Lancaster

LANCASTER UNIVERSITIES

Our Lancaster student accommodation is based in the city centre, and as you can see above, both are within a half hour of study, on foot. Whether you are studying at the Lancaster University, or the campus in Lancaster for the University of Cumbria you’ll be well situated.

Lancaster University is one of only a handful of UK universities that has a collegiate system in place, and there are nine colleges in total (and a bar to go alongside each!). Each college has a unique atmosphere, and you will find that there is a sporty college and a party college, among other attributes given to each. It is definitely a system that allows new students to make friends in smaller settings and groups that stand them in good stead when moving into the larger student settings. It makes for a more comfortable, familiar setting to live in and explore.

Lancaster University is one of the most consistent performers in the UK, and is often found in top ten lists for the country as a whole, especially in terms of teaching and research, as well as being inspirational and a really good choice for graduate prospects. Whatever metric you aspire to, Lancaster University will match up. The library is open 24-hours per day, with 1300 individual workspaces in Silence and Quiet Zones to optimise learning. The Students’ Union is at the heart of the social scene, but also hosts over 230 clubs and societies based in all types of interests and hobbies – as well as being responsible for important volunteering opportunities locally, and overseas experiences. In just 50-years Lancaster University has established itself as one of the leading research and teaching universities in the country, set within a stunning campus and utilising world-class facilities.

The largest campus for the University of Cumbria can be found in Lancaster, and much the same as for Lancaster University, both Foundry Studios and St Leonard’s House are perfectly located for students to walk, cycle, or take public transport to study at the University. The university was created in 2007, with campuses in Lancaster, the Lake District, Barrow, Carlisle, Workington, and London. It has a proud history of education professionals over 150-years in its previous college forms and is set in beautiful parkland in Williamson Park, a close walk to Lancaster city centre. It is the perfect place to study, relax, meet friends, and still be close to the city centre and home.

EATING OUT IN LANCASTER

There is plenty to shout about in Lancaster as far as eating out is concerned, and the beauty of our city centre located Lancaster student accommodation is that whether you are living at Foundry Studios or St Leonard’s House you’ll be within a short walk from some of the finest places to eat as a student in the city. Because it is such a small town with a large student population you’ll find good discounts and student offers at almost every pub and restaurant you go to – whether this is 2-4-1 offer on certain meals on certain days, or a pint and a burger for under a tenner. Just by exploring a little when you first arrive in Lancaster you’ll find some decent food.

In terms of brand names and high street fast food chains, you’ll find all of that in Lancaster, with McDonalds, KFC, Bella Italia, GO Burrito, and Costa Coffee always open to hungry bellies and thirsty scholars. Away from the well trodden ground though what can you expect from Lancaster in terms of good student food?

Koko is a prime example of quality food at a good price, and is just a 5-minute walk from St Leonard’s House. It is a Japanese and Hawaiian fusion restaurant (which makes a lot of sense once you’ve tried it!). The food is filling, and quite healthy in reality, with the choice of a large menu, including the Pokè bowl where you can create your own meal. You can add rice, vegetables of your choice, fish, any sauces and whatever else you see fit to put together a tasty creation all of your own making, at a reasonable price. They offer takeaway, as well as seating upstairs.

Another tasty place to visit, just 5-minutes walk from Foundry Studios, is Nami Sushi. Whether you are a sushi veteran, or looking to try something new, this is the place to visit. With its sushi conveyor belt you already have that unique sense of drama to your mealtime! Nami Sushi is a great place to while away the hours with friends, or to pop in for a quick bite to eat on your way home. You’ll never be disappointed.

If you are looking for more traditional student fare and pub grub, The Study Room is a central pub that offers stacked burgers, nachos, loaded fries, and great pub quizzes with bar tabs as prizes. The Water Witch is a more picturesque place to stop along the river, especially when the weather is nice. It offers good pub grub, including small-plate versions of some items on the menu. If you are after the best curry in Lancaster, your student accommodation is right on the doorstep of Kashish, a popular venue for many society nights out throughout the year. For something a little special, Wallings is the best ice cream in the city, with a seller on Alexandra Square in the summer. It is even worth trekking out to the Garstang shop at other times of the year though, as a break from study.

LANCASTER NIGHTLIFE

With a home at one of our luxury Lancaster student accommodation you’ll be living close to all the best nightlife in town. For a small city with a big student population, Lancaster certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to a big night out, and you’ll find something going on most nights of the week. To begin with, the college bars at Lancaster University and the Students’ Union provide ample opportunity to meet new people, get involved with societies and take part in some great events and club nights throughout the year.

The biggest night of the week is on a Wednesday at SugarHouse, just a 5-minute walk from Foundry Studios. There are always good drinks and entry offers, as well as touring bands and DJs. This is a club that is run by Lancaster University’s Students’ Union, and has become a massive part of student life in the city since its foundation in 1982. You’ll find different themes throughout the week, featuring different types of music for all to enjoy.

Another big club in Lancaster, and another that is just a short walk to St Leonard’s House, is the Dalton Rooms & Glow Nightclub, a combined venue that is open 5-days a week till 6am. It is the host of ‘Social Wednesdays’ where most societies go for a night out, as well as being host to ‘Skint Mondays’, ‘Epic Fridays’, and ‘Love Saturdays’. It is home to DJ nights, karaoke competitions, and pizza parties! With a discount card, you can gain cheaper entry, as well as being in the loop for future events, drinks, and booth packages for you and your friends to enjoy.

At the other end of the scale, but the same level of exciting in terms of a night out is the legendary Hustle. This is a student hangout that is open 6-days a week. It is the only shooters bar in Lancaster and each day you’ll find a wide range of drinks offers, promotions, and discounts. It is the type of venue that you’ll stick to the floors and the walls from the moment you enter, have sweat drip on you from the ceilings, but you’ll love every second of it as you dance to the very best in cheesy music!

There is something for everyone as a student in Lancaster, with our accommodation at St Leonard’s House and Foundry Studios just a short walk away from all the thriving nightlife at the clubs and bars along the route. From pub crawls to a big night at SugarHouse you’ll find the night out you’re looking for!

SPORT IN LANCASTER

There’s no problem for those wishing to keep fit and active when living in our Lancaster student accommodation. For starters we have student accommodation that has an on-site gym for students to use at their leisure. On top of the Lancaster University has invested hugely in its health and fitness programmes and facilities over recent years, meaning there is no excuse not to stay fit during your time studying in the pretty Georgian town.

The new £20m sports centre has only recently opened and includes an Olympic sized swimming pool, a selection of climbing walls and a bouldering cave, a huge gym, sauna, steam rooms and sports hall. The centre also runs a wide and varied spectrum of classes, from spinning to Zumba. You can find even more sports facilities away from the lavish sports centre however, with 8 tennis courts, 5 netball courts, 6 football pitches, 3 rugby pitches, 2 synthetic grass pitches (with floodlights), a crown bowling green, and woodland walk to choose from.

Through the Students’ Union at Lancaster University there is a choice of over 35 sports clubs and teams to join. Whether you fancy having a go at Korfball or American Football, or a more traditional UK-based sport such as netball or football, there are teams here for you – regularly competing against other universities and colleges. There is an exciting annual tournament against the University of York (the War of the Roses tournament) with over 100 fixtures taking place in around 40 different sports.

As Lancaster is located in a good spot in the North West you have access to the Lake District and the coast for some outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing, canoeing, and paragliding, to name a few. It is also a good base to explore the football and Rugby League of the North West, from teams in Liverpool and Greater Manchester and beyond – all within an hour or so of the city.

SHOPPING IN LANCASTER

Shopping is an important part of any student’s life, as you come to terms with independent living and look at ways to live on a new budget. As a young person living at our Lancaster student accommodation you’ll be glad to know that you do have access to some of the high street brands and shops that you know and love, but alongside that there is some great vintage and charity shop finds to explore.

In terms of vintage clothing there are a couple of brilliant vintage sales to be found each term, at the Town Hall or the University of Cumbria. This includes the kilo sale where you pay for the weight of items, meaning you can find some really good clothing for a relatively low cost. At the Assembly Rooms Emporium you’ll find a mix of stalls selling vintage and alternative clothing, as well as a wide range of accessories, all set within a splendid Grade II listed building that dates back to 1759.

For something a little bit different, Northern Yarn is a wool shop in Lancaster. The store has its own yarn line, processed from local sheep. The focus is definitely on locally sourced wool and products. For charity shops in the city it is difficult to find a wide range of good vintage clothing and the like, but there are plenty of charity shops to delve into and explore, and you never know what you might find if you look hard enough. It’s also a great, and fun way to spend some time with friends.

The Charter Market in Lancaster is a weekly street market right in the centre of the city beside all of the historic buildings. Every Wednesday and Saturday you’ll find stalls selling local produce, jewellery, records, books, crafts, and gifts, as well as tasty food stalls to takeaway.

If you are looking for more traditional high street brands and stores Market Gate is the choice for you. This is located in the heart of Lancaster, just a short 10-minute walk away from St Leonard’s House and Foundry Studios. Here you’ll find Waterstones, Primark, New Look, and many more of your high street favourites.

LANCASTER EVENTS

Within the campus of the universities you’ll find a cinema, smaller sports clubs for pool, darts, and even ultimate Frisbee, as well as comedy nights and other fun events throughout the year such as pub quizzes and competitions. Most of this is made up through the societies, which is a big part of life as a student in Lancaster. From your comfortable Lancaster student accommodation you’ll be best placed to take part in whatever you wish during your time here. Some of the big events throughout the year on campus are seasonal, with summer and winter balls to take part in, as well as the winter wonderland at Christmas.

Away from campus there are several high profile events in Lancaster to enjoy each year, as well as tourist attractions to explore when moving in to one of our luxurious Lancaster student accommodation.

Lancaster Maritime Museum is based on St George’s Quay and is a great way to learn about the golden age of maritime and the city, with interactive exhibitions and a history of the Lune Estuary and Morecambe Bay. Lancaster Castle is also an interesting day out, as one of the most significant historic monuments in the UK. It dates back to Roman times and has been a centre for incarceration, justice, as well as penal reform for the last 1,000 years. You can take a guided tour with friendly tour guides, aimed at bringing history alive!

The Haffner Orchestra is the stunning symphony orchestra of Lancaster, and comprises of both amateur and professional players from throughout the North West of England. Events such as ‘Come and Play’ invite people of any age to join the orchestra and play for an afternoon, with a professional conductor, and you’ll often find workshops and master-classes from the orchestra throughout the year.

Lancaster Pride takes place annually, with the 2019 event the biggest yet on the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and a celebration of the life and work of Marsha P Johnson. It is an inclusive event that celebrates the LGBT+ community and ends with a live music event in Dalton Square.

Another interesting event is the Bowland Foodie Foray. The event is a celebration of local food and the dishes that can be found throughout the Forest of Bowland (located on the doorstep to Lancaster as a western spur of the Pennines). A week long programme of events includes foraging, walking, feasting, and much more.