An international student's guide to campus life

By Iris Tsou, August 2025

Hey, this is Iris from Taiwan studying Marketing at Lancaster!

As an international student, moving to a country 6,000 miles away from home is a challenge, especially when you come from different cultures and backgrounds. From how people greet each other to the taste of food, almost everything can surprise you and flip your expectations upside down. But the exciting part of studying abroad is embracing a new environment. Now, let me share some tips on making the most of your time studying and living at LU.

Finding your community

At Lancaster, you’ll find over 200 clubs and societies to choose from, whether you’re into sports, charity work, academic research, or something completely different. It’s a good opportunity to meet new people and make lasting friendships. If you join a sports club, you might even get the chance to compete in Roses, an annual tournament between Lancaster and the University of York.

During Welcome Week, you’ll find a variety of events (and free food!), including department inductions, sports taster sessions, and tours of the local area. It is the perfect chance to experience the campus vibe in person.

Confidence and curiosity in the UK classroom

Unlike one-way teaching, education in the UK encourages you to share your views and join the discussion. You’ll often take part in group projects or even present in front of the class. Don’t worry about being wrong, speaking up is one of the best ways to practice critical thinking and show that you’ve understood the material.

Of course, language barriers can sometimes make things tricky, whether it’s getting used to different accents, academic terms, or even casual slang. But don’t let that hold you back.

Here are some tips that might help:

  • Preview materials before class: Read the materials, take notes during lectures, and review them soon after.
  • Boost your English: Try BBC podcasts or English films to get used to different accents and phrases.
  • Use campus support: The English development team often runs events like film clubs, writing workshops, and 1-1 sessions.
  • Don’t be shy: Never feel embarrassed about asking questions in class as chances are – someone else is wondering the same thing. Speaking up not only clears up your own doubts but also helps everyone improve.

Accommodation life

Where you live can make a big difference in your daily life. Lancaster offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. While not every request can be guaranteed, you can ask for special arrangements if you want a more diverse living environment or prefer to live with people from your hometown.

All accommodation has a kitchen, but you’ll need your own kitchen utensils. Don’t worry about bringing everything from home. At the start of the semester, Lancaster hosts a second-hand market, where you can pick up almost anything you need at quite a low price.

Student accommodation room, with a single bed and desk area.

Chancellor's Wharf city accommodation for Lancaster University students.

Photograph: University-owned photography.

Everyday connections and the nightlife

You’ll never be short of things to do at Lancaster. Each college has its own unique social spaces, where you can grab a drink, play pool, or just chill with friends. The colleges also compete in sports games and host exclusive activities like movie nights, social events or DIY workshops.

If you’re looking for a student-friendly and fun place to hang out at night, check out The Sugarhouse – a nightclub run by the Students' Union, exclusively for Lancaster students. They host themed events like Disney Night, Pride Party, Summer Fest, and more.

A group of students smiling for a photo at Sugarhouse nightclub in Lancaster.

Iris with friends at student nightclub The Sugarhouse, Lancaster.

Photograph: Lancaster University Students' Union photography.

Cultural etiquette and tips

As an international student, you’ll quickly discover that every country has its own little rules and cultural quirks. Here are a few things I’ve learned in the UK that might save you from awkward moments:

  • Tap water is safe: You can drink tap water in most places across the UK. Just check the signs in toilets, as some older buildings may still have non-drinkable water taps.
  • Restaurant etiquette: For most restaurants, don’t just walk in and sit down. Wait for the staff to show you to a table as this is considered polite.
  • Don’t feed the animals on campus: You’ll see ducks all over campus and pigeons in town. Although it is tempting, don’t feed them. It makes them lose their ability to find food naturally.

Plan ahead

As an international student, there are lots of things to keep on top of, like visa, finances, career path, and even travel plans. Sorting things out early will make your life much easier, so keep an eye on your emails and try to schedule everything in advance. Trust me, college life flies by faster than you think!

I still remember my first day arriving on campus, being greeted by the lovely ducks. Since then, my year at Lancaster has been an unforgettable experience. Congratulations on starting this new chapter, and here’s to making the very best of your time at Lancaster!