Why did you apply to Lancaster?

I fell in love with the course on an open day and wanted to go to a campus university. I also wanted to move a decent distance away from home so I could experience a new part of the country!

Tell us about your moving to university experience...

I was so nervous about moving to university, I really wanted to have the best experience but had hardly been on a night out before, so Welcome Week felt very intimidating. But once I moved in, decorated my room so it was all cosy, and went to my first freshers’ event I felt much more confident about living here and over the last term it’s really started to feel like home.

What was your first impression of Lancaster?

I love living on campus – I can leave 5 minutes before my lectures and get there on time. Plus, there’s basically everything you need on campus (which can be a negative because I end up getting doughnuts from Greggs and chips from Sultan’s far too often!)

Did you have any concerns before coming to Lancaster? And if so, how do you feel now you’re here?  

I was very nervous about making friends but have this lovely group I met during Welcome Week and honestly haven’t been able to get rid of them, living five minutes from almost all of them means I get to see them all the time. If you put yourself out there you will find your people!

How would you explain the colleges to a prospective student?   

Colleges are most important during Welcome Week where they organise loads of events, but you can still go to other colleges' events. Beyond freshers, they’re this nice little community to go back to – but it's up to you how much you want to get involved in your college.

Do you live on campus?

I live in standard accommodation with shared facilities – this is the cheapest accommodation. My room is nice, and I have extra space because there’s no ensuite. It’s definitely worth saving the money and going for shared bathroom – I’ve yet to have a problem with our shared toilet or shower – I’ve only had to wait a handful of times to use them.

I live in Furness so I’m really close to everything – the location is ideal; I have a five-minute commute to lectures and the library. Sultans and Trev (the Furness College bar) are like two minutes away. I think choosing the location of your accommodation is potentially more important than the type.

Are you a member of any societies?

I’m part of quite a few societies. Hiking because it encourages me to get outdoors, and I’ve loved the trips to the lake district. LURPS (roleplaying) so I can be a nerd and pretend to do magic! And also, two student media societies Bailrigg FM (the student radio) and SCAN (the student newspaper) because I’m interested in learning more about journalism and media.

Why did you apply to Lancaster?

I chose to apply to Lancaster after a memorable visit during my interview day. What drew me in was the campus-based setting, and how the university is surrounded with the natural beauty of the ‘Lakes’. From the Health Innovation Centre, I could see lush green fields and occasional sheep, creating a unique and inspiring atmosphere. The woodland trail around the campus was an additional charm.

Tell us about your moving to university experience… 

Leading up to my move to university, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, especially about being so far from home and making new friends. To ease my concerns, I spent a lot of time planning and packing, making sure I had everything I needed for a smooth transition. Despite the initial butterflies, when I finally moved and settled in I made great friends with my flatmates and made so many great memories

During your time at Lancaster, have you ever lived on campus?

Yes, I lived on campus during my first year, and it was a fantastic experience. Exploring the campus was a delight, my flatmates and I used to go on walks all the time. It was also very safe at any time, day or night. The convenience of being close to the library, classes, and lectures made the overall living experience both practical and enjoyable.

Did you have any concerns before coming to Lancaster? And if so, how do you feel now you’re here? 

Initially, I was worried about settling in and experiencing homesickness at Lancaster. However, making great friends and enjoying my course has turned Lancaster into my new home, alleviating those concerns.

Making friends at Lancaster was surprisingly easy, most people coming to university have the same mindset when it comes to wanting to create lasting friendships and meet new people. Living on campus in a flat added to the ease of making friends, fostering a sense of community that has enriched my university experience. Cooking and sharing meals with my flatmates became a cherished routine, turning them into my family away from home. These shared moments not only brought us together but also added a special touch to the sense of community within our living space.

What advice would you give to someone on making friends at university?  

