What I get up to in my free time

by Nathan Gaskill

University isn’t just about studying, and it’s a great time to enjoy an active social life! Fortunately, there are plenty of things for students to do in and around Lancaster in their free time. In this blog, I’ll share with you some of my favourite things to do when I’m not studying for my degree.

Student societies

Joining a student society is the best way to make new friends at university. Lancaster has over 175 societies open to students from all years to join, enabling you to meet people with similar passions, hobbies, and interests. I am an active member of a student political society and was elected to the Executive Committee as Media & Publicity Secretary in my first year. Each week we meet to debate current affairs and political issues before spending the evening at a social event. I met my best friends at university by getting involved in with societies, and I would encourage all new students at Lancaster to do so too!

Black pudding and scotch egg on a grey plate — Lancashire black pudding served at The Borough

Eating and drinking

Whether you’re in the city or on the campus, there is a vast array of cafés, restaurants, and takeaways at Lancaster for you to dine at. I eat out with my friends throughout the week*, and would recommend you visit The Borough, The Cornerhouse, Merchants 1688, and GoBurrito. We also frequent numerous pubs and bars, with our favourite being Graduate College Bar on campus because of its hearty traditional atmosphere. Every weekend I treat myself to a takeaway, and I try to pick somewhere different every time; living in the city centre gives me plenty of options to choose from!

*UK Covid guidance permitting!

Nightlife

COVID-permitting, Lancaster has a small but lively night-time economy, best characterised by the iconic student nightclub The Sugarhouse. “Sugar” is a vibrant social scene and I have many fond memories of spending my Wednesday and Friday nights here with my friends practically every week during term time. Having never been to a nightclub myself before coming to uni, I have always felt comfortable going here as it is owned by Lancaster University Students’ Union and virtually all the clubbers are students.

Walking and cycling

Lancaster is surrounded by city, coast, and countryside, which means there are plenty of places to explore. On Saturdays I love to go walking or cycling around the wider area, taking a different route every week. If you’re wanting a stroll by the sea, I recommend a trip southbound along the Lancashire Coastal Way, which takes you past the historic Cockersand Abbey, a former Catholic abbey dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. Or, if you fancy some fresh countryside air, I recommend a trip up the River Lune to Caton, stopping at Crook O’ Lune picnic area which offers picturesque views over the river valley.

River Lune and grey cloudy skies — The River Lune at Crook O’ Lune on a not-so-sunny day

Reading

Since coming to university I have reignited my childhood passion for reading. One of the great things about studying a languages degree is that I can read books in a foreign language for my own enjoyment and I am still learning at the same time. I love reading some of the classics of French and Spanish literature and, having studied the historical context behind them on my course, I have a good understanding of the period in which they were written. I have recently read Jorge Manrique’s Coplas por la muerte de su padre, Diego de San Pedro’s Cárcel de amor, and Chrétien de Troyes’s Lancelot, le Chevalier de la Carrette, which allowed me to dive into the majestic worlds of medieval France and early modern Spain. Of course, not all my reading is in French and Spanish! I also enjoy non-fiction books, particularly about politics, history, and religion, and I am currently reading Charles Moore’s comprehensive biography of Margaret Thatcher.

Work

A great way to earn a little bit of extra cash whilst at university is to get a part-time job. Having worked at my local leisure centre as a lifeguard since I was 16, I was eager to continue lifeguarding when I came to Lancaster. During my first year I was lucky enough to get a job working at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre on the outskirts of the city. Part time jobs are a great way to integrate yourself into the local community, meet new people, and, in my case, keep fit!

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Nathan is a second year undergraduate at Lancaster University, and is studying French Studies and Spanish Studies.

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