Liverpool city centre is preparing to welcome thousands of students back for the new academic year with a major Student Takeover featuring discounts, giveaways, competitions and entertainment.

Organised by Liverpool Business Improvement District, the Student Takeover will take place on Friday, September 25, with shops, restaurants, bars, theatres, cultural venues and other businesses across the city centre getting involved.

Students will be able to take advantage of exclusive offers across fashion, food and drink, alongside live DJs, fitness challenges, free samples, competitions and one-day-only experiences.

Liverpool BID will be at the heart of the event with giant games, giveaways, city maps and information for students, as well as a spin-the-wheel competition and free iced coffee and matcha.

Neil Ashcroft, Centre Director at St Johns Shopping Centre, says:

“Students are a hugely important part of the St Johns community, bringing real energy to the centre and the wider city. We also know how important value is, which is why so many of our retailers tailor their offers specifically for students.

“From fashion and everyday essentials at JD Sports, discounted memberships at XF Gym or food and socialising at McDonald’s and Boom Battle Bar, St Johns has plenty to offer students throughout the year.

“We’re delighted to be working with Liverpool BID on the Student Takeover and look forward to welcoming new and returning students to St Johns.”

Exclusive student offers across the city

Students can take advantage of special offers from some of Liverpool’s best-known businesses (All locations require a valid student ID);

• Bravissimo – 10% off across the shop.
• All Over the Shop – 10% off.
• River Island – special Student Takeover activation, DJ and 20% off for the evening.
• Resurrection – DJs in store, any two band T-shirts for £30 and 20% off full-price items for students.
• HMV – 10% student discount.
• Utility, Bold Street – 20% off full-price items with valid student ID. Exclusions may apply.
• Storm – 10% off non-sale items.
• H&M – 20% off with valid student ID.
• Quirky Quarter – 50% off all day.
• Cass Art – spin the wheel for art-themed prizes, plus 10% off in store for students.
• Forbidden Planet – 20% student discount, plus free goodie bags for the first 60 students visiting on 25 September.
• Lovisa – 20% off premium solid gold piercings.
• Wongs Jewellers – 20% off piercings and permanent jewellery, plus a chance to win £100 in Wongs vouchers.

Food and drink offers

With one of the fastest growing foodie scenes, students can dive straight in

• The Alchemist – a limited-time collaboration menu item with Pot Noodle, alongside a branded Hummer featuring a DJ booth. 
• Gusto – students can use the Student Beans app to receive 20% off their food bill, Monday to Thursday.
• Barnacle – 2-for-1 cocktails all day.
• Pho – free samples from broth backpacks.
• Moose Coffee – £5 unlimited pancakes when purchasing a drink, available across all Liverpool stores.
• Head of Steam – 25% off food and drink for students.
• Franco Manca – £6 pizzas, alongside a competition giving students the chance to have their tuition fees paid.

Slug & Lettuce will also be offering a special Student Takeover deal, with student bottomless brunch for £20 on 25, 26 and 27 September when students quote “Student Takeover” when booking. The venue’s usual student offers include £27.95 student bottomless brunch, 25% off food Sunday–Thursday and student-only drinks offers through the Student Mixr app.

The Student Takeover will also feature a number of interactive activities taking place across the city.

Everlast Gym will challenge students to test themselves with its Grip Strength Challenge and Hang Bar Challenge.

Boom Battle Bar will also be promoting its student deals, including two-for-one cocktails, 25% off other drinks and 25% off games from Sunday to Thursday.

Liverpool FC is joining the event with a 20% student discount on Liverpool FC Stadium Tour and Museum tickets.

Students will be able to claim the discount during the Student Takeover, with the offer remaining valid until December 31, 2026.

As well as entertainment and offers, the event will give students the opportunity to access practical advice and support.

NatWest will provide guidance on student bank accounts, budgeting, fraud awareness, scams and general financial wellbeing.

Its team will also be available to support students interested in opening an account, while a drop-in clinic will offer an informal opportunity to ask questions about banking and managing money.

The Student Takeover is being held in collaboration with Liverpool ONE, which is staging its own Student Event throughout the day.

That event will include the Student Shopper Sweep, giving selected students the chance to race around participating stores during five-minute shopping sprees, alongside exclusive discounts, freebies and entertainment across Liverpool ONE.

The Liverpool Student Takeover takes place across the city centre on Friday, September 25.

READ MORE: Key to Paul McCartney’s childhood Liverpool home set to go under the hammer