Lancaster University

Our beautiful campus is often described as a small town of its own. With everything you need in one place, it’s designed to help you feel at home and make the most of your time at Lancaster.

You’ll find plenty of places to eat and relax, including cafes, bars, takeaways, and restaurants. There’s also a theatre, art gallery, sports centre, and a student‑run cinema for when you want to unwind or try something new.

For everyday essentials, the campus has two supermarkets, a sustainable goods shop, a post office, a pharmacy, a doctor’s surgery, cash machines (ATMs), and launderettes. We also have prayer rooms, and our Chaplaincy Centre welcomes people of all faiths and none.

Accommodation

Our comfortable accommodation provides the perfect base for campus life, with options to suit different preferences and budgets. Choose from en‑suite rooms, townhouses and flats with shared facilities, or self‑contained studios. Adapted rooms are available for students with disabilities, and we also offer family flats for students with young children.

Accommodation on campus is located within the colleges, creating a ready-made community around your living space. You’ll be close to friendly faces and college events, while still having a private place to call your own. We guarantee on-campus accommodation for all new full-time undergraduates who choose Lancaster as their firm choice and apply by the deadline.

Library

At the heart of campus, the library offers an impressive collection of physical and digital resources, alongside a range of technology‑enabled study spaces. Choose from silent zones, bookable rooms for group work, and calming, plant‑filled areas. There’s even a real tree in the atrium. The library also has dedicated teams available to support your learning.

In the 2025 National Student Survey, Lancaster received a 93.9% positivity score for library resources, reflecting the high level of student satisfaction.

Sports centre

Our £20 million sports centre offers outstanding facilities, including a competition‑standard gym, a 25m swimming pool, an 8m climbing wall and dedicated studios for fitness classes. There are also indoor and outdoor courts and pitches for a wide range of sports, and Lancaster students benefit from a generous discount on gym memberships.

If you prefer to stay active outdoors, the 2.6‑mile Woodland Walk around the perimeter of campus is perfect for running, jogging or a peaceful stroll. You’ll also find plenty of green spaces and outdoor exercise stations across campus.

Student life

Life outside your studies is a vital part of the university experience. At Lancaster, you’ll join a welcoming, diverse community with plenty of opportunities to make friends and feel at home .

Colleges

We're proud to be one of a handful of UK universities with a collegiate setup. The colleges are a huge part of the Lancaster experience; they’re vibrant hubs of activity, offering identity, support, and help with settling in.

Joining one of our nine colleges, you’ll study, socialise, compete, and even graduate together. You’ll also have access to support from dedicated staff whenever you need it.

Whether you want a quiet spot to study, a place to unwind, or somewhere to catch up with friends, each college has social spaces open to all students. Students who live off campus still belong to a college and can make use of all the facilities, including kitchens and lockers.

Students’ Union

Lancaster University Students’ Union (LUSU) is at the heart of student life, giving you the support, opportunities and voice to shape your university experience.

LUSU supports over 200 student‑run clubs and societies, from sports and craft clubs to academic and cultural groups. If the society you want isn’t here already, you can even start your own!

There’s an exciting calendar of events throughout the year, including festive markets in the winter and the Roses tournament in the summer. Roses is a whole weekend of sports, cheering, and fun as we compete against our sporting rivals, the University of York.

LUSU also runs The Sugarhouse, a student-only nightclub in Lancaster city centre, with a dedicated late-night bus service to help you get back to campus safely.