Your student experience

At Lancaster, you’ll get the exceptional education you’d expect from a highly ranked, research-led institution. But you’ll also find your people and your place as part of a diverse, supported and thriving student community.

Three students lean on a balcony against a bright yellow wall

A highly-ranked global university

Three coloured rosettes describe Lancaster's rankings. The rosettes read: 10th in the Complete University Guide 2026; 14th in the Guardian University Guide 2026; 15th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.

Lancaster University is among the best in the UK. We have been named the "University of the Year in the Northwest of England" in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.

We're in the top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2026 and consistently placed in the top 15 in major UK league tables.

We have been awarded 5 Stars for overall performance in the globally renowned QS World Ratings. The evaluation features 5 Stars rating for each category – teaching, employability, global engagement, research, facilities, subject ranking and environmental impact.

Rankings and reputation

Colleges and campus life

Lancaster’s colleges are inclusive, diverse communities with their own social spaces and services. You’ll join a college before you arrive, and from day one, you can expect a welcoming base for student life with events, support, and more.

Colleges and campus life
Three students clink glasses in a college bar.

Discover Lancaster, campus, city and surroundings

Take our virtual tours of Lancaster's campus, accommodation and surroundings for an in-depth guide to getting to know the area.

  • Explore the campus

    Our campus is often likened to a small town. This is because we provide everything you need to live comfortably: accommodation, facilities, social areas, green spaces, and so much more. Take a virtual tour of our beautiful campus and discover what we can offer you.

  • Accommodation

    Make your home on campus in our award-winning accommodation: we have 6,700 bed spaces for students, all located within our colleges. Pick from en suite rooms, standard rooms, houses, studios and family flats. Whichever you choose, you'll find a comfortable home from home here on campus.

  • The city and beyond

    The City of Lancaster’s heritage, architecture, and vibrant culture give student life an impressive setting. Plus, our central location in the UK means we’re well-connected to many places of interest. Within a short journey, you’ll find coastal resorts, buzzing cities, or the beautiful Lake District.

Student finance

Planning your finances is a key part of student life. Get familiar with the cost of living in Lancaster and discover how we could support you with everything from budgeting advice to scholarships and bursaries.

Student finance
A student reaches into a chiller cabinet in the Spar to buy groceries.

Careers and employability

Our courses are designed with employability in mind, and our graduates are amongst the most sought after by UK employers. With our life-long support, no matter what stage you are in your career, we are here to guide you, even after you graduate.

Careers and employability
A student in Computing sits in front of a computer

Wellbeing and support

You’ll find a strong support network at Lancaster. Whether it’s through your college, academic department, Students’ Union or specialist services, there’s always someone to turn to if and when you need help.

Wellbeing and support
A student sits drinking a coffee and smiling

Stories from our students

Our students share what it's like to live and study here at Lancaster. See their stories on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram.

For more perspectives, blogs and videos, meet our student content creators.

Students congregate in the square by Fylde Bar.

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