Living sustainably

The University is committed to reducing its impact on the planet. Here's how you can help achieve it, and save yourself money in the process.

It all starts as you get ready to move to Lancaster. Most of our accommodation blocks don't have a lift/elevator, so it's in your interests to pack light! Consider only bringing essentials and buying anything else you need when you get here. You and your flatmates might decide to share things like washing up liquid or even utensils - and we already provide Microwaves, kettles and toasters so there's no need to bring your own. For a comprehensive packing guide, refer to Lancaster Student Maria's list here.

Do remember to bring a mattress topper or mattress protector with you though. Not only does it shield your mattress from stains, spills, and allergens, but it also helps us prolong the lifespan of the mattress, reducing unnecessary waste.

Food

There are many ways in which you can limit food waste, save money and make your meals go further. Batch cooking is a fantastic method to save time and reduce dish washing. Leftovers can easily become a convenient lunch or snack for the following day. Making food together is a great way to get to know your flatmates, try new foods and experience different cultures. There are two small supermarkets on campus but most major supermarkets in the area will deliver your shopping here.

A student buying groceries in the University branch of Spar

To take advantage of cheap eats, try downloading the Too Good to Go app. Too Good to Go sell foods at a reduced price, and you may just get a mystery bag full of your favourite foods!

College Community Cupboards

Our Colleges all have community cupboards where students can donate and collect non-perishable food items like tinned goods and pasta packets. If you find you're no longer in the mood for that can of soup, you can donate it so that others can make use of it.

If you need to access the community cupboards you can do so via your College Office, with no questions asked.

ReStore

ReStore is a combination of a charity shop with donated items for sale, alongside selling affordable and eco-friendly products to the campus community. The shop can be found in Alexandra Square and sells a variety of items such as clothing, homeware, cycling equipment, eco-friendly toiletries, and more. The shop also provides a year-round space for the Don’t Ditch It project, where household items are donated at the end of each year, before being upcycled and resold to new students at the Welcome Week Eco Market.

Sustainable travel

Buses

Parking permits are not generally issued to students except where there is exceptional need, but the campus is well served by buses that run round the city, as well as out to Morecambe, Preston and Blackpool. There is a bus station underneath Alexandra Square in the centre of campus, and you can find out all about local services and beyond on our bus travel web page.

A bus driving through trees and daffodils up the University's driveway.
Two cyclists on a rural road outside Lancaster

Cycling

Cycling is one of the healthiest and most sustainable modes of transport. Our campus offers plenty of bike storage for cyclists and the Lancaster district has a wide network of cycle routes to explore and enjoy.

Lancaster City Council actively promotes cycling by offering a variety of bike routes that connect you to campus and the city. There are also dedicated bicycle parking spaces and sheds located across campus. If you don't bring your own bike you can join our student bike hire scheme when you get here, by signing up for a term or the full year.

Be energy smart!

We encourage students to take personal responsibility for their energy usage. When you're not in your room, remember to shut windows, switch off lights, and lower the temperature on your radiator or switch it off altogether. You'll be contributing to our net zero goal - and a more sustainable country.

Water sustainability

The cold water taps dispense water safe for drinking, so you don't need to buy bottled water. Around the site there are also water fountains which are free to use, so take a reusable water bottle with you for a sustainable choice.

Efficient water usage is a key pillar of sustainability. If you're boiling a kettle, only boil the amount you need. This has the double benefit of conserving water and reducing the energy your kettle needs to use. It's also worth noting that a 5-10 minute shower is best to avoid your skin drying out.

If you find yourself needing a hot drink, many vendors across campus will give discounted prices when you bring your own cup. Additionally, remember that there is a charge for single-use plastic bags so it's a good idea to take your own whenever possible. Save plastic waste, save money.

Waste and recycling

On average, each person at Lancaster University produces 66kg of waste each year. Being smart about recycling can help everyone reduce this. There are recycling and waste disposal facilities conveniently situated all across campus. Your accommodation will be equipped with individual recycling bins that clearly indicate what items can be recycled. Remember to place your clean recycling n the right bins and empty them in the recycling skips regularly. You can find out more about our recycling facilities here.

Student carrying a recycling box outside to the bin store

So how green are you? Take our quiz now to find out.