Welcome to Liverpool!
First of all, allow us to offer you the warmest of welcomes to Liverpool, LJMU and JMSU! Whether you’re a born and raised Scouser, this is your first time in the city, or you fall somewhere in between, we’re so happy to welcome you and offer our support as you settle into uni life. 👋 🎉
We’re JMSU, an organisation ran by students, for students. We’re here to make sure you have the best time you can possibly have while you complete your studies! Not only do we run all kinds of events for you to socialise and get familiar with the city, we offer services and advice to make sure all students feel supported no matter what happens throughout your university career.
Although you may not be seeing much of us around campus at the moment, please know that we’re still here for you virtually! Whether through our website or social media, our digital presence is dedicated to making it as easy as possible for you to get in touch for advice, find opportunities, or just to have a chat! 💬 💻 ✨
So, you’ve chosen LJMU, great start!
You’ve joined not only a fantastic institution that is sure to help set you on your path to success, you’ve also joined the best city in the world (we’re not biased, promise). Hailed as the Capital of Culture 2008, there’s more to do and see here than we could ever put into one blog post, so let us talk you through the highlights.
As COVID continues to present new challenges, it is more important now than ever to socialise in a responsible way. Not only for your own health, but for the health of your community, too. For this reason, we have selected some of the best, and safest, activities for you to get involved with to help you find your feet. 🤩 👇
Our city:
This might sound obvious and a bit unnecessary to include but bear with us. We know Liverpool is the best city in the world, but do you? The best way to get the most out of the city is to explore it for yourself. From Bold Street to Lark Lane, Sefton Park to China Town, there’s so much culture, art and food to take in so why not grab a mate, grab a mask and see what you can find?
Our recommendation: check out Baltic Triangle for some really cool street art, quirky cafes and of course, Paul Curtis’ iconic Wings!
Sefton Park:
Sefton Park is stunning no matter what time of year it is. The 235-acre park is home to a lake, caves, waterfalls, an ice cream parlour and the iconic Palm House! Go for a stroll or make a day of it, Sefton Park has enough on offer to do either. Make sure you dress for the weather, and if it’s sunny it’s the perfect spot for a socially distanced get-to-know-each other picnic with your new flat/course mates!
Our recommendation: if you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip to Old Nick’s Cave for a glimpse into the past!
Museum & Gallery tour:
With a reputation for incredible music, football and culture, it’s easy to forget that Liverpool is also home to some of the best artists and artwork in the world. For this reason, Liverpool has no shortage of museums and galleries both large and small. What’s even better? Many of them are free! While some of Liverpool’s most incredible museums and galleries are temporarily closed due to COVID, many of them are still open and absolutely worth a visit! FACT, Walker Art gallery and Liverpool TATE are holding some fantastic exhibitions over the next few weeks, don’t miss out and don’t forget your mask!
Our recommendation: visit the free ‘And Say the Animal Responded?’ exhibition now at FACT for a glimpse into a world so elusive and unfamiliar to us. Be sure to plan ahead as you may need to book!
The Docks:
The docks that stretch the length of Liverpool have played a vital part in the city’s history, both good and bad. Specifically designed to boost Liverpool’s economy and place themselves as one of the greatest maritime cities on earth, by the 19th century 40% of global trade was passing through Liverpool’s docks. Many of the docks have since had a facelift, including the Royal Albert Dock which is now home to a range of museums, galleries, independent shops, restaurants and cafes. Go for a stroll around the docks to admire the industrial architecture that Liverpool is so famous for and see what hidden gems you can find!
Our recommendation: head to The Colonnades for a walk around some of the best independent shops in Liverpool. Nature’s Treasure is particularly good for unusual gifts, crystals and the best wonders nature has to offer.
Baltic Triangle:
Though we mentioned this briefly earlier, it would be criminal to discuss the very best of Liverpool without letting you in on Liverpool’s worst kept secret. Hailed as the creative and digital quarter of Liverpool, Baltic Triangle is a bustling district that currently acts as Liverpool’s epicentre for creative arts, fresh ideas, and tech. It’s not all business, though. With creative spaces around every corner, this is the perfect opportunity for you to meet some really interesting people, share ideas, and find your new favourite coffee shop!
Our recommendation: Baltic Market is the place to be for some of the best food in the city. Featuring cuisines from around the world, you won’t find better than this. Don’t forget your mask and plan ahead to make sure you can comply with Baltic Market’s COVID guidelines.
Closer to home at JMSU we have a full roster of events coming up over the next few weeks to keep you busy, help you meet new people and ease you into the city. Make sure you don’t miss our full calendar of events during our Online Events Programme, full of fun activities, welcome talks and inductions starting this week.
