Welcome from our College Manager

Hello and welcome to Lonsdale College!

I’m Olivia, the College Manager, and I’m really pleased to welcome you to our community. Whether you’re new to Lancaster or returning for another year, I hope you’ll quickly feel at home here at Lonsdale.

Our motto is ‘Simply the Best!’ and we’re proud of our history as one of Lancaster University’s founding Colleges. But what really makes Lonsdale special is our community. From events and activities to the support available from our staff and students, there are lots of ways to get involved, meet people and make Lonsdale your own.

Take a look around our pages to find out more about College life, what’s happening at Lonsdale and how you can get involved. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Welcome Week

Starting university is exciting, but we know it can also feel a little daunting. That's why Welcome Week at Lonsdale is designed to help you settle in, make friends and feel at home from day one.

Before teaching begins, you'll be welcomed by our College staff and student Welcome Reps, who are on hand throughout the week to answer questions, help you find your way around campus and make sure you feel part of the Lonsdale community.

Across the week you'll have the opportunity to take part in a packed programme of events, from relaxed socials, games and creative activities to sports sessions, and evenings in our College spaces. Alongside College events, you'll also attend important academic inductions, explore the Freshers' Fair, discover clubs and societies, and learn everything you need to know to start your Lancaster journey with confidence.

There's no expectation to attend everything. Whether you're someone who wants to get involved in every event or you'd rather take things at your own pace, Welcome Week is about helping you settle in a way that feels right for you.

By the end of the week, you'll have met new people, found your feet on campus and become part of the Lonsdale community; ready to begin your university experience.

Accommodation

In Lonsdale College, we have mostly ensuite rooms with a small number of shared bathroom facilities rooms.

For more information please, see the Accommodation website.

College facilities

There’s plenty of space to study, socialise and unwind at Lonsdale. From the Hub and Community Kitchen to our cosy Snug and creative Nook, there are spaces to meet friends, grab some food, play games, watch a film or simply take a break. We also have dedicated study areas and a computer room with printing facilities, so whether you’re looking to get some work done or spend time with friends, there’s a space for you at Lonsdale.

College Facilities

Sports and social

The College has several sports teams that compete in College leagues over the first and second terms. Try-outs for Football and Netball are normally held during the first few weeks of term.

We also run dozens of different social events across campus and in town to cater for all of our students. Recent examples include day trips to Manchester and Liverpool, comedy nights in the bar, movie nights plus of course our annual Winter Ball.

Sports & Social

Inter-college competitions

As a Lancaster student, you can take part in many different inter-college competitions as part of Team Lonsdale. These include the Sustainability Challenge, the Debating Competition, the hotly-contested Inter-College Quiz and new for 2023/2024 the Speed Chess competition.

Competitions