Ormskirk is a hub for bargain buys and inexpensive travel. Whether you’re looking for a reasonably priced day out, a space to catch up with friends over a hot drink, or to find your new favourite food place, you’ll find it at just a 15-minute walk from our beautiful campus.
Affordable accommodation
The cost of living in the North West of England is much cheaper than in the South East or London. Ormskirk shares Edge Hill’s community spirit, with more than 1,000 EHU students living in the area.
If you choose to live in private accommodation, the amount you pay will depend on the housing you choose. If you choose to live off-campus, you’ll never be out of the way. You can travel or walk to campus within minutes. If you’re interested in renting private accommodation, start by speaking to our Accommodation Team for advice and guidance. Whatever your idea of home may be, you’ll find all the inspiration you need at the Accommodation Team’s house hunting workshops and housing fairs.
Days out in Ormskirk
Food and drink
Ormskirk is home to a range of eateries to suit all budgets. Right in the heart of town, there are multiple independent cafes, such as Bloom & Brew and Bramley’s. If you are looking for something to grab on the go, The Bagel Deli has a range of hot and cold bagels and desserts. There is also a Costa, perfect for grabbing a hot drink and studying with friends.
Nordico Lounge and the Ormskirk Food and Drink Market are the best places to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal after a long day of studying. Both cater for most diets and allergens, with Nordico having separate gluten free and vegan menus.
Wetherspoons is a popular choice among students, with the option to add a drink to your meal a good money-saving hack. On each day of the week, there are often specific deals, meaning you can tuck into your favourite meal for a fraction of the price.
Shopping on a budget
Ormskirk is also home to range of charity shops and vintage shops so make sure to give these a try. From study essentials to on-trend clothing, you can find what you need for a fraction of the retail price. There’s also Ormskirk’s twice-weekly farmers market, stocked with reasonably priced goods and gifts.
Low-cost supermarkets such as Aldi, Home Bargains, and B&M are easily accessible so you can make delicious meals on a budget. Make a day of shopping with your flatmates and make a home-cooked meal using your cheap finds to round off the day.
Cheap travel
Ormskirk has excellent transport links across the North West, allowing you to travel at ease. If you’re looking for a fun day out in the surrounding area, you can easily access the vibrant cities of Liverpool and Manchester, and the coastlines of Formby and Southport. Plus, the local roads are much easier to navigate than in the city, and there’s lots of student travel discounts that you can access.
Travelling by car
Ormskirk town centre offers 10 pay and display Council car parks, offering various parking spaces. Discover availability and rates by visiting westlancs.gov.uk. You can also book available spaces online by visiting the Your Parking Space website.
Ormskirk has excellent rail links at just a 15-minute walk from campus. You can enjoy cheap days out in places like Liverpool, Manchester, Formby and Southport.
Railcards
At £30 per year or £70 for three years, the 16-25 Railcard cuts a third off all UK train travel. If you’re a full-time student over the age of 25, you’re still eligible to apply. If you need to get your application form stamped by Edge Hill, visit the Student Information Desk in the Student Information Centre. Our friendly staff will be happy to do this for you. There is also a 26-30 railcard.
A number of buses connect Ormskirk to the surrounding area. You can also hop on our Edge Link bus for free and you’ll be on campus within minutes.
Arriva North West Student Saver
Arriva North West Student Saver offers more than 30% off fares. You can benefit from unlimited travel on Arriva buses, including evening and weekends. You can also choose from tickets including a Day Saver, Weekly Saver, 4-Weekly Saver and Annual Saver.
Stagecoach Megarider
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, travelling by coach is likely more cost effective than travelling by train.
7 and 28 day MegaRiders offer great everyday value. These are available to purchase with Stagecoach Megarider. The Preston Megarider and North West Megarider Gold include travel to Ormskirk within their zones.
National Express Young Person’s Coachcard
All full-time students are eligible to apply for the National Express £10 Young Person’s Coachcard which gives you a third off all tickets.
Avoid the worst of traffic and save some pennies by cycling. It’s also the perfect way to make the most of Ormskirk’s beautiful scenery.
Visit Lancashire have created handy maps that highlight cycle paths, sides streets, and accessible routes, so you can reach your destination stress free. For bike lockers available on campus, see our Affordable Campus webpage.
Merseyrail trains have designated areas for cyclists situated at both ends of the train. Many Merseyrail stations offer a bike lock-up service, so it may be best to lock up your bike or board the train without it during peak times.
Northern Rail trains can carry a maximum of two bikes per train. They’re allocated on a first come, first served basis, especially during peak times. It may be best to jump on the train earlier with a bike to ensure a space.
