Hi,
You don't have to stay in your University's specific halls no. A lot of people stay in different halls and you will find there is a mix everywhere 🙂
Have you been in touch with the accommodations team for Hope University? They might be able to point you in the right direction for specific halls that have a variety of different students from different universities around Liverpool there. This might make it easier for you. It is important that you pick an accommodation that you like and that you will be settled in, as you will spend quite a while there in your first year of studies!
However, do bear in mind some accoms will specifically be for LJMU students or Uni of Liverpool, and they might not offer you a space over their own students etc. You will need to enquire and do some research before you find the right bet for you.
Good luck!
Ria
Official LJMU Rep