My advice for making friends at university is to be open-minded and proactive. Attend orientation events, join clubs or societies that align with your interests, and participate in social activities. Don't be afraid to initiate conversations with classmates or neighbors, as many others are also looking to make new connections. Be genuine and approachable, and remember that everyone is in a similar position, eager to make friends. Additionally, be open to stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things – it's a great way to meet diverse people and create lasting friendships.

Are you a member of any societies?  

I'm actively involved in both MedSoc and the Cycling Society. MedSoc appeals to me for its academic offerings; they regularly share events that align with my career aspirations and enhance my learning. It's also a great platform to connect with peers from my course. Joining the Cycling Society stemmed from my love for exploration; they offer fantastic cycling routes around Lancaster and Lancashire, allowing me to discover the surrounding areas. Being part of both societies has not only enriched my academic experience but has also led to the formation of wonderful friendships.

Why did you apply to Lancaster?

I found Lancaster through searching for interdisciplinary degrees to meet my various research interests. I chose Lancaster mainly because of their academic rankings. Lancaster University values sustainability, which is very important to me, so I felt aligned. The university has various societies to be a part of including sports, outdoor activities, sustainability activities, and volunteer roles. The university also offers career development opportunities including skills development, mentoring, coaching and part time paid roles.

How was Welcome Week for you?

Welcome week involved moving into my accommodation, attending orientation events and joining societies. There’s a lovely welcome and lots of support from the college, the departments, the societies, etc. and you will feel very included from the very beginning.

Have you found making new friends easy at Lancaster? 

People are very friendly and approachable so it is easy to make friends at university. There are so many activities and societies to be a part of and you’ll meet new people often. I have met friends from the UK, Europe, Asia, America and the Caribbean. It is a diverse and very inclusive environment.

What advice would you give to someone on making friends at university?  

I met my friends during orientation events, societies, and in my accommodation. Trying new things, being approachable, being open to others, initiating conversations, adding each other on social media, etc. are good tips to make friends at university. It is also very important to be yourself.

Do you feel a sense of community at Lancaster?

In my experience, people at Lancaster are very warm and welcoming, especially as first years when you are all adjusting to the university together. A sense of community can be felt in the dorms on campus and living off campus. The professors, tutors and staff in the departments are also very warm, welcoming and helpful.

How would you explain the colleges to a prospective student?  

The colleges are located in different areas on campus and so when applying to a college for accommodation, it is important to look at the university map to decide where on campus you’d like to live. For e.g. being in the centre of campus is very convenient to get to lectures, the library and stores yet it is in a very busy area. There are college specific sports and colleges also organize different activities for e.g. there was a yoga day organized at Pendle college and free food days.

Why did you apply to Lancaster?

Lancaster University was my first choice. It offered one of the only degrees in the UK that provided a joint major in Film and Creative Writing with practical film elements and, at that, was and still is extremely high ranking both in the league tables and in the Creative Writing sectorMy decision to apply solidified when I visited during an open day. I was extremely satisfied with the student experience that the university offered, being a campus university surrounded by nature. The trees as part of the architecture, the woodland walkways and pockets of nature, and the beautiful library all informed my decision. For me, the vibes were perfect, and I could picture myself living and learning both comfortably and happily at Lancaster University. 

What was your first impression of Lancaster?     

I was too nervous to move much further then around campus for the first few months at Lancaster University. I was iconically awful at directions, which didn’t easy my anxiety of getting lost, and I wasn’t used to being independent. Yet, despite being quite a large campus, I didn’t get lost on campus once! The layout and the maps peppered throughout the university, plus the friendly students who will usually help out a lost-looking first year, made it nearly impossible to feel lost. I started feeling comfortable enough to explore the beautiful lake and woodland walks.

Have you found making new friends easy at Lancaster?  

