Student life in Lancaster

Lancaster student life​ is full of excitement and community, with two major institutions on its doorstep. Overall, around 28,000 students call Lancaster home during term times, with the high-ranking Lancaster University just three miles south of the centre and the University of Cumbria’s Lancaster campus within walking distance.

From luxurious studio apartments with handy amenities to shared townhouses perfect for groups, there are diverse options when it comes to student accommodation here. Scattered across the town, and popular student areas like Hala Road, there are plenty of properties to explore here.

• 1

  History-rich beginnings

  Lancaster is teeming with history. You only have to look at Lancaster Castle (the site of the 1612 Pendle Witch Trials), Lancaster City Museum, and the Ashton Memorial to see this. You can also check out Lancaster Cathedral (completely free of charge) or the Maritime Museum for an overview of the city’s port history on St George’s Quay.

• 2

  Wholesome green spaces

  Williamson Park is a free favourite for anyone wanting a picnic (after climbing the hill to get to it, of course!), while Lancaster Canal offers a pleasant stroll (and many duck sightings) and the stunning Forest of Bowland isn’t too far away. Plus, at Lancaster, you’re only a half-hour drive away from the Lake District - you can’t get much better than that!

• 3

  Nightlife to remember

  While Lancaster is quieter than some cities like Manchester and Leeds, you can certainly still have a good night out here. The Sugarhouse is renowned as the town’s student-only nightclub, where you can enjoy regular drinks deals, themed events, and even the SugarBus, which will take you safely back to campus. Also check out LA1, Generation, Tipple, The Crafty Scholar, and The Pub for more!

• 4

  Cheap eats

  Lancaster’s centre is stuffed with cheap eats, from familiar favourites to local must-tries. Gallico Lounge is vegan-friendly, featuring British brunch options, tasty tapas, and cheeky cocktails. The Music Room is a cute little café spot, while you can’t go wrong with the award-winning Aquila Pizza. For those on campus, Sultan Experience provides the perfect way to end a night out!

• 5

  Access to the beach

  Student life in Lancaster wouldn’t be complete without a beach trip during the warmer months. There’s no better way to end exam season than taking a day trip to Morecambe Beach (easily accessible by bus or car), soaking up the rays and breathing in that much sought-after sea air. You can enjoy all the classics here, from ice cream to fish and chips - just make sure the seagulls don’t beat you to it...

• 6

  Excellent sporting facilities

  If you’re a sporty type, you’ll love watching or participating in Roses, the annual sporting competition between Lancaster and York Universities. Lancaster University boasts a brilliant sports centre, which has everything you need, from its Olympic-sized swimming pool to its climbing walls and badminton courts. In town, you’ll find plenty more gyms and can even take a paddle along the River Lune.

Lancaster University

Founded in 1964, Lancaster University is located in Bailrigg, Lancaster, and is one of the UK’s highest-ranking universities. This collegiate public research institution is home to over 18,000 students, representing students from more than 100 countries.