Living in Lancaster as a student

• Budget-friendly activities: enjoy free entry to museums and galleries, explore the city’s history with a tour of Lancaster Castle or visit a park, beach or nature reserve.

• Low-cost travel: discounted bus passes, 1/3 off rail travel and Lancaster University’s bike hire scheme – all within a walkable city.

• Savings and services: discounts via UniDAYS, TOTUM and Student Beans, £3.50 cinema tickets, free period products across campus and a hardship fund for international students.

• Cheap eats: community cupboards and hot meals for £2.95, student dining scheme, the local farmers’ market for fresh produce and global cuisine and discounts across the city.

• Everything you need on campus: including sports facilities, The Nuffield Theatre, the Peter Scott Gallery, an international supermarket, pharmacy and health centre.

Where to find out more

• Scholarships and tuition fees.

• Information and tips about the cost of studying in the UK.

• Student living costs at Lancaster University.

• Lancaster University’s cost of living support guide.

Lancaster University graduates are in high demand from companies around the world, with plenty of job opportunities close by too.

Lancaster is known for its growing economy, offering many jobs in areas like technology, healthcare, manufacturing and education.

Being close to the Lake District also makes Lancaster a great place for careers in tourism and hospitality. Plus, nearby cities like Manchester and Liverpool offer even more opportunities in finance, media, tech and creative industries.

Lancaster’s rich history and diverse community come together to create a vibrant cultural scene. It's a must-visit destination for art, history, music, and literature lovers from all over the world. You can explore:

• Lancaster Castle – A historic landmark that dates back to the medieval era, hosting events, exhibitions, and performances that bring the city’s past to life.

• The Dukes – A renowned arts centre offering a diverse range of cultural events, from contemporary theatre performances to live music concerts.

• Annual festivals – Enjoy popular events like the Highest Point music festival, Light Up Lancaster, the Lancaster Chinese New Year celebration and the Lancaster Literature Festival.

• Local spots – Wander through the city to find charming coffee shops, pubs, independent shops and bustling markets. You'll find everything here, from handmade goods to delicious local delicacies.

Whether you're looking to dive into history, enjoy a festival or relax in a cosy café, Lancaster offers something for everyone.

Lancaster is easy to explore on foot or via one of the many bike-friendly routes in and around the city.

There’s also a well-developed bus network offering low-cost public transport. This provides university students with a reliable link between the campus and city centre. 

The railway station offers connections to major destinations across the country. Thanks to Lancaster’s convenient location in the middle of the UK, it's perfect for exploring the rest of the UK. 

Lancaster is known for its cultural diversity, offering an array of food from all over the world.

Explore the city’s international food scene, which includes everything from a Japanese sushi bar to authentic Italian trattorias, Indian curry houses and cool Mediterranean cafés. 

Regular markets sell a variety of global street food, as well as local produce – perfect for recreating your favourite dishes. There’s even an international supermarket on campus, so you’ll never be far from a taste of home. 

Sport is at the heart of Lancaster’s community, and no matter your preferred activity, you'll find something to enjoy.

Lancaster University plays a key role in the city’s sporting culture. Its state-of-the-art sports centre offers excellent facilities for students and the local community, as well as hosting exciting events.

The city’s stunning surroundings make it the perfect base for outdoor activities. With the Lake District just nearby, you can enjoy hiking, cycling and a range of water sports on its many beautiful lakes.