Before contacting the Global Summer Schools Office, please browse the topics below. The answers to nearly all the enquiries we receive can be found here.
Frequently asked questions
This section is designed to help with any queries you may have regarding the Lancaster University Global Summer School.
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Once you submit your application form, we aim to assess the form within two weeks. You will receive an offer letter with a link to pay the programme fee. Once we have received payment, we will issue you a visa letter and information on applying for a visa.
If we require further information as part of your application, we will email you. Incomplete applications will take longer to process as you will need to supply further information.
If you do not receive an email from the Summer School on submission of your application, please check your junk/spam folder. Saving the Summer School email address as a safe sender will help to prevent our emails reaching your junk/spam folder.
Approximately one month before you arrive, we will email you further information about the programme and arrival details.
You will be given your timetable one week before the first day of the course. A detailed timetable is not available prior this.
You will be able to withdraw your application and may be eligible to receive a refund under certain circumstances. Please see the cancellation policy in the Terms and Conditions
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 to study 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.
As your tuition, accommodation, and most meals are paid for before entering the UK, we expect costs to be low. However, this depends on lifestyle and the activities you undertake in your spare time. There are some optional trips that cost money, and you may want to travel or eat out sometimes. So, remember to budget for travel, food and spending during your stay.
During the summer, the UK climate is warm but mild and changeable. Therefore, 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.
We will send you travel information approximately one month before the programme start date. We recommend that you fly to Manchester Airport as this has easy access to Lancaster University. If demand is high enough, we may run a coach pickup service for group arrivals at a small fee. We will give you further information about this in the pre-arrivals email.
If you do not use the Coach Transfer Service from Manchester Airport, you can travel to Lancaster by train, coach or taxi. We will send you information in the pre-arrivals email on where to go on campus when you arrive.
When you get to Lancaster University, you will collect your welcome pack and room key before having some free time to explore campus.
Check-in is from 3pm onwards on your day of arrival. Please check your confirmation email for your exact check-in location.
Check-out is by 10am on the day of your departure.
All Lancaster campus accommodation will be single, ensuite rooms and catering will be provided for most meals. Please see the individual summer school pages for further information.
Take a virtual tour of Lancaster accommodation. Please be aware that the images on this page may not correspond exactly to the en-suite room you will be staying in.
Lancaster University has 24/7 security on campus and the UK is generally a safe place, but it is important to take simple safeguarding precautions.
Tips for staying safe:
- Keep money, valuables and personal documents safe and secure.
- Don't leave luggage unattended.
- If you are unwell, contact a member of staff to let them know you will be staying at home that day.
- If you are outside at night, stay in well-lit areas with your friends.
UK Laws:
- You must be at least 18 years old to buy alcohol and tobacco, ID may be required.
- Smoking and vaping are not allowed in enclosed public spaces.
- It is illegal to carry or supply illicit drugs or weapons including knives.
After the Global Summer School has ended, upon successful completion of your programme, you will receive an official transcript and earn Lancaster University academic credit. This will help you to stand out against the competition and enhance your future prospects.
Transcripts will be made available electronically, after the end of the programme, usually in late October.
We strongly advise that all students download and save or print any materials during the programme that you would like to keep. Your Lancaster University IT account will be closed shortly after the deadline for your last assignment, at which point you will no longer have access to Moodle.
Still haven’t found the answer you're looking for?
If you still haven’t found the answer to your query, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team is on hand to help, just send us an email via the link below.