not be discussed with anyone without your consent.
Coming to LJMU will probably be the first time you are fully responsible for decision making about money. While this is exciting, it is important that you think carefully about how you will manage your money. We won’t tell you what to spend your money on – that’s for you to decide - but we can share some advice.
Many students run out of money as they never actually work out how much money they have per week! If you receive student finance, this will be paid to you in three large and equal instalments. The good news is that if you are living in an LJMU approved hall, you pay your rent in three instalments too. Once you have paid your rent for the term and worked out how much you have each week move it to another bank account, or draw out the cash, and use that. Working out your money weekly is so much easier than termly.
A budget planner will help you know how much money you will have, and what you will need to spend to help you to feel financially in control. There is a great free planner on the UCAS website.
Learning to cook is an amazing life skill, a money saver and a great way to make friends if you are living in student accommodation. So, get your meal plan sorted and check what you need before you shop. Shopping every day can lead to impulse purchases and wasted food. Use your leftovers and bring a packed lunch a couple of days a week. Doing this could save around £500 over the term – enough for a holiday!
Use your student ID card to get 20% off at all Core Cafes on campus. Download the sustainability app ‘Too Good to Go’ and get access to £12 worth of food for £4 from our cafes at the end of each day. You can also get free refreshments and snacks at your disposal from the JMSU Social Zones across our buildings and free menstrual products are available in toilets across campus. We’ll
also be giving out free home essentials like detergent, washing up liquid and shower gel, as well as hosting free lunches and giving away food vouchers throughout the academic year.
Last minute travel is always more expensive, so book early and consider a railcard to bag the best deals.
IT’S ONLY A GOOD DEAL IF YOU NEED IT
Money off vouchers only save you money if you need the thing in the first place (and only buy it if you can afford it!).
Making the jump to a degree can feel like a leap to anyone. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Students come from all different academic backgrounds and understanding how to get the most out of your degree can feel like a module in itself! There are a few things to remember as you settle in to uni life...
Your workload is likely to grow from your previous study experience
You will be given hours of independent studying through reading different sections of books, articles, videos, podcasts, lab hours and experiments. Balancing the social side of university and putting in the independent study hours needed to get a good degree is a skill you will need to develop.
The pace of content can be difficult to adjust to initially
You will be in a new environment, discovering your new way of life (in a new city for many), and on top of this you may be required to grasp complex terminology, which may be difficult to get your head around.
The skills you’re expected to have mastered can be new
Harvard referencing? Quantitative studies? Literature review? It can all get too much when you are expected to know what some call ‘university basics’.
Thankfully, there’s a wide range of support available at LJMU to help you thrive. From the moment you arrive, you’ll have access to the library’s Academic Success team, based in both campus libraries for your convenience. This approachable, professional, and dedicated team is here to help you make the most of the library’s facilities and guide you in finding the resources you need. They can also explain university terminology, clarify assessment expectations, and offer practical advice on managing your workload. Whether you’re looking to develop your academic writing or need support with maths and statistics, the team is ready to help you every step of the way.
Your Personal Tutor is also there to help guide you through your academic life at LJMU. Personal Tutors are staff from your area of study who are there to support your success, like providing guidance on course and social issues, making sense of assessment feedback and referring you to the correct teams to best support you.
Whether you’re interested in studying abroad, starting a business, doing an internship or anything in between, we can help you explore your options and create a plan for your future. Speak to our Go Global team about travel opportunities and the Student Futures team for careers, employability and business start-up support.
Sign up to Unidays or Totum and make the most of your student status by receiving discounts from hundreds of big retailers. Other discount platforms for students are also available.
Unitemps is LJMU’s very own on- campus recruitment agency, which can provide you with opportunities to access paid work in support of your study that will strengthen your CV, employability skills and organisational awareness.
You get to choose what jobs you apply for and when to work these shifts, so your work can fit perfectly around your student life.
The Money Advice team can help any LJMU student facing financial hardship with friendly advice and immediate assistance to cover food costs and other bills through our Student Support Fund.
Email: moneyadvice@ljmu.ac.uk
Telephone: 0151 231 3153/ 3154
If you are currently employed by a nationwide employer (such as retailers or supermarkets) you may be able to ask for a transfer. This is a great way to ensure that you keep your job regardless of where you have moved to. If you are new to Liverpool, at the start of each term, there is usually an increase in the amount of jobs available, particularly for students.
It is natural to feel nervous or overwhelmed, and it can be a while before you feel like you have found your feet. You’re not on your own at LJMUthere’s always someone on hand to help, advise and guide. Don’t forget, you can talk to someone face-to-face by visiting our SAW drop-in service from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday at the Student Life Building or James Parsons Building.
Visit our student homepage to find specialised help and support, no matter what you need.
Access amazing job opportunities through Unitemps LJMU, all ring-fenced to LJMU students and graduates. Unitemps LJMU provides you with flexible employment opportunities offering interesting and varied positions, both on-campus and at local businesses within the Liverpool City Region. Our team is committed to finding the right role for you.
