View of Hills in Bowland Forest

Why Bowland?

Bowland College has been a popular choice with students for over 50 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.

Two students sitting on steps smiling

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.

Nominee Badge 2020
Luke Dolan
Luke Dolan, Bowland Student and JCR Exec, 2017-2020

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 2023-2024

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 2023/24 academic year and become a member of Bowland College then consider registering for this scheme.

If you are interested in finding out more, contact us at bowlandbuddies@lancaster.ac.uk or register your interest via our online form.

Group of students sitting around a table chatting.
Nominee Badge 2020

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.

"It is overwhelming that during such times when our students are experiencing so many personal challenges as a result of the pandemic, they have taken the time to acknowledge the contribution of our college staff team in such a lovely way. Student wellbeing is our absolute priority and our staff have gone above and beyond to support our students during this time". Lorna Harrison, College Manager.