Lancaster University: What it's really like
Find out more about University of Lancaster
Looking for a picturesque university with a community feel? Lancaster could be the place for you!
Lancaster at a glance:
| Founded | 1964 |
| Locations | Lancaster, Lancashire, north west England |
| Undergraduate course length | Three years |
| Courses | The university has four departments: Arts and social sciences; Health and medicine; Science and technology; and its Management School. |
| Students | 16,000 |
| Great for | Students looking for a friendly, community-based lifestyle in a scenic location. |
| Not for | Students who want the city centre to be right on their doorstep. |
Tai Rosemin, Student Recruitment Assistant and alumnus from Lancaster University, explains what student life at Lancaster is like.
What is Lancaster University?
Lancaster University is nestled in the town of Lancaster, in the north west of England. The university is a half-hour drive from the beautiful Lake District and is by the seaside town of Morecambe.
The university offers degrees in Management, Medicine, Engineering, Law, Architecture and Fine art. It prides itself on research-led teaching, with many of its academics being experts in their field. Its flexible study approach also means first year students can study another subject - a ‘minor’ - alongside their main degree course.
Why apply to Lancaster?
Lancaster offers flexible degree options, which allow you to tailor your learning to your preferences. The university is also among the best in the country for student experience and graduate prospects. So your expectations for learning, enjoyment and post-university success should all be met!
Lancaster’s collegiate system separates students into eight smaller colleges, which also creates a home-away-from-home feel. This is super welcoming for students who may be moving to the UK for the first time.
Who isn’t the right fit for Lancaster?
As well-connected as Lancaster is to major cities like London and Liverpool, Lancaster is a small, close-knit community. The university is also a campus university, which gives a different feel from the hustle and bustle of city universities, so it’s important to consider what kind of university is best suited to you before applying.
Any application tips?
A lot of Lancaster’s degrees do not have a specific subject requirement, but other entry requirements the university will consider include A Levels, BTECS, IBs and a range of qualifications.
Check your chosen degree pathway on Lancaster’s website for specific entry details.
What’s the location like?
Lancaster has roughly 16,000 from 142 countries.
Lancaster is situated on a 560-acre parkland site, giving it a rural feel. There’s a 2.6 mile woodland walk surrounding the campus, and lots of opportunities for sport in your free time, with an eight-line swimming pool and a climbing wall on campus.
The university’s colleges each have a different identity, with inter-college rivalry and activities popular throughout the college community. Being part of a college also allows students to easily access support through their college advisor team.
For fans of arts and culture, there’s the Nuffield Theatre on campus with visiting professional shows, or the Dukes Theatre in town nearby
What facilities does Lancaster have to offer?
Lancaster University is a ‘self-contained’ campus, with a supermarket, restaurants, hairdresser and beauty salon, pharmacy and prayer rooms.
The university also has state-of-the-art learning facilities, having recently completed work on its £41m health innovation centre. In addition, there have recently been extensions to the library and management school, with new lecture theatres being built.
Lancaster has been awarded Pure Gym’s Sportiest University, with no less than 81 sport societies! Facilities include tennis and netball courts, rugby and football pitches, and 16 badminton courts.
What is the accommodation like?
Lancaster’s accommodation has won Best Student Halls eight times since 2010 in the National Student Housing Awards. There is a wide range of accommodation on offer, with two thirds offering en suite bedrooms.
Students can choose to live in a shared town house or flat-style buildings, and there is a catered accommodation option in some of the colleges too.
How does Lancaster meet the needs of students with different accessibility requirements?
The university offers an inclusive learning and support plan, where reasonable adjustments can be made with your department and the exam team to support your studies. This is in addition to the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA), which can offer funding for specific equipment to support your learning.
International students can access the learning support review, which allows the university to assess their needs and put the appropriate support in place.
Want to explore more UK universities? Remember, Unifrog’s Shortlisting tool can help you put together a list of great potential courses.