5 reasons to choose a campus university

By Ryan Moynihan, Furness College, December 2025

Choosing whether you go to a campus or a city university is arguably just as big a decision as the actual degree itself. The main difference between a campus or a city is that campus universities are more self-contained, everything is together on one site, whereas city universities tend to be more spread out.

For me, it was always going to be a campus because I knew it would be the right fit due to the convenience, community and safety which it provides, and Lancaster encompasses all of this and more. If you’re unsure which is the one for you, here are 5 reasons why a campus university might be the right decision.

Convenience

Everything you need is in close proximity. For campus universities like Lancaster, everything is a very short walk from each other. And no, I’m not just being lazy, this time saved can make such a big difference. Rather than having to get a busy city bus to a lecture, that time can be used to cook some food, go to the sports facilities or (and arguably more importantly) getting an extra hour of sleep before a 9am lecture.

In my first year at university, I generally only left the campus to go to the nightclubs and for an occasional Aldi food shop. Buses are super regular from the Underpass and it usually takes around 10 – 15 minutes to get into town, another reason why the Lancaster campus is so convenient.

Community

Making new friends sounds scary. However, a campus university makes this so much easier. At Lancaster, this whole process is even smoother due to the collegiate system, which fosters this sense of community.

Your college is with you throughout your whole time in Lancaster and will have a whole range of events where you can get involved and meet new people. There is such a strong sense of belonging at Lancaster with the colleges and campus’ close-knit nature being a key reason for this.

Safety

I found the idea of moving to a new place quite scary but being on a campus brings a safety blanket. Lancaster University has 24/7 security onsite, and each College has their own porters for additional security. If you’re studying late at the library, it is so much safer to walk back to your accommodation knowing campus security is there than having to walk through a busy city at night. Students can call either of these at any time, meaning there is always that safety net.

Also, I would be lying if I said I didn’t forget my keys to my room every now and again (I won’t say how many times I did this, it’s embarrassing) so having the porters and security available 24/7 means you will always be able to get back into your room.

Student lifestyle

Being a campus university means everything is geared towards the student experience. Lancaster’s campus includes its own shops, bars, cafes, sports facilities, and even a hair salon. The campus generally feels like a mini city, one designed specifically for students.

Even though I currently live in town, I spend most of my time on campus and most days I will arrive early in the morning and not leave until late in the evening, everything I need is already here. If you want to find out more about the campus, I’d strongly recommend looking at the Lancaster University virtual tour.

Nature

On campus, you’re surrounded by greenery and this makes studying and general life so much nicer. The woodland walk surrounds the campus and is a great way to take a break and immerse yourself in nature.

There are so many green spaces and a lot of wildlife, with the ducks by Fylde College being my personal favorite. Especially in exam season, being able to step outside and be immersed in this nature is a lifesaver.

Final thoughts

A campus university was certainly the right fit for me. Like most people, I found the idea of having to move somewhere new quite scary. However, being at a campus university made this transition much smoother. It’s convenient, safe and has such a strong sense of community and I can confidently say I am having the best university experience possible, and this is due to the benefits of Lancaster being a campus university.