Posted 3 weeks ago
Tue 08 Jul, 2025 07:07 AM
Since your flatmates are some of the first people you’ll meet after arriving to university, it’s a no brainer that you would want to get off on the right foot.
Get to know your new flatmates and embrace the first few weeks of living together. Here's a few ways you can prepare for moving in with your new flatmates and make the most this September.
Arriving in your new flat
Over arrivals weekend, over 4,400 students will be moving into our accommodation. Depending on your arrival slot, you might check in before the rest of your flat does or you may event be the last.
First to arrive? Don’t worry – there will be so many activities going on so you don’t need to stay in your bedroom. Your flatmates will be arriving soon but why not make the most of meeting other new arrivals in the meantime? Stay tuned on Halls Life and our Instagram @livunihalls for what's on.
Last to arrive? Don't feel that you've missed out already as there are plenty of opportunities to get stuck in. Introduce yourself as soon as you arrive, get in the group chat and make some plans with your flatmates!
Take the plunge & plan a flat activity
The first few weeks after arriving are so busy. There's so much happening on campus and with starting a new course, you'll have a different timetable to your flatmates.
So you don't miss the chance to really get to know who you're living with, this is ideal time to suggest a flat activity. It might feel a little daunting to be the one to suggest a flat outing but the chances are that they'll be feeling the same. To make things easier, here's a few flat-based suggestions you can do:
Since you've just moved in, the likelihood is that you and your flatmates will be needing some kitchen and bedroom essentials. Why not suggest a trip to the shops all together and help each other get your bearings? You might even be able to split the cost and share some items too!
- Liverpool One is the main shopping area and is just 20 minutes walk from campus
- Affordable shops in city centre e.g. Home Bargains and B&M are also a short walk away from campus
Find out where to shop in our Shopping in Liverpool article
Why not suggest a flat meal in? Games night or Movie night? These can be really easy ways to get to know each other and might be a good idea to slow down after a busy Welcome Week!
Add a pack of cards to your 'what to pack; list or suggest a meal that's easy to make and share with a group of you e.g. pasta, pizza, fajitas.
There are plenty of coffee spots near our Halls so what better way to get to know your surroundings than to grab a coffee and explore campus?
Here's a few main spots you can try on campus:
- Bertie & Bella's in Vine Court (nearest to Melville, Tudor and Philharmonic Court)
- The Courtyard and Union Brew in the Guild (nearest to Crown Place and Dover Court)
- Waterhouse Café - yes, you can actually go in the famous red brick building next to university square and they serve delicious coffee and cakes (nearest to Crown Place and Dover Court)
Bring a reusable cup to any on campus outlet for 25p off your drink 🌍
Other local spots around/near to campus:
- 92 degrees - local roastery near Vine Court
- Moose Coffee - Hope Street
- Bold Street - lots of independent coffee shops e.g. Bold Street coffee, Café Tabac, Ropes & Twines
You've just arrived to a whole new city, yay!
There are so many things to explore and see while you're here. Why not pick one area to start with and invite your flatmates to go too?
Pick an area of Liverpool that's not far from Halls to get started:
- Wander around the Albert Dock - walk along the waterfront and the historic docks. Check out the Liver Building while you're there!
- Baltic Triangle for street art, photo opportunities, vintage market. Stop off for food and drinks in Baltic Market too!
- Explore Bold Street and its many independent shops, cafés, restaurants and charity shops
Keep an eye on our Exploring Liverpool tab on Halls Life for ways to make the most of your time in Liverpool
Brave the communal areas in Halls
Each Hall has a social space which you’re welcome to use. You can invite your flatmates for a game of pool and get chatting to other students too.
It might be nerve-wracking to start up a conversation with someone in the social space but you never quite know who you might bump into. The chances are that others in the social space are also hoping to chat and it can be a good way to meet people from other blocks and flats. You can always starting with ask about what course they're studying, where they live, how they're finding Liverpool so far.
Click your Hall to see where your social space is!
Head to the back of Crown Place reception area for games console, pool, table tennis.
At the back of Greenbank’s reception are, you'll find a gaming zone and pool tables.
You also have the gym space at Greenbank and outdoor green spaces to hang out on a nice sunny day.
Access Vine Mezz social space via the lift in A block in Vine Court for a foosball table, table tennis and pool table.
This social space in Vine Court is for Vine, Melville and Tudor residents. Your key card will give you access to Vine Mezz. If you have any issues with access, please speak with Vine Court reception.
Philharmonic has both a study space and common room which you can access from the main reception area. You’ll find a TV, games console, pool table and other games in the social space.
Dover Court reception area is an open space for residents to use the foosball table and pool table. There are board games in the common room/study area which you can access via reception.
Talk about flat expectations
Cleaning might not be top the conversation list when you’re first getting to know your flatmates but establishing some ground rules early on will help in the long run.
Your Residential Adviser will provide your flat a cleaning rota during your flat chat. Since you’ll be sharing a common living area and kitchen, it’s up to you and your flatmates to keep it tidy and clean between the visits from one of the domestic team. Keeping things clean and tidy is pretty much an every day job when living with a group of others. So, establishing how you'll do this early on might save an awkward conversation later.
Your flat is a space for everyone
Living in Halls can be one of the most exciting parts of uni. While you might have big expectations before you arrive, it's always a good idea to be open-minded towards who you might be living with. You might not ‘click’ with your flatmates right away or you might have different ideas on how you want to spend your free time and that's ok!
If you’re not quite making BFFs with your flatmates, it’s still just as important to be respectful of who you live with, their space and making sure that noise is kept to a minimum past the 11pm curfew.
Ask for advice if you need it
Your Residential Adviser is here to help you settle into Halls but will be there for you all year long. If you are finding yourself having flatmate worries or unsure on how to handle a situation in the flat, you can ask your RA for some friendly advice – that’s what they’re here for after all!
You’ll find out their name and contact details in the first few weeks of arriving but you can also find details on the kitchen board or by asking at reception.
