Martha - An interview with my mum

by Martha Munro, Furness College, April 2026

Martha's mum with their dog in a restaurant.

Introduction

Hi there! I’m Martha, a first-year student at Lancaster studying English Literature and German. And on the right here is my wonderful mum, Alex (and our dog Beanie, of course)! She sat down with me and a cup of tea to answer some questions about what it’s really like to be a parent/supporter of a Lancaster University student. My uni experience so far has been an utter joy, but it’s not just me who has a perspective – our supporters at home are all having their own experiences at the same time, and my mum wanted to share her own to reassure anyone who’s worried about having an empty nest!

Martha and her mum smiling for a selfie near a seaside on a sunny day.

Interview

So, Mum: What did you think of Lancaster University when we visited for my Offer Holder Day?

I was really impressed with it, and it was exactly the environment where I thought you would thrive. I thought it was brilliantly organised, it was very clear what was going on, and I was really struck by how friendly the staff were and how they clearly liked one another, which is always a big ‘yes’ because it means it’s a happy environment.

On the same note, do you think Lancaster University is a good fit for me and why?

It’s the perfect fit for you because it’s friendly, warm and welcoming. It’s in a small town, you know, Lancaster’s not huge. You’ve got nice open spaces, good access to mental health facilities, should they be required. The facilities are brilliant – it means that you get out and exercise. The course is obviously really floating your boat. And I’m happy that if you had a problem, you’d be able to get the support you needed.

Agreed! What were you most worried about when I was applying to university?

Just leaving home and having to cope with adulting! I just wanted you to be happy, that’s it.

And how do you feel about that now that I’m a couple of terms in?

I feel like we’ve got you back, because you’ve found your own. You’ve found a group of people that are equally nerdy and lovely and like crocheting and drinking tea, and I know that makes you very happy.

That it does. Thanks for exposing me as a 19-year-old grandma there as well. Overall, how do you think I’ve changed since starting at Lancaster?

I think you’ve blossomed! I think you’ve found yourself, and you’ve got your confidence back, and accepted that Martha is fabulous just the way she is.

Martha and her mum smiling for a selfie on the street under a nice weather.

Lastly...

How would you describe a campus university to someone who may not be familiar with them?

It’s basically like going to a wedding and staying in the same hotel where the wedding is happening. Everything’s in one place, like a village whose residents are students, but it is big. I think sometimes when you think ‘campus university’, you think that would be quite small.

How do you think Lancaster University is helping me prepare for my future career?

Well, I think it’s opened your eyes. I think all the societies, clubs, The Tab*, that sort of thing, has given you opportunities that you can choose to take or not take. But I think the subject knowledge and life experience from your tutors seem to be expanding your horizons as well.

If you could give just one piece of advice to prospective parents and supporters, what would it be? What would you like to have known or heard?

Just that you were going to be safe and happy and looked after, which is what you absolutely have been.

If you’d like a bit more information, please head over to Lancaster University’s parent and supporter webpage, which is designed to answer common questions and tell you everything you need to know. You can also sign up for the newsletter, which will keep you up to date on upcoming open events and more must-know info about applying to Lancaster.

*The Tab is one of the student news outlets here at Lancaster Uni that I’m a part of.