Profile Page – Lancaster University

“There were a ton of activities available at the University and at my college. There was a Freshers Week that happened before classes began which was a great way to meet people in residence. As well as over 100 different clubs and societies available to join of all different activities and interests. There were college-specific events that took place year-round, including a weekly pub quiz.” – Full Year 2022/2023, Bachelor of Global and International Studies

“Lancaster University is very big on socialization and offered many opportunities to meet people with similar interests, or also by trying new experiences. I participated in the Baking Society which was a lovely Saturday morning ritual that allowed me to not only meet people of different programs and levels, but also try out some typical British bakes! I was also a part of the Italian Society, which was run by native Italians. I did participate in a few volunteering experiences, for example, I joined an afternoon expedition to a nearby forest with the Green Lancaster team, a group that endeavors to educate and evolve the student body in sustainability and environmental matters. I also joined in on a few Study Abroad events, like a fair organized for the future outgoing students, during which I talked about living in Canada and being a Carleton student.”– Full Year 2022/2023, Bachelor of Film Studies

“The grading system is much different there, different policies and laws that are different to ones I’ve learned here. Teaching styles very similar, class expectation similar except that attendance was mandatory and had to sign in for class every day on an app.” – Winter 2024, Bachelor of Arts, Criminology

“Finding courses was fairly simple, they had an organized course catalogue that was easy to look through and had descriptions which helped for finding equivalents in Canada. I also talked to a lot of advisors who helped to ensure I picked the right courses for my year level and interests!” – Full Year 2022/2023, Bachelor of Global and International Studies

“Lancaster has the full list of its modules online, so I had the chance to look through and get excited about the classes I would take well in advance of registration. I was glad to have
had a good balance of courses that fit my major as well as the selection of electives because I got to meet students and professors from different faculties and get a more rounded perspective of the University.” – Full Year 2022/2023, Bachelor of Film Studies

“Housing search was easy, the university had a portal that had all the options. Doing proper research about every single accommodation option is crucial.” – Winter 2024, Bachelor of Arts, Criminology

“Finding housing was super easy at Lancaster, the university was really helpful and had a ton of information about how you could go about finding your housing. I lived on-campus in an apartment style dorm, I had my own room with an ensuite and shared a kitchen with 7 other students. I really enjoyed being on campus because I felt like it encouraged me to meet more people and participate in more events.” – Full Year 2022/2023, Bachelor of Global and International Studies

“I chose to live in campus accommodations, in an ensuite flat. This meant that I shared a kitchen with three other flatmates and had a bathroom to myself. I’m very happy with my decision. My flatmates in all three terms were exchange students, so it was nice to live with people who could relate to being a study abroad student, and also discover new cultures.” – Full Year 2022/2023, Bachelor of Film Studies

“I was able to set up a bank account online and had my bank card mailed to my residence, it was a super simple process, and it was just as easy to close it out before I left. I used the SIM card I got from the UK Visa office, and it was super easy to set up and very cheap compared to Canada!” – Full Year 2022/2023, Bachelor of Global and International Studies

“My friend recommended Starling Banking to me, and this proved to be a perfect company for me. I opened an account online and had a card sent to my accommodation, and I transferred a fixed amount from my Canadian account to my British one for a one-time fee. As for my cell phone, I ordered a free SIM card with Giffgaff before I left. I chose this provider because they are online user-friendly and are month to month based. Rates are extremely inexpensive compared to Canadian ones, so I had unlimited calls and texts and 5GB of data for 8£ a month.” – Full Year 2022/2023, Bachelor of Film Studies

“Croatia and bled lake are must sees. Tips are to make sure you research travel methods and how to purchase them before arriving anywhere. Also making sure to always have cash in that country’s currencies, is super important for emergencies.” – Winter 2024, Bachelor of Arts, Criminology

“My biggest piece of advice would be to just book the train ticket! There are so many wonderful places to discover that are just a couple of hours away by train, it isn’t overly expensive, and the rail system is very easy to navigate. I’d suggest taking advantage of the cheap flights to Europe too! Some cute places to see are Norfolk, Bath, and of course Edinburgh.” – Full Year 2022/2023, Bachelor of Global and International Studies

“I would recommend getting a railcard when you get there (or even before) because the student ones will get you a third of train ticket prices off; it’s pretty fun taking day or weekend trips to different cities and places. Also, take advantage of the university organized trips. I took a few trips organized by the university which were completely free and took me places I might not have seen otherwise, so keep an eye on your inbox for those, just be up for anything! I would also recommend travelling based on your personal interests. Of course, it’s incredible to see all the famous sights we hear about, but I also planned trips that excited me personally: in March, I visit Pierrefonds in France, where I got to tour the castle where they filmed the BBC show Merlin! And, in May I travelled to Hay-on-Wye for the Hay Book Festival!” – Full Year 2022/2023, Bachelor of Film Studies