Frequently asked questions

What are my options?

Most postgraduates will live in single-study accommodation within the Graduate College, which is located on Alexandra Park (south-west campus). Other single/shared flats, as well as our couple and family accommodation, are located around the wider campus.

As a postgraduate, you are a member of the Graduate College wherever you live and have access to all postgraduate facilities.

Our accommodation portfolio is split into:

Rooms with en suite bathroom facilities (573 rooms);
Rooms with shared bathroom facilities (189 rooms);
Self-contained studios have private WC/shower facilities and a kitchenette (72 units).

Am I guaranteed a room?

If you are a full-time taught postgraduate starting in October 2026, we guarantee a place in accommodation owned, managed or approved by Lancaster University if you apply for accommodation prior to 31 July.

This will normally be a University-managed room in Graduate College, but when demand is high, we will direct you to private-sector accommodation approved by Lancaster University Homes.

While we are unable to guarantee postgraduate research students' accommodation, you are welcome to apply to us. We are also unable to guarantee accommodation for students whose course runs for less than 9 months or starts later than October, but you may contact us for details of vacancies during the year.

It is not always possible to accommodate visiting postgraduate study abroad students on campus, but you are encouraged to apply so that we can offer support in finding appropriate accommodation. If we can't offer you a room on campus, it is likely you will be able to find accommodation with one of our approved partners.

What if I have to study away for part of the year?

This will affect the accommodation we offer – check with your department and let us know if this is the case when you apply.

What is the community like in Graduate College?

We house around 800 students in the Graduate College. There are many different nationalities who choose to live with us, so you can expect to live with a diverse group of students from around the world.

Graduate College

What if I have a disability or special requirement?

We can prioritise your application for accommodation if you provide us with information about a disability or impairment, so please do notify us of any special circumstances regarding disabilities, medical conditions and allergies when you apply. You should advise us about any such needs as early as possible to maximise the possibility of us finding a suitable room.

Adapted Accommodation

How big are the beds?

Unless you’re in one of the flats or a self-contained studio our beds are all single size, measuring 900mm wide by 1900 or 2100mm in length. If you are particularly tall, please tell us in the additional notes field of the online application form.

How much does it cost?

That depends on what type of room you have, but the weekly rates can be found on each accommodation page.

All accommodation fees are inclusive of heating, electricity, wired and wireless internet and campus security. Your possessions are also insured up to the value of £10,000. More details can be found on the Cover4Students website.

A basic cleaning service is included for all shared areas in our halls of residence such as kitchens, shared shower rooms and corridors, though you will need to clean your own room! There is no cleaning service in the studio apartments, family flats or four-bedroom houses.

Will I need to cook for myself?

All accommodation in Graduate College is self-catered, but there are plenty of places to eat nearby.

The University also operates the Freedom Card scheme, which offers students an easy way to enjoy discounted food in campus outlets at their convenience.

Can I live with my family?

The Graduate College also manages limited campus accommodation for families, though we cannot guarantee that this will be available. You can find out more about your options on the Families page, or consider renting in the private sector via Lancaster University Homes.

Is there a contract?

Yes, postgraduate accommodation is let on a 49-week contract as most postgraduate courses run for this length of time. You may apply for a 40-week contract in specific one-bedroom accommodation located in the Graduate College area only. If we are unable to offer you this, we will offer a 50-week contract instead.

Please note that bedrooms with shared bathrooms are available only on a 40-week contract for 2025/26 owing to campus development work taking place around those houses.

How do I pay the accommodation fees?

Around a week before you arrive you will be sent an invoice by email. This details your accommodation fees and their due dates, the first of which will normally be a few days after the contract start date. Please keep it safe as it will only be sent out once. You should note the due dates and be sure to make the payment in time, or speak with your Accommodation Manager in advance if ever you encounter problems.

Are there any other charges?

We certainly hope there aren't and aim to return everyone's deposit in full at the end of the year.

There will be students however that lose their keys or break a mirror, or leave their room dirty when they leave. These are chargeable damages but avoidable with a little care.

Damages and recharges

How about off-campus accommodation?

Of course, some students prefer life in the historic city of Lancaster itself. If you're looking for help and advice on renting accommodation off-campus you can find it, along with a searchable list of University-approved properties, on the Lancaster University Homes website.

What if I'm attending a pre-sessional course beforehand?

If you are attending one of the study skills and English language courses in July or September you will be housed with other students attending the course for its duration. You will then move into your permanent room at the end of the pre-sessional course. Please be aware that we can only offer a single room for the duration of these courses.

Is there anything else I should know?

If we can’t offer you a room in Graduate College you may be referred to another part of the campus or to Lancaster University Homes. You should also note that the accommodation will be closed for cleaning and maintenance immediately before the start of your tenancy, and it will not be possible to move in earlier than the date set out on your contract. Please check this before making travel plans.

Applicants are advised that the campus is being invested in and that as such, there may be building work ongoing near to some of the accommodation.

Estates development

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