If you’re searching for the perfect Lancaster University student housing, you’ll quickly find that there isn’t just one option. You could live in university managed halls on campus, choose private student accommodation close to Lancaster University, move into a student house or choose to move closer to Lancaster city centre.
If you’re moving to Lancaster for the first time or coming straight out of halls it can be tricky to decide.
It all depends on your budget, the type of university experience you want, how much independence you’re looking for and most importantly, how you want to get to campus every day.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main Lancaster University student housing options and what to think about before you book.
What Student Housing Is Available at Lancaster University?
Lancaster students have a plenty of options:
Halls (University managed accommodation on campus)
Private student halls and purpose built student accommodation (run by private companies)
Shared student houses (run by landlords or letting agents)
Private flats and studios (run by landlords or letting agents)
Student accommodation in Lancaster city centre
Private student accommodation close to campus
None of these choices are right or wrong, each of them will give you a slightly different university experience.
For some students, being right in the middle of campus life is the priority. Others want a bit more independence but they also want to be able to easily walk or travel to lectures.
There’s no ‘best’ type of student accommodation near Lancaster University. The important thing is working out what suits you and your University life.
What Is Lancaster University On Campus Accommodation Like?
Lancaster is a collegiate university, so university managed accommodation forms a big part of campus life.
Undergraduate accommodation is available across Lancaster’s colleges, with different room types and budgets to choose from. Depending on the accommodation, this can include shared facilities, ensuite rooms, townhouses and studios.
Living on campus can be particularly appealing in first year because you’re surrounded by other students and close to lectures, the library, societies and university facilities.
For lots of students, it's their first experience of living away from home and can be a brilliant introduction to university life, however, living on campus can feel a bit overwhelming