9 Things Every Student Will Learn When They Move to Liverpool for University — From Learning About "Wools" To Navigating The Student Nightlife

Editorial
Sep 2, 2024
5 min read

Here Are 9 Things That Every Student Will Learn When They Move to Liverpool for University - From Learning About "Wools" To Navigating The Student Nightlife & Learning The Scouse Slang

Moving to Liverpool for university is a decision that goes beyond just simply choosing a place to study — it’s about embracing a new city filled with history, culture and community, going to a completely new place.

From the moment you step foot in your new city, Liverpool will start to shape your experience in ways you might not even expect. Whether it's the city's famous accent or its deep love for music and sport, here are nine things every student will inevitably learn when they move to Liverpool for University.

1. Scouse Pride Will Rub Off On You

Liverpool isn’t just a city, it’s a living, breathing entity that its people adore. Scousers are known for their fierce pride in their hometown, and it won’t take long for you to start feeling the same way by promoting and protecting the city when you return home by Christmas.

From the stunning Waterfront lined with historic buildings such as The Three Graces, to the rich musical legacy left by The Beatles, you’ll find yourself drawn into the vibrant energy that pulses throughout Liverpool in every nook and cranny.

The city is steeped in history, and as you explore its local cultural spots, bars, restaurants and meet get to know some of the Liverpudlians, you will come to understand why locals are so proud to call it home.

2. The Scouse Accent & Slang Will Become Second Nature

At first, the Scouse Slang you will undoubtedly hear might sound like an entirely different language, but you’ll be surprised at how quickly it grows on you.

Slang and phrases such as "boss" (great), "scran" (food), "sound" (good), "baltic" (freezing) and "wool" (we'll explain more in a moment) will soon become part of your everyday vocabulary.

You’ll also get used to the quick pace of Scouse humour — it’s sharp, witty, and always has a playful charm to it. Embracing and appreciating the local accent and slang will help you feel more at home, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself speaking like a Liverpudlian with all the local lingo you’ll pick up!

3. Knowing Who Is A Wool

One of the many quirks you'll encounter in Liverpool is the playful term 'Wool', you'll also likely hear the terms 'Woolyback' or 'Wooly', too, which have the same meaning but are just different variants of the slang term. Calling someone a "Wool" is often used to describe people from outside the city, especially from other parts of the surrounding County of Merseyside or the newly formed Liverpool City Region, this includes areas like the Wirral and St Helens.

The term is a lighthearted distinction that Scousers often like to use in order to separate those from the City of Liverpool to from those hailing from the nearby towns such as Birkenhead and Runcorn who could be mistaken as Scousers by those coming to the city for the first time to study at University and are not yet aquainted with the local intricacies.

While it's all in good fun, you'll quickly pick up on the local pride that drives this, and likely start to use the term yourself when speaking about people from Merseyside or the broader Liverpool City Region. The term "Woolyback" started to be used to refer to those from Merseyside more frequently during the 1990s and by the 2000s and 2010s the term being shortened to "Wool" was commonplace. The 2020s has since seen the addition of "Wooly" having been added to the list which is something I know first hand, especially after having been called it enough times for being from the Wirral during my time studying for my degree in Liverpool.

4. Football Is More Than Just a Sport

If you didn’t care about football before arriving in Liverpool, that’s about to change. In this city, football is a way of life. The rivalry between Liverpool FC and Everton FC is legendary, and you’ll quickly be swept up in the passion that surrounds the beautiful game. Whether you’re watching a match at Anfield, Goodison Park, or just at a local pub, the atmosphere on matchdays is electric. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, you’ll soon find yourself invested in the outcome of games and maybe even picking a side in the city’s football divide.

5. Smithdown Road Is the Ultimate Student Hub

After your first year in halls, you’ll likely find yourself living on Smithdown Road, the beating heart of Liverpool’s student community. Smithdown is known for its affordable housing, lively pubs, and a strong sense of community among students. You’ll spend your nights at places like The Brookhouse and your days exploring the nearby cafes and shops. It’s a rite of passage for Liverpool students, and Smithdown will undoubtedly become the backdrop to some of your best university memories.

6. Liverpool’s Nightlife Is Legendary

Liverpool is famous for its nightlife, and as a student, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience it firsthand. From the bustling clubs of Concert Square to the quirky bars of the Baltic Triangle, there’s always something going on. Whether you’re in the mood for live music at the Cavern Club or a night of dancing, Liverpool offers a night out for every taste. The city’s energy after dark is unmatched, and you’ll soon see why it’s considered one of the best places for students to let loose.

7. Public Transport Will Be Your Lifeline

Liverpool has a well-connected public transport system that makes getting around the city easy, especially for students. Buses are frequent and affordable, particularly if you live in student-heavy areas like Smithdown Road. The Merseyrail system is also a lifesaver when you need to travel across the city or beyond, and with a student railcard, you’ll save even more. You’ll soon find that navigating Liverpool’s transport network is a breeze, whether you’re heading to uni, into town, or even across the river to the Wirral.

8. Sefton Park Will Become Your Go To Location

Amid the hustle and bustle of university life, Sefton Park will quickly become your go-to place to relax and unwind. This sprawling green space is perfect for a jog, a picnic with friends, or simply a quiet walk to clear your head after a long day of lectures. The park also hosts various events throughout the year, from festivals to outdoor cinema screenings, making it a lively spot to visit during your time in the city. Its peaceful atmosphere is the perfect counterbalance to Liverpool’s lively urban environment.

9. The Food Scene Will Amaze You

Liverpool’s culinary scene is as diverse as the city itself. Bold Street, in particular, is a treasure trove of incredible food from around the world, offering everything from Middle Eastern dishes to mouthwatering Italian and vegan options. You’ll quickly develop your own list of favourite spots to grab a bite between classes or meet up with friends for dinner. And of course, no stay in Liverpool is complete without trying a bowl of traditional Scouse stew — a comforting dish that reflects the city’s hardworking spirit.

Conclusion

Liverpool is more than just a place to study as it’s a city that will capture your heart and become an integral part of your university experience. From learning the local slang to navigating the student nightlife, your time in Liverpool will shape you in ways you never imagined. By the end of your studies, you’ll feel like an Honorary Scouser — with stories, memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

You’ll feel right at home and soon be seen as one of Liverpool's own, which is known as an 'Adopted Scouser', or a 'Honorary Scouser'. Another interesting Scouse Slang term to note is the name 'Plazzy Scouser', which is again another fun nickname given to people from the Liverpool City Region or Merseyside, by people from the City of Liverpool.