Lancaster University

With almost 7,000 student beds, there's plenty of accommodation to choose from at Lancaster, with a wide range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Most university accommodation is on campus and this is where the majority of first- year students choose to live. The collegiate setup on campus means it's easy to meet other students and be surrounded by everything you need.

There are eight undergraduate colleges to choose from, all creating their own communities and housing between 500 and 800 students each. Applicants can pick their accommodation preferences, including choosing between en-suite and shared bathroom set-ups.

The colleges are social and study areas as well, with regular events and activities, like quizzes, live performances and cooking classes, taking place.

First-year undergraduate students are guaranteed a room on campus, as long as Lancaster is their firm choice university, the offer has been accepted and the application for accommodation is made before the deadline.

Accommodation rent includes utility bills like heating, electricity and internet, as well as contents insurance. Prices range from around £97 to £206 per week.

If campus living isn't for you, or you miss the deadline and can't be placed, you can find a list of off-campus university-approved properties on the uni's website.

Lancaster University has various scholarship and bursary funding programmes available to students who meet specific criteria. Since 2020, the university has provided funding to over 3,900 students from over 40 different countries.

An example of one of the scholarships available is the Lancaster Scholarship which provides £2,000 to eligible UK students in their first year. Eligibility criteria includes achieving AAA at A-level (or equivalent) and at least five GCSE grades of A/7 or above. Applicants must also make Lancaster their firm choice university to receive this scholarship.

Also, the Lancaster Sanctuary Scholarship offers funding of up to £5,000 a year for living costs and a 100% discount on tuition fees (until the student can apply for support from Student Finance England) for students who are seeking asylum in the UK.

Faculty scholarships are also awarded directly through specific faculties and departments and are usually based on academic performance. The number of these scholarships offered varies each year.

Additionally, the Lancaster Bursary offers students £1,000 a year if they come from households with a total yearly income of less than £30,000.

Full details of the scholarships and bursaries available, as well as their eligibility criteria, can be found on the university's website.

Lancaster University has a Careers Service that organises events and helps provide work experience through its work experience and placement programme. Career planning and employability workshops are also put on for students to help develop important career skills.

The Careers Service has an extensive website with helpful information and resources, such as the Careers Library which holds careers information, guides, helpsheets, videos, practice tests and more.

Students can get help with writing CVs, cover letters and job applications and can access information on employers, some of which Lancaster University actively works with. Students can also benefit from interview preparation help, including having access to an interview training simulator.

Certain academic faculties have developed links with external organisations, for example, the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA) has strong links with organisations in the creative sectors, which help students collaborate with individuals and organisations outside the university. Additionally, the Psychology Employability Programme offers psychology students the chance to gain relevant work experience in the field.