About Lancaster
Lancaster is a student-friendly city that combines history and the modern student lifestyle. Also known for its cobbled streets, friendly community, and offering a diverse culture, it’s a great place to live and study. The city has plenty to do, whether you are exploring the historic Lancaster Castle, hanging out in cafes, or browsing in indie bookstores.
Lancaster City is home to some of the country's highest-ranked institutions, including Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria. When considering which area of Lancaster to settle in search of affordable student accommodation, areas and suburbs such as Scotforth, Bowerham, and the City Centre offer great housing options. The city’s convenient and affordable transport also gives you access to nearby cities like Manchester, Preston and Leeds, making for a perfect weekend getaway for students.
Best Student Accommodation in Lancaster
At Alphaway, we have the best Lancaster student accommodation. Whether you need an affordable shared student apartment, a mid-range ensuite student room in Lancaster, or a luxury private student studio in Lancaster. Every listing has been verified and has 24/7 support. Find the best-fit student homes in Lancaster for your university experience.
Why Choose Lancaster for Higher Education
Lancaster is a good choice for students who want to study in a prestigious and top-ranked university while living in a small town with an affordable cost of living. Lancaster is a welcoming city for everyone and home to students from all over the world. From global opportunities for internships to the unique atmosphere of the city, Lancaster helps students advance academically and personally with ease. Student rooms in Lancaster are also comparatively affordable, and the inclusive community of this town makes it a perfect place for international students to study in.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Lancaster
These are some of the best areas for accommodation in Lancaster for international students:
- City Centre: Located near shops, bars, and cafes, with good bus access to Lancaster University. Ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
- Scotforth: A quiet, green area that is popular with students at Lancaster University. The bus service directly connects Scotforth to the university and local facilities.
- Bowerham: Located between the university and the city center. Bowerham incorporates a balanced lifestyle; it is affordable for Lancaster student accommodation.
- Bulk: Quiet, residential, neighborhood with good transportation links. Ideal for students looking for calm yet connected student accommodation in Lancaster.
- Galgate: A small village near Lancaster University; ideal for students who prefer a quieter and more community-focused setting.
Different Types of Student Accommodation in Lancaster
- Private Student Accommodations (PBSA): These are purpose-built, professionally managed private student housing options in Lancaster. Choose from: shared rooms (shared bedroom and shared facilities); ensuite rooms (private bedroom and bathroom, shared kitchen), and studios (fully private with kitchen and bathroom). These student accommodations in Lancaster are fully furnished and rented on an all-inclusive basis to include utilities, Wi-Fi, gym access, study rooms, laundry, and 24/7 security.
- University Halls: Managed by the university, usually on campus or nearby. Facilities may vary and usually depend on the year of study.
- Shared Apartments: Shared student apartments in Lancaster are privately rented student flats in Lancaster, close to the university. These offer more independence but will likely require utilities to be set up separately and contracts to be self-managed, etc.
Cost of Living in Lancaster for International Students
The cost of living in Lancaster for international students is quite affordable. Here's a quick look at monthly expenses:
- Rent: £130-£250/week, depending on room type and walking distance to campus. Most PBSA includes all bills.
- Groceries: £100-£140/month, when shopping at supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Sainsbury’s.
- Travel: £30-£50/month thanks to student discounts on the local buses.
- Eating Out: £8-£20 per meal, depending on where you eat- look out for student-friendly cafés or check out the local traditional pubs.
- Entertainment and Shopping: £50-£90/month for cinema use, local events, and shopping.
Transportation in Lancaster
Lancaster provides a high connectivity for the students which makes it easy for them to travel:
- Bus: Bus is the most popular method of transportation. Stagecoach buses link the university with the main student areas around the city.
- Train: Lancaster Railway Station has links to trains to Manchester, London, Glasgow, and beyond.
- Cycle: Lancaster is bike-friendly and offers bike lanes as well as affordable rental bikes.
- Taxi & Rideshare: Local taxi services and Uber are available and safe options for events and travel late at night.
- Student Travel Pass: Students can save money on their daily commute by getting discounted weekly or monthly bus passes.
Student Life in Lancaster
Lancaster offers the perfect mix of academic focus and social fun. With a strong international student presence, the city is inclusive, warm, and lively.
- Restaurants & Cafés: You'll find everything from comforting brunches to vegan eateries to classic British pubs.
- Student Clubs & Events: Join the university's societies, take part in open mic nights, or join one of the cultural festivals held across campus.
- Markets & Malls: Lancaster Market or check out St. Nicholas Arcade for all your student needs.
- Weekend Getaways: You're close to the Lake District, Manchester, or Blackpool, for quick weekend trips.
- Libraries & Study Spaces: Lancaster University has a great library. Plus, there are more than enough quiet cafés and co-working spaces in the city.
- Live Music & Arts: Culture is strong here, from local theatre to live gigs to galleries.
Universities in Lancaster
- Lancaster University: Regularly in the top 10 universities in the UK, Lancaster University is noted for its rigorous academics, supportive atmosphere, and collegiate system. The campus operates as a small student city, with shops, cafes, sporting and recreational facilities, and green space. There's a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Management, Engineering, Health, and the arts available.
- University of Cumbria (Lancaster Campus): A modern university focused on professional and vocational educational routes. The Lancaster campus offers degrees in education, health, arts, and business. The campus is noted for its supportive teaching and small class sizes.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- University Scholarships: Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria provide several merit-based and need-based scholarships available to undergraduate students and postgraduate students alike.
- Government Funded Grants & Loans: Students studying in the UK or EU may be eligible for maintenance loans and tuition fee support.
- Gulf States Government Scholarships: Students from Gulf states, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, may apply for government-funded scholarships.
- Alternative or External Scholarships: for example, Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Erasmus+ grants.
Tips for International Students
- Open a UK Bank Account: A student bank account will make managing rent and part-time job payments smoother.
- Get a Local SIM Card: Affordable prepaid plans from GiffGaff, O2, or Vodafone are great for students.
- Learn Some Local Phrases: Simple greetings like “Hello” and “You alright?” go a long way.
- Plan: Track your living expenses in Lancaster with budgeting tools and sign up for student discounts on UNiDAYS or Student Beans.
- Alphaway Support: From airport pickups to city navigation help, we’ve got you covered.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-being Resources
- Register with a Local GP: Access NHS healthcare for free by registering with a doctor near your Lancaster student accommodation.
- Keep Emergency Numbers Saved: Dial 999 in emergencies and save your university’s security number.
- Travel Smart at Night: Use well-lit routes, buses, and trusted ride services.
- Mental Health Support: Lancaster University offers counselling, support groups, and wellness workshops.