Č Work part-time and become financially independent while you study
Č Gain valuable work experience and enhance your employability
Č Learn new skills, upgrade your CV and boost your career prospects
FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER FOR UNITEMPS:
LOOKING FOR PART-TIME, TEMPORARY OR CASUAL WORK IN LIVERPOOL?
Wednesday 24 September, 1-3pm Student Life Building (SLB)
UPGRADE YOUR CV BEFORE THE FAIR
Come and chat to the Student Futures team at our ‘How to prepare for the fair’ session on 23 September and at our CV Café at the SLB Careers Zone on the day of the fair.
Whatever your sporting interests or fitness level, there’s something for everyone here at LJMU as you begin your university journey. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete ready to join a competitive sports team or looking to stay active and explore new experiences, we’ve got plenty to offer.
Our Physical Wellbeing team manages a wide variety of recreational activities and fitness options.
On campus, our Sports Building, located next to the Student Life Building, features a double sports hall, fitness studios, and a gym. Here, we run a range of classes, events, leagues, and wellbeing programmes designed to keep you active and connected.
Across the city and beyond, you’ll also have access to our partner venues offering everything from swimming and climbing to pitch and putt along the coast and exciting watersports on the River Mersey. All partner venues are conveniently located near the university or are easily accessible by local bus and train routes.
Enjoy full access to all fitness classes, off-peak swimming, the LJMU gym, and bookable spaces for a wide range of recreational sessions—both in our Sports Building and at partner venues across the city region.
Scan the QR code to get your LJMU Move Membership.
Wednesday 17 September 2025 10am to 6pm
As part of your induction week this September, make sure to visit the Sports Building on Copperas Hill. Meet our team, take part in free activities, tour our top-class facilities, and learn more about the Move Membership. You can also explore part-time work opportunities with our team and discover how to volunteer with local community groups during your time at LJMU.
If you’ve decided to stay at home and commute to campus, luckily LJMU is based in the heart of Liverpool city centre, so travelling to and from uni is a breeze...
Both Mount Pleasant and City Campus are a 10-minute walk from Lime Street Train Station, Queens Square Bus Station and Ranelagh Street bus stop. We also have cycle racks and bike storage at both campuses and behind the Student Life Building, plus shower facilities in our LJMU Sport Building.
We don’t offer on-campus parking spaces*, so if you’re lucky enough to have a car, ask yourself whether it is really worth spending the money on fuel and parking to drive into the city centre? You can use
online tools like Google Maps or City Mapper to plan your journeys to and from campus on foot, by bike or on our local public transport network. You’ll be saving yourself money as well as doing good for the planet and supporting our university pledge for a more sustainable future.
*Are you a blue badge holder? You can request on campus car parking by emailing: disability@ljmu.ac.uk
AVRIL ROBARTS LIBRARY
CHERIE BOOTH BUILDING (BS/CHERIE BOOTH)
CITY SQUARE
PETER JOST CENTRE (BS/ PETER JOST)
GENERAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH INSTITUTE (BS/GERI)
HENRY COTTON BUILDING (HC)
JAMES PARSONS BUILDING, BYROM STREET (BS)
LIFE SCIENCES BUILDING (MAX PERUTZ BUILDING)
MARYBONE LECTURE THEATRE (MB/MARYBONE)
SPORT SCIENCE BUILDING (GSC)
TITHEBARN
(TB)
EDUCATION
EGERTON COURT (EC)
HARDMAN HOUSE (LEGAL ADVICE CENTRE AND BUSINESS CLINIC) (HH)
JOHN FOSTER BUILDING (JF)
JOHN LENNON ART AND DESIGN BUILDING (JLADB)
LIVERPOOL SCIENCE
(LSP)
ABLETT HOUSE
AGNES JONES HOUSE
ALBERT COURT
ATLANTIC POINT
BYROM POINT
COPPERAS HOUSE
GLASSWORKS
GRAND CENTRAL
GRENVILLE STREET
HARDMAN HOUSE
HORIZON HEIGHTS
LIMELIGHT
MARYBONE 1, 2 & 3
PROSPECT POINT ST. ANDREW’S GARDENS
We can’t wait for you to get here, but in the meantime get to know every inch of the city and some of the things you might like to do during your time as an LJMU student.
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Liverpool city centre, known locally as ‘Town’, is like something out of a moviebecause it is! From The Batman to Peaky Blinders our streets make for a stunning backdrop, filled with more Grade 1 listed buildings and national museums and galleries than any UK city outside of London. And with a bevvy of bars, shops and restaurants, it’s more than just a pretty face.
3
Getting the name from its past life as the city’s centre for rope manufacturing, the cobbled area between Duke Street and Bold Street is still considered to be the epicentre for Liverpool’s nightlife and restaurants with it’s central Concert Square a freshers rite of passage.
2
New York has Brooklyn, London has Shoreditch and Liverpool has the Baltic Triangle. Where else can you find iconic street art, incredible music venues, independent coffee shops and breweries, street food and vintage markets AND a golf course inside a warehouse all in one postcode?
