Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. We have nine colleges in total, and every student belongs to a college, whether you live on campus or choose to commute. Postgraduate students become members of the Graduate College.

Students pay a small college membership fee, which supports the running of college events and activities. Once you have been accepted into a college, you will receive confirmation and be required to pay the fee.

For students starting in 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

Payments can be made via the University’s Payment Portal.

What is the fee for?

Your fee will help pay for a range of college activities.

Welfare

Part of the fee is used to support the welfare of college members through the college advisory system, welfare campaigns, events and drop-ins run by College Officers and the student exec (JCR/PG Board).

Events

The colleges offer a variety of events throughout the year which are subsidised by college fees. These include arrivals day welcome dinner, Welcome Week activities and refreshments, end-of-year celebrations and days out. The fee also supports other opportunities such as Career talks, Lancaster Award briefings and personal development workshops.

Funding

Most colleges award grants and prizes for various achievements and challenges, such as outstanding academic achievement, travel grants and postgraduate scholarships.

General

The fee is also used to enhance the college social and study spaces including décor, furniture, IT/AV, support for the College Sports teams, recreational equipment and refreshment facilities.