Why I chose Lancaster University

By Carla Basha, January 2025

Lancaster's international community, location and reputation

Why did I choose Lancaster?

Well, that’s simple. I chose it because it’s an international hub with students from countries close to and far away from the UK. Knowing that I’d be in an environment with multiple cultures and have the chance to meet and befriend students from all over the world really appealed to me.

In addition to that I was drawn to the idea of living the campus lifestyle - having a community, being close to lecture halls and having the chance to meet people without travel commitments sounded appealing and convincing.

Having said that living in town is everything but a downgrade. The city centre has everything you’d need. The parks surrounding it are astounding. It’s full of history and the sense of community lovely. I can’t stress enough how much I love studying in the cafes there with a friend over the weekends.

On top of that Lancaster University is renowned for its education. Constantly being one of the top-ranking universities with a research-led education system, amazing lecturers and a great support system. Whether that is for Academic Writing, Maths and Stats or even Careers advice – they’ve got it all!

Student Carla at her graduation ceremony for her undergraduate degree.
Carla's graduation for her undergraduate degree.

Studying as a Postgraduate student

I am one of the MSc Advanced Marketing Management (MSc AMM) students in the Management School (LUMS). Having been an undergraduate student in Business Management (with Industry) in Lancaster I can confidently say that coming back for my master’s has been the way to go!

I’ve been on the course for a couple of months now I can guarantee it being the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has been a mixture of information overload and gratifying work that showcases the level of progress I’ve had throughout it. I’ve had a variation of assignments both individually and in groups that have allowed for my educational development and creating deep connections with a variety of cultural and work backgrounds. The MSc AMM cohort is a small one, only 29 students, which has made it significantly easier for the class to dive deeper into certain topics and socialise outside of the classroom.

  • Playing pool with friends

  • Dinner with friends

Sport at Lancaster

Onto the Sports Centre – maybe my favourite place on campus. I tend to go there for the climbing wall since that is my sport of choice, but the building is home to so much more than just that. They have a swimming pool, squash, basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis courts, football, rugby pitches and much more. You can always train on your own or become part of one of the many sports clubs that the university has.

Speaking of sports, we have an exciting varsity competition every year between Lancaster University and the University of York called Roses. It is usually towards the end of academic year and an absolute blast. I can tell you from experience that the excitement of watching your friends compete after months of hard work and training is unreal. This is when you see the university truly united and in sync while supporting the red rose.

  • Roses event in the Sports Centre

  • Rugby match at Roses.

Final thoughts

There is so much more than can be said about the university and its never-ending benefits. All in all I can confidently say that my choice of joining it has been the right one and that I’d recommend it to anyone who’s considering it.