Lancaster University

The University of Lancaster is a collegiate public research university established in 1964, and granted University status by the royal charter. Princess Alexandra of Kent was the first chancellor of the University. It is one of the few universities in the UK to run a collegiate system consisting of eight undergraduate colleges and one postgraduate college all of which offer 18 research programs. The Lancaster University campus is located in Bailrigg and is just a few miles from Lancaster city center. Each of the 9 colleges has its own private residential blocks, Wi-Fi-enabled common areas, administration staff, and several other facilities. The University campus has facilities such as banks, supermarkets, general stores, and salons all for the convenience of its students.

The University consists of 9 colleges namely, Bowland, Cartmel, County, Furness, Fylde, Graduate, Grizedale, Lonsdale, and Pendle. The colleges offer a range of undergraduate, pre-masters, postgraduate, research, and doctoral-level programs with an excellent reputation for research and training. The University staff guide students into international level research with a focus on humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and technology. There is flexibility in the courses whereby many students are allowed to choose a second or third subject in their first year before deciding to specialize in any one area in their second and third years. Lancaster University has over 13,000 students, out of which 4,800 are international students coming from more than 100 countries around the world.

• Lancaster University is ranked 10th in the Times University Guide 2021 and in the Guardian University Guide 2021.
• The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 named it “International University of the Year”.
• Lancaster ranked 3rd in the UK for graduate-level employment in the Complete University Guide 2021.
• The presence of international students makes the environment on the campus diverse and gives students the opportunity to learn about different cultures.

The University offers comprehensive support to its students throughout the course of their study till they find employment.

A degree from the University of Lancaster is not only a mark of academic qualification but also evidence that the student is ready for employment. The University aims to instill in its students the skills and experience needed to deal with real-world issues. The University’s Careers and Employability services are available to all students in order to help them choose their career path and gain the skills and confidence that employers look for. Students who have already graduated from the University also have access to a range of online career management and professional development resources ranging from job search, skill development, and making presentations. The University of Lancaster is ranked 3rd in the UK for graduate-level employment in the Complete University Guide 2021 with 89% of its students moving to professional work or for further study within 6 months of graduation. The University has over 148,000 alumni across the world.

Some notable alumni are:

• Alan Milburn (British Labour politician and former Secretary of State for Health)
• Ranvir Singh (British television presenter and journalist)
• Ralph Ineson (English actor and narrator)
• Antony Burgmans (Former non-executive chairman of Unilever)
• Andrew Miller (English novelist)

Student services:

The Base is the student enquiry desk of the University and is available for Student and Education Services. The staff at the enquiry desk offers guidance on a range of personal and academic issues. Lancaster University allows students to change their programme of study, withdraw, transfer or take time out. There is also a career cell available to provide help, guidance, training and resources to students on career-related issues. The International Student Advisory Service offers help and assistance to international students and information on visas, travelling, and accommodation. A number of scholarships are available for undergraduate as well as postgraduate students. Every student automatically becomes a member of the Students’ Union that is designed to make his or her time in the university fun and fulfilling.

Accommodation:

Lancaster University guarantees campus accommodation to all international students who apply before the deadline. The University accommodation has been referred to as the “Best University Halls” in the UK for eight years since 2010. Almost 7000-bed spaces are available for undergraduates, postgraduates and families. Undergraduates and postgraduates have a number of accommodation choices to pick from according to their budget and preference. A range of accommodation is also available for families ranging from one-bedroom flats to three-bedroom homes.

Medical Services:

Lancaster University Health Centre is located on the campus perimeter road and students and staff who are registered are provided medical services that are available to students at any time. The University also has an ambulance service that is always on standby in case of any emergency. Counselling and Mental Health Service is available to provide advice, guidance and emotional support to students dealing with problems affecting their studies or wellbeing.

Sports facilities:

The University of Lancaster offers its students opportunities to take part in sports and physical activities. There are a number of sports clubs that take part in the British Universities College Sports (BUCS) Leagues throughout the year. The University’s Sports Centre has four Sports halls having world-class equipment with courts for netball, basketball, volleyball, futsal and badminton. A wide range of outdoor sports facilities like tennis courts, rugby pitches, football fields, a woodland walk and much more are available in the University.

Clubs:

The University of Lancaster has more than 175 societies covering a range of activities, hobbies and causes which its students can be a part of. A society is a group of like-minded people and it gives the students an opportunity to meet new people who share the same interests, try something new, follow their interests and increase their academic network. The Student Societies organise a number of performances and events throughout the year.