LJMU - help for Irish and Northern Irish students (2026)
Welcome
Hello there incoming LJMU students from all over Northern Ireland! I am going to share to you my own experiences of moving to Liverpool from Northern Ireland 2 years ago and how I have found it was the best decision I ever made.
Personal experience on why I chose to come to LJMU:
Coming from Northern Ireland, choosing where to go to university felt overwhelming at first. With A-levels in History, Politics and English Literature, I knew I wanted somewhere that valued discussion, critical thinking and strong humanities departments. I spent months researching different universities, attending virtual open days and speaking to teachers and past students, but Liverpool John Moores University kept standing out to me. What first attracted me to Liverpool was the city itself. It felt vibrant, welcoming and full of character—very different from home, yet not intimidating. I liked that it was a large city but still had a strong sense of community. When I looked into LJMU specifically, I was impressed by how practical and career-focused the courses were, while still encouraging independent thought and debate.
Another major factor in my decision was how supportive LJMU seemed toward students moving from elsewhere in the UK and Ireland. Moving across the water was a huge step for me, and I worried about homesickness and fitting in, but everything I read suggested that the university had a strong support system and a friendly student atmosphere. After speaking to current students and lecturers at an open day, I could genuinely picture myself living and studying there. Here at LJMU i am currently studying Education and Primary studies where I have met some amazing people who have also travelled from Northern Ireland to study the exact same subject and most of these people have become great friends of mine.
Support that the university offers for students from Northern Ireland
When you come to study at LJMU if you are from Northern Ireland, I have found a few different ways to get support especially within my studies as moving from home can be daunting.
- [ ] Dedicated Student Wellbeing Advisors offer support for homesickness and loneliness, with drop-ins available Monday–Friday (10am–4pm) in the Student Life and James Parsons buildings.
- [ ] The students union ( John Moores Student Union (JMSU) supports an Irish and Northern Irish society, which hosts social gatherings, cultural celebrations, and music nights.
- [ ] During my first year I attended a programme called “join the dots” which allowed me to meet up with a PHD student who was able to help me through my transition from home to Liverpool as well as allowing me to meet other students from the same background as myself.
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from my experience, it’s that stepping outside your comfort zone can open doors you never expected. Moving from Northern Ireland to Liverpool felt terrifying at first, but it turned into the most rewarding chapter of my life so far. LJMU gave me more than just a degree—it gave me confidence, friendships, independence and memories I’ll carry forever.
So to any incoming students from Northern Ireland who are feeling unsure or nervous: trust yourself, be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to take that leap. You might just find, like I did, that Liverpool becomes a place you never want to leave. I wish you all the best for the exciting journey ahead—you’ve got this.
Còra (LJMU student rep )
Hello there incoming LJMU students from all over Northern Ireland! I am going to share to you my own experiences of moving to Liverpool from Northern Ireland 2 years ago and how I have found it was the best decision I ever made.
Personal experience on why I chose to come to LJMU:
Coming from Northern Ireland, choosing where to go to university felt overwhelming at first. With A-levels in History, Politics and English Literature, I knew I wanted somewhere that valued discussion, critical thinking and strong humanities departments. I spent months researching different universities, attending virtual open days and speaking to teachers and past students, but Liverpool John Moores University kept standing out to me. What first attracted me to Liverpool was the city itself. It felt vibrant, welcoming and full of character—very different from home, yet not intimidating. I liked that it was a large city but still had a strong sense of community. When I looked into LJMU specifically, I was impressed by how practical and career-focused the courses were, while still encouraging independent thought and debate.
Another major factor in my decision was how supportive LJMU seemed toward students moving from elsewhere in the UK and Ireland. Moving across the water was a huge step for me, and I worried about homesickness and fitting in, but everything I read suggested that the university had a strong support system and a friendly student atmosphere. After speaking to current students and lecturers at an open day, I could genuinely picture myself living and studying there. Here at LJMU i am currently studying Education and Primary studies where I have met some amazing people who have also travelled from Northern Ireland to study the exact same subject and most of these people have become great friends of mine.
Support that the university offers for students from Northern Ireland
When you come to study at LJMU if you are from Northern Ireland, I have found a few different ways to get support especially within my studies as moving from home can be daunting.
- [ ] Dedicated Student Wellbeing Advisors offer support for homesickness and loneliness, with drop-ins available Monday–Friday (10am–4pm) in the Student Life and James Parsons buildings.
- [ ] The students union ( John Moores Student Union (JMSU) supports an Irish and Northern Irish society, which hosts social gatherings, cultural celebrations, and music nights.
- [ ] During my first year I attended a programme called “join the dots” which allowed me to meet up with a PHD student who was able to help me through my transition from home to Liverpool as well as allowing me to meet other students from the same background as myself.
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from my experience, it’s that stepping outside your comfort zone can open doors you never expected. Moving from Northern Ireland to Liverpool felt terrifying at first, but it turned into the most rewarding chapter of my life so far. LJMU gave me more than just a degree—it gave me confidence, friendships, independence and memories I’ll carry forever.
So to any incoming students from Northern Ireland who are feeling unsure or nervous: trust yourself, be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to take that leap. You might just find, like I did, that Liverpool becomes a place you never want to leave. I wish you all the best for the exciting journey ahead—you’ve got this.
Còra (LJMU student rep )
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