If you want a cathedralwe’ve got one to spare!
Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter is bookended by the two cathedrals heading up either end of Hope Street. But there’s more to this area than just elegant Georgian architecture. Get lost in its public parks, cram in the culture at its two theatres, or spend a day wining and dining across loads of great places to eat and a traditional English pub scene.
4 5 6 7
They call the top end of town the Knowledge Quarter. Nestled in beside the University of Liverpool, the walkways that link our two universities are a mix of Victorian gothic and 60s modernism alongside hitech new centres of learning. This is where great things happen.
Liverpool’s business district is filled with ornate banking halls, lofty skyscrapers and eyecatching late 19th century office buildings. Got a head for heights? Try dining at one of our penthouse restaurants or hunt out a secret roof garden.
Our iconic Mersey waterfront offers everything from a sing-along in The Beatles Story to a picturesque, if a little windy, riverside stroll. Magnificent mercantile architecture like the famous Liver Building is nestled alongside Turner Prize winning contemporary art - try finding more culture and history per square inch anywhere else!
Fancy a scran? (That’s ‘meal’ in Scouse!)
If you’re looking for freshly made coffee, bagels and doughnuts to die for this café is a Chinatown staple – plus it’s vegan and dog friendly – woof!
Authentic Neapolitan pizza? Yes please! With three locations spread across the city centre, this North West cornerstone is a little slice of heaven.
Ask any Liverpool local where they go to for Indian food and most likely they’ll say here. Their tiffin style dishes offer an authentic taste of India for veggies, vegans and meat eaters alike. We’re lucky to call the mastermind behind Mowgli, Nisha Katona, our Chancellor!
Liverpool is known as a city of music with a vibrant nightlife just waiting to be discovered
Nestled in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, Boxpark is Liverpool’s newest hotspot, serving up an irresistible mix of mouth-watering street food, live entertainment, and events.
We’re a city with a creative past, present and future FACT
This art gallery-cinemahybrid delivers on substance and style. Where else can you find contemporary art nestled alongside blockbusters and art-house film?
From panto to performance art, these local theatres offer accessible tickets to unmissable shows – bravo!
This former school house hosts cutting edge contemporary collections and touring exhibitions – plus a café full of tasty treats.
A rite of passage - The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan have all played here. Sample a Fat Frog, their signature drink, and dance away to school disco classics.
This one-of-a-kind venue has hosted some of the world’s most renowned artists. From electrifying live gigs and club nights to immersive theatre performances and a platform for rising talent. Oh, and it’s also home to Liverpool’s only indoor roller-skating disco!
From the wild to the wonderful, we’re obsessed with the outdoors
You have to take the famous ferry ‘cross the Mersey at least once and what better reason than to cross the sands of West Kirby bay to Hilbre Island. This reserve is free to enter and you might even spot a seal!
This nature reserve and beach is a 30-minute train ride out of the city and is one of the only places in the country where you can see a red squirrel.
Catch a bus 15 minutes outside of the city centre and step into 235 acres of Grade 1 listed glory. Check out the Palm House with film screenings and events throughout the year.
The home of world-class sport? It’s got to be Merseyside
Our passion for football runs deep with Liverpool, Everton and Tranmere football clubs all within the Liverpool City Region.
Whether you’re after a driving range, or over 40(!) golf courses, Merseyside is the golfing capital of England. Now that’s a hole in one
We’ve tonnes of local clubs for beginners and pros alike with routes through some picturesque locations. Join a local club or get active with LJMU Move.
No matter what your tastes, get ready to dance your feet off!
The UK’s largest free celebration of African music and culture takes place each summer on Sefton Park. Be prepared for tasty food and non-stop dancing.
From local artists to global headliners, this festival across venues around Liverpool is a staple in the city’s musical calendar.
This festival of LGBTQIA+ art is a must see across the city, with music, art, dance and more spread across venues.
Once your place at LJMU is confirmed and you’ve received your registration email, be sure to complete this checklist
Complete your online registration
–View your induction timetable and plan your journey to campus
–Bring your student ID card with you on your first day
–Download the My LJMU app –on My LJMU, you can request support, book tutorials and see your personal timetable on the go
–Download the Canvas app –for course materials, submitting coursework and updates from your lecturers and tutors
–Download the Outlook app –so you can send and receive LJMU emails
–
Set up multi-factor authentication using the Microsoft Authenticator app – to access your accounts safely off campus
–Get involved in Freshers events jmsu.co.uk/freshers
Student registration help
E: studentregistration@ljmu.ac.uk
T: 0151 231 3289
–
General advice and wellbeing support
E: studentsupport@ljmu.ac.uk
T: 0151 231 3664
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Money advice and queries
E: moneyadvice@ljmu.ac.uk
T: 0151 231 3153
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Accommodation advice and queries
E: accommodation@ljmu.ac.uk
T: 0151 231 4166
For specific school, faculty or other key university contacts, scan the QR code: