Are you thinking about going to uni in Lancaster? Our list of 13 reasons to study here will hopefully convince you that it’s the right city for you!
Updated: 14 Jul 2026
Located in North West England, Lancaster is known for its participation in the War of the Roses, so you can be sure there’s plenty of history to explore here. Nowadays, life here is certainly more peaceful, though the large student population ensures there’s plenty of nightlife and student events to get involved in. Read on to find out more about the benefits of living and studying in Lancaster.
The Lancaster University recently ranked 10th in the whole of the UK according to Complete University Guide’s 2027 league tables, meaning you can be sure you’ll be getting top-quality education if you study here.
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Close to Lake District, Lancaster offers plenty of ways through which you can enjoy the landscape of the north west. Whether it’s a stroll in the Lakes, a hike in the Forest of Bowland, a trip to Morecambe Bay or travelling further afield to the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to see some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery.
Lancaster University has around 11,000 undergraduate students, so there are plenty of students living in the city for you to befriend. The large student population also means there are lots of events, discounts and deals targeted at students, so make sure you keep your student card on you and take advantage of everything on offer.
In Lancaster, you’ll find a few cute little art galleries, as well as a few theatres showing a range of different types of live performances and entertainment to suit a variety of interests. The city also hosts events, markets and festivals where you’ll be able to check out some of the local traditions and meet local tradespeople and artists.
Thanks to the large student population, there’s plenty going on of an evening to keep you occupied. Whether you want a club night dancing away with your friends while a DJ spins the decks, or whether you’d rather have a quieter night having a couple of drinks in one of the local bars or pubs, Lancaster has you covered.
People in the north are known for their friendly nature, and Lancastrians are no different. Their friendly and helpful attitude will help you settle right in, and you’ll be making friends with the locals as well as the other students in no time.
From Lancaster, you can easily access some of England’s major cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. Perfect for a weekend getaway, visit to your college friends, or of course a trip home to see your family. Being so close to these major cities means you could even take a day trip over to one of them.
The cost of living in Lancaster is much lower than most of the UK’s major cities, which you’ll mostly see reflected in your accommodation costs. You can expect to pay lower rent here than in Liverpool, Leeds or Manchester, all of which are nearby.
Lancaster’s history dates back to a Roman garrison, so you can be sure there’s plenty to explore. The local castle was built by Normans in the 11th Century, and it was expanded upon and fortified under over the coming centuries. Lancaster was also involved in the War of the Roses, which is probably the most famous part of its history. Studying here, you’ll be able to explore all this and more!
There are a fair few famous and successful people who were born or grew up in Lancaster. While it’s probably unlikely you’ll see them around, you might find places that they used to go to, and you never know when they might come back for a visit. Some of the most well-known names from the area include musician John Waite and footballer James Beattie.
There are plenty of parks and green spaces in and around the city, so if you’re looking to spend an afternoon in nature without straying too far, you’ll be covered. The largest park near the city centre is Williamson Park, and it’s the perfect place for a picnic or to relax in the sun.
Around the city, you’ll find a huge range of shopping and dining options to keep everyone happy. With plenty of big high street stores and different cuisines on offer, there’s something for everyone and you can switch it up so you don’t get bored!
The uni has its own sports facilities, so if you’re into sports then you’ll be able to participate through your university, but the city is also a sporting city in its own right. The city has its own football club, a rowing club and a cricket club. It also has golf courses, and hosts its own mini Olympics, the ‘Lancaster International Youth Games’, with competitors from cities and towns twinned with Lancaster.
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