Reflecting on my Lancaster journey

By Cath Qiu, Graduate college, July 2026

The best thing that came from joining Lancaster's societies was meeting friends of a lifetime.

Settling in and Welcome Week activities

Fresher’s Fair in Welcome Week is a definite tradition to take part in. There are lots of freebies and opportunities to meet like-minded people who might, you never know, become your best friends in the future!

I'd say the most memorable Welcome Week for me was in Fall 2024. I worked as a staff member at the College Welcome Desk on that weekend and I cherished the experience of working with my two colleagues who were also Lancaster students. Ellie, Eleanor and I were all new to the role of Community Assistants, but I’d say we smashed this role during Welcome Week.

Campus life and societies

During my time at Lancaster, I have been a part of the Catholic Society and the Ballet Society. The best thing that came from joining these societies was meeting friends of a lifetime. My favourite society event was a day trip to the Lake District. And a regular hobby of mine is working out at the Lancaster University’s Sports Centre.

If a friend or family member from back home came to visit me on campus, I would show them the library. We have a Chinese book collection on the ground floor, which surprised me the first time I spotted it. I would invite my fellow friends to have a look there and spend some time reading with me. I was also surprised by the ASK desk in the library, which is incredibly helpful. The C floor in the library is my favourite place to study, and I enjoy spending time in the Sports Centre.

Settling in and making friends

I overcame the challenges of moving to a new country by socialising with my Chinese friends on campus and holding food gatherings. I have several very good Chinese friends, and that seems enough for me to socialise in a small yet close circle.

Before starting my at Lancaster, I was worried about being an outsider. However, I built up bravery, a positive mindset and actively embraced opportunities.

I call my family every day, which helps me when I am feeling homesick. However, I found it easy to meet new friends, which was a good start. It does take time to build deep friendship, but I think that is the same everywhere.

I would tell other international students coming to Lancaster to be brave and active. Trust your ability to adapt and be confident!

Food, culture, and practising faith in Lancaster

When I see the snacks on the shelves in the Asian shops in town, they remind me of my home in Shandong, China. I find it very easy to buy ingredients that I need to cook my favourite foods. I usually shop at Marks & Spencer and Taste the Orient in the city centre. If I were planning to eat with friends, we would make hotpot in my flat.

I am a converted Catholic which was just a surprising yet beautiful journey. I met my first spiritual guide Emily from my course. We started going to church together without a particular intention. After over a year, I decided to join the Catholic church. I love the moral teaching, the music and the respect for the Catholic legacy such as the music, literature, and sainthood.

Language and career support

I went to the English Discussion Group in the library for 2 years where I was offered language support. This was where my English improved. Ruth and Helen are the best!

I also made a 1-1 appointment with Mel and Alex from Lancaster University’s Careers and Employability Service, who were postgraduate coaches. Additionally, I booked an appointment with Christina who’s responsible for careers support for undergraduate students. They are all amazing.

Exploring Lancaster and the local area

The experience I have had with Lancaster is more about the psychological connection instead of physical extensiveness. Living in a small town makes me feel close to it, which I enjoy a lot.

The Castle tour was an event I attended that took place in Lancaster town, and was held by the University’s history department. I joined last year’s session, which was led by Dr. Chris Donaldson and other history faculty. We listened to knowledge about the castle, which was shared by these professionals, which was a totally different experience.

Recently, I went outside of Lancaster and visited Grasmere in the Lake District with my boyfriend. We didn’t plan much before departure as we were confident about the transportation (and it didn’t fail us). On a Saturday after a morning gym session, we travelled by bus and train, setting off at 10:30 and arriving in Grasmere at 11:45. We had a wonderful day there visiting the Wordsworth Museum and the Daffodil Garden, as well as doing a boat rowing activity.