Liverpool institute
of performing arts

Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, LIPA, is one of the most well-known schools of its kind in the world. It was founded by Sir Paul McCartney and Mark Featherstone-Witty in 1966 as a place to offer degree courses for the performing arts.

The school currently offers 11 full-time degree courses, several Masters courses and 3 foundation courses.

Those courses include acting, theatre, filmmaking, dance, design and technology, music, management and sound technology.

Competition to get into LIPA is fierce. As one of the highest-rated schools of its kind, there are typically over 3,000 applications each year for just 250 places.

LIPA is close to the centre of Liverpool by the Georgian Quarter. It’s a lively area surrounded by bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, shopping and more. It’s a short walk to Chinatown, Edge Hill, the Knowledge Quarter and everywhere else you might need to go.

There’s a bus stop outside the building, otherwise, it’s an easy walk to anywhere in Liverpool city centre.

Liverpool is a big city but not too big. Most central areas are walkable and there are buses and taxis for everywhere else.

The university is well positioned in the city and our student accommodation in Liverpool is within walking distance.

The wider city has six UNESCO World Heritage sites across the waterfront and the city centre is full of shopping, dining, entertainment, galleries, museums and things to see and do.

Liverpool Chinatown is one of the largest and oldest in Europe and offers amazing food and shopping. Canning, Albert Dock and Pier Head all offer more dining options, nightlight, culture and entertainment.

There are also parks and outside spaces to relax or hang out with friends when you’re not studying. Parks such as Otterspool Park, Sefton Park and Calderstones Park are all local favourites.

The cost of living in Liverpool is moderate. As your student accommodation in Liverpool is centrally located, there will be a premium for that. However, you’ll save money on transport and will never have to travel far for food, entertainment, to get to class or anything else you need, so other costs will be minimal.

Yes, you can! If we can’t show you the exact room you’ll be staying in, we’ll show you one that’s almost the same. Arranging a viewing is all part of the student housing application process and, while optional, is definitely recommended!

If you want to have your own space, you can. We have single occupancy student housing and rooms to share. If you want your own space, we have a selection of affordable options close to LIPA that will fit the bill.

If you prefer to share with others, you can! Our student flats in Liverpool can be for you alone or shared with friends. Let us know your preferences when you apply, and we’ll be sure to allocate you suitable accommodation.

Yes, it is! Kitchens will include appliances, basic cleaning supplies, vacuum, kettle and an ironing board. You’ll have to bring your own supplies, such as washing up liquid, cups, plates and any smaller item that will make your time in your student accommodation more enjoyable.

We can’t allow pets in our student accommodation in Liverpool, unfortunately. It wouldn’t be fair on them, living in a flat with you studying. You’ll have so much to do with studying and exploring Liverpool that bringing your pet wouldn’t be a good idea anyway. They’ll be much happier staying at home!

Liverpool is as safe as any other British city. A lot of work has gone into reducing crime in the city centre and now Liverpool is on par with other metropolitan areas. As long as you take basic precautions and be aware of your surroundings, crime should not be an issue while you’re here.

Liverpool is an amazingly friendly place. One common theme we hear from students is how welcoming and accepting people are here. As long as you’re nice to them, they’ll be nice to you. There’s also a vibrant food, drink and arts scene in the city, so you’ll never be short of things to see and do!