Information for parents and supporters

Helping students experience what would be like to live and study at a UK university

This two-week programme offers international students the opportunity to explore potential future degree interests, develop global skills, make new friends from around the world, and experience what student life is like in the UK.

Six students walking across the Millennium Bridge in Lancaster city entre

Travel information and entry to the UK

It is important that you obtain the correct visa or entry clearance to study in the UK. You will be sent detailed information about visas and immigration when you have accepted your offer and paid the fee.

Most students will need to get a Standard Visitor Visa to attend a summer school without further study. Students continuing to study in the UK may need another type of visa.

The University does not provide insurance, you may want to explore insurance options to cover travel, loss or damage to personal possessions and medical costs.

Keep up to date with the latest news from the International Student sector.

Three students at the Lancaster Train Station

Getting to Lancaster

Lancaster University is approximately 3 miles south of the City of Lancaster. The campus is within 70 miles of Manchester’s International Airport and is well served by road and public transport links.

Students arriving at Manchester International Airport are met on arrival by Lancaster University staff and transported to Lancaster University. Transportation to and from the airport on the specified arrival and departure dates is included in the programme fee.

Student working in Lancaster University bedroom

Accommodation

Students are guaranteed a catered, en-suite room on campus. Their bedroom will be fully furnished with a single bed, desk and chair, wardrobe, and bookshelves as well as their own private bathroom. Linen (towels and bedding) are provided. Students will have some shared facilities such as the kitchen and dining area. Please be aware that the images and videos on this page may not correspond exactly to the en-suite room students will be staying in.

Dedicated staff are on duty day and night to provide pastoral care and emergency first aid response, and to ensure students’ safety and wellbeing. Lancaster University has 24/7 security on campus.

Room tour
Lancaster students sitting on Bonington steps

What do students need to take with them?

We recommend packing clothes that can be layered to suit different temperatures. It often rains in Lancaster so please bring a light waterproof coat.

Umbrellas are not recommended, as they can get broken in the wind.

Some trips and activities involve walking in the countryside and sports, so please bring comfortable walking shoes and sportswear. Linen (bedding and towels) are provided in all rooms, so you do not need to bring any.

As your tuition, accommodation, and meals are paid for before entering the UK, we expect costs to be low. However, we recommend bringing a small amount of spending money.

Four students sitting together for a meal at Cartmel College Barker House Farm

Meals

All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided by the University catering team.

All food allergies and dietary requirements provided as part of the application process are passed to the University catering team. If there has been a change or a new requirement not listed on the student’s application, please notify us immediately at preuniversityglobalschools@lancaster.ac.uk

Red calendar icon

Important dates

  • Application deadline (TBC)
  • Deposit securing the application deadline (TBC)
  • Arrival in Lancaster: 12 July 2026
  • Document check: 13 July 2026 (students should make sure to retain their passport, visa and boarding pass)
  • Programme begins: 13 July 2026
  • Programme finishes: 24 July 2026
  • All departures: 25 July 2026
Students raising their hands during a lecture

Academic instruction at Lancaster

During a student’s time at Lancaster, they will have the opportunity to take part in a range of academic subject tasters led by Lancaster University academics and PhD students.

Their exploration of major disciplines may include Architecture, Computing, Design, Engineering, Film and Media, History, Languages, Law, Philosophy and Psychology.

Three management school students having a discussion

Typical day

A detailed timetable will be shared before the programme begins. All participants will share daily meals and days out on Wednesday afternoons and weekends.

Typical daily schedule (timings may vary):

  • Breakfast: 7:30 to 8:30
  • Lectures or tutorials: 9:30 to 12:00
  • Lunch: 12:00 to 13:30
  • Lectures or tutorials: 14:00 to 16:30
  • Dinner: 17:00 to 18:00
  • Evening activities: from 19:00
  • Check in and roll call: 22:30
  • Students in their own rooms: by 23:00