Discovering community at Lancaster

By Alisha Zariwala, Graduate college, July 2026

When I first arrived from Mumbai, India, the extended support from the university really helped me settle in. There were so many resources available for international students, from orientation activities to staff who were always ready to answer questions. At the same time, the friends I started making early on also made a huge difference. Having people around who were going through the same experience made it easier to adjust and feel less alone.

Settling in and Welcome Week activities

One of the moments I realised I was becoming part of the Lancaster community was during the first few weeks when I started recognising familiar faces around campus and in college events. Even though I was far from home, those small interactions, chatting with people in events or seeing friends in common spaces made me feel like I was slowly finding my place here.

My standout memory from Welcome Week was how easily I was able to interact with so many different students. The events were designed in a way that made it natural to start conversations and meet new people. It really helped break the initial awkwardness of being in a new place and made me feel much more comfortable about starting university.

Welcome Week played a big role in shaping my first few weeks. I made some of my first friends during that time, and I also learned about different clubs, societies, and services the university offers. Knowing about these opportunities early on helped me make the most out of campus life and understand where I could go for support.

Making friends and community life

One of my first friends at university was someone I actually connected with before arriving. There was a WhatsApp group for international students, and I decided to message her. From there we started talking, and once we arrived on campus, it felt much easier to meet in person and continue that friendship. My advice to other international students would be to approach people instead of waiting for them to approach you. Everyone is new and trying to make friends, so you’re all in the same situation. Attending events, joining activities, and networking can really help you build connections quickly.

I would describe the community at Lancaster as helpful, accessible, and welcoming. People are always willing to help if you need guidance, services and support are easy to access, and overall, the environment makes it easy to feel comfortable and included.

I attended the Halloween night event that was hosted by my college. It was really fun we had karaoke and other activities, and it was great to see both new and familiar faces. Events like that are nice because they bring people together in a relaxed environment where you can just enjoy yourself and socialise.

Societies and balancing hobbies

I joined the Indian Dance Society. Dancing has always been something I enjoy, so it felt natural to continue that interest here. I chose societies by exploring the options during Welcome Week and seeing which ones matched my interests and would also give me a chance to meet new people. I felt very welcome when I joined the society. The events and practices were a great way to interact with new people, and it made it easy to form friendships with others who share similar interests.

I think societies are an important part of the university experience. Joining at least one society should definitely be on your list because it gives you exposure to new activities, helps you meet people outside your c, and makes university life much more engaging.

Balancing academics and hobbies really comes down to time management. My MSc Cyber Security degree has always be the priority, but it’s also important to schedule small breaks or “happy hours” for yourself where you can relax and do something you enjoy. It helps you stay refreshed and prevents burnout. At the same time, it’s important not to overlook deadlines sticking to a schedule and planning ahead really helps keep everything manageable.

Lancaster’s global community

Being part of such a diverse community has really enriched my experience. It’s interesting to meet people from different countries and backgrounds because everyone brings their own perspectives and stories. It makes conversations more meaningful and helps you understand the world beyond your own culture.

One of the fun and surprising things has been discovering different cuisines and traditions from around the world. Through friends, I’ve been introduced to foods and cultural experiences I wouldn’t have known about otherwise, which has been really enjoyable.

I’ve been able to connect with other students from my home country. There was an Indian WhatsApp group created for students, which made it easy to find and connect with people from a similar background. My flatmates are also Indian, and we often cook together, which makes it feel a little like home. These connections definitely helped me adjust more comfortably.

What makes me proud to be an international student is the opportunity to represent where I come from while also learning from people around the world. It’s a unique experience where you can share your culture, traditions, and perspective with others while also growing personally by experiencing new cultures and ideas.