Why should I choose Liverpool for my year abroad?
You’ve got great Georgian buildings to spot and explore, the city docks being recognised by none other than UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, cathedrals and glorious buildings a-plenty throughout town, famous townhouses where songs were created and recorded by arguably the most famous band in the world, and a fantastic nightlife to boot! What’s not to love about this city? You may at first struggle to comprehend the tongue in cheek humour, you’ll soon sense the immense city pride that bounces off the walls of this city and understand why locals and foreigners alike set up home here.

A lively student population and a complete revival of the city’s cultural scene has meant that it always offers something to do, something to experience, and, most important of all, a tale to tell at the end of it. One place that has people ranting and raving is the newly renovated Bluecoat, a vast artistic space that offers exhibitions and events across the field, with a large gallery to boot. The Tate Liverpool is also a must-see, being the only other Tate in Britain outside of London.

The Beatles Story is an obvious choice for any fans of the Liverpudlian Quattro, but might also be of interest to the historians out there. It has some very interesting artefacts and photography that really paints the scene of the time. You can’t mention Liverpool without looking back to its somewhat shadier roots – once a huge port for the Slave Trade, you can now visit the International Slavery Museum and get a real look at how the world once was and what impact this abominable trade has had on the world, up to this day. Croxteth Hall and County Park offers itself up as an interesting place to visit, just to get an understanding of social class back in the day. A huge estate, with a fair bit of land around it, it’s gone through some of the wealthiest men and women since its completion in Elizabethan times, it’s own of the oldest public buildings in Liverpool. Of interest for its architecturally impacting facade is the Princes Road Synagogue, with its combination of Gothic and Moorish style; its interior is a veritable kaleidoscope of colours and symbols – make sure you don’t miss it!

FACT arts centre is a good bet if you’re into art house film, contemporary art and company—check the programme regularly for all that’s new and groovy in the art world. Comedy is high on the agenda here, so don’t miss out on a Friday or Saturday show at Baby Blue or a Tuesday at the Fab Café—you’re bound to find a court jester or two...In terms of eating places and going out, Liverpool certainly comes up with the goods, it has to be said. You can’t go without experiencing the Mathew Street Festival, when all kinds of musical genres come alive for a whole week across the city in August.

If you’re looking for a belly-full of good grub, then make sure you visit the following: Kimo’s (studenty), The Monro (good pub food), Keith’s Wine Bar (cheap eats and great live music), and for the veggie fans out there, you can always head to Green Days Café. The Brookhouse, Doctor Duncan’s, Baby Cream, Philharmonic and Hannah’s are top of our list in terms of trendy and cool drinking hangouts. There’s a load of clubs to pick from, but if you’re after something special, you should head to Garlands for some hardcore House, Magnet for all things red and velvety and just that little bit kitsch and the Cavern Club for some good indie tunes. Liverpool should be top of your list if art, music and architecture are top of your agenda; it’s a real diamond in the rough amidst the many cities in Britain.