Why Bowland?
Bowland College has been a popular choice with students for 60 years. We support you to develop your own community, a place to find your feet, relax and meet friends, a place to call home, a place to be you.
Our location
As the founding college, we retain our position at the heart of the university campus. You will never be far from teaching spaces, the learning zone, the library or retail outlets such as Costa Coffee, Greggs and Subway.
Alexandra Square is the main hub of campus activity and it’s on your doorstep. Here you can visit the weekly farmers market, watch events on the big screen, or grab an ice cream and just sit and watch the world go by.
Domenica's story
Domenica did a four-year degree at Lancaster as a member of Bowland College and had a very active role in the college. Watch Domenica talk about her time in Bowland and how she made the most of college life.
Our students
Our Bowland community is truly diverse with students joining us from many different countries, so whether you are joining us from the UK or further afield we've got you covered, your Lancaster experience will most definitely have an international influence.
Many opportunities are available to enhance your student experience while with us. Whether that is as a committee member, an academic representative, a student ambassador, a peer mentor or a sports captain is up to you. All we ask is that you explore ways to get involved, to enhance your community and your personal development.
Luke's story
"College life at Lancaster has so many benefits from the first day you set foot on campus. Not only is there a massive sense of community shared with fellow students from your college, there are countless opportunities to meet new people in social spaces, through welcome week, sporting events, winter balls and various other events put on by the college. It provides a fantastic opportunity to meet friends outside your building and course and I ended up living with people from Bowland in 1st and 2nd year!"
Our Buddy Programme 2024-2025
New students choosing to study at Lancaster University from outside the UK often have a lot of questions as they begin to adjust to a different cultural environment. Our International Buddy Programme aims to help with the transition and support new international students adapting to living and studying in the UK by matching them with a current Bowland student. If you are planning to come to Lancaster University for the 2024/25 academic year and become a member of Bowland College then consider registering for this scheme. We'll arrange for you to meet your buddy soon after you arrive and we arrange regular social events during the year.
If you are interested in finding out more, contact us at bowlandbuddies@lancaster.ac.uk or register your interest via our online form.
Our staff
We have a committed staff team, nominated for a Student Accommodation Hero award in the 2020 National Student Housing Awards. This special category allowed students to highlight staff who supported them during the first lockdown as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.
More recently, the team of College Managers received an Outstanding Contribution Award in the University 2024 Staff Awards,
"For work above and beyond to support all Lancaster students to achieve and succeed in their student journey at Lancaster. The College Managers are a first point of call for students if they are scared or lonely, confused or angry, excited or proud. The College Managers embody the values and principles that underpin Lancaster and champion inclusion, diversity and community every day."