As someone who suffered from a lot of anxiety, it was both tricky and difficult to make friends. On one hand the students are very enthusiastic and friendly, but on the other hand you have to put yourself out there to make friends which, for an anxious first year, takes some encouragement. Societies help massively. My closest friends were made through the poetry society, and through simply messaging people on Instagram to ask if they want to meet up with people who I knew had similar interests as me, and as you get into your third year you’ll find yourself loving and valuing people who were strangers in first year. I’ve made friends at Lancaster University who I’ve travelled to different countries with, and who I know I’ll talk to for the rest of my life.

Lancaster University is extremely diverse and accepting. It was amazing to come into Lancaster and meet a range of people with a range of different identities and cultures and to make friends with people who have widened my view of the world.

How would you explain the colleges to a prospective student?   

The college system is basically a system to help the university organise events and categorise students: there’s end of year parties for each college, and during Welcome Week there are different events for each college, - but you’re definitely not limited socially to just one college, and you’ll have friends, events, and classes all across campus.

During your time at Lancaster, have you ever lived on campus?

Living on campus for first year was very beneficial for attending as many society events as possible and being able to go to friends accommodation. It was also great to be surrounded by people who you knew were also finding their feet.

My first year accommodation was in the Bowland square, standard en-suite. The room was very comfortable, and I made sure to make it feel homely. Getting to know my flatmates was wonderful, I like to think I was quite lucky with who I was put with. Right from the start, I was wonderfully surprised with how adult university felt in the sense that petty high school judgements and social fears fade away – people can be more themselves at university whilst finding themselves, especially at Lancaster, which has a range of cultures and people all on one campus.

What would you say to someone who is considering studying at Lancaster? 

Go for it! It is a beautiful campus with nice people. It kind of feels like getting off the grid which I have personally loved whilst studying here. The quality of teaching in my opinion has been good and there is so much support available.

Do you feel at home at Lancaster?

For sure! I know where to go if I need help, I know the support team has my best interest at heart and are very kind and understanding. After having been here for four years I feel more at home here than where my family lives. I feel settled in my friendships and identity here, there are so many opportunities to do things and with people being so nice here it makes it a lot more of a pleasant university experience.

What advice would you give to someone on making friends at university?  

Don’t be afraid to talk to people, everyone is new and starting fresh, everyone wants to make new friends. Also, just be yourself, there can be a lot of pressure to put on a certain front and appeal to people but that doesn’t work in the long-term. There is such a diverse range of people at Lancaster University that you will for sure meet people that suit you and have similar interests.

When choosing a university, there's a choice to make between campus university or city university. In your experience, what would you say are the benefits of a campus university?

It feels more like a community, you feel more at home. Everyone and everything are close by, which can really help in your first year. It keeps travel distance to a minimum saving time, rather than travelling all over the city.

If you really wanted to you could stay on campus and get all you need from just there. There is a laundry, grocery shops, takeaways, a pharmacy and even beauty salons including a barber. It is also fun that everyone is on campus, so you are likely to run into friends which seems less possible with a city university. There is almost always someone I can hang out with on campus.

What three words would you use to describe Lancaster's campus?

Calming, beautiful, and wholesome

What do you like most about Lancaster’s campus?

The excess of spaces there are to either do work or relax. As someone who lives in town, I often go to uni in a 9-5 style. It helps that I don’t always have to study in the same spot, I can go to the library but also to the learning zone, the management school, the environment centre, and so much more. The same goes for some relaxing time, the college common rooms are open to everyone and are filled with sofas or bean bags, you could literally take a nap if you wanted. This just makes my uni day a lot more relaxed and comfortable, rather than feeling like a robot doing the same thing all day every day.

Would you say living on campus was beneficial to your student experience and why?

As a first year I would say 100% without a doubt, live on campus. It is the best way to make friends and maximise the friendships as you all live close to each other and will probably end up hanging out together a lot more than if you lived off-campus. I sometimes regret not living on campus for my final year. I think it is very convenient with everything being so close saving a lot of time on commuting. But like all things, it has its pros and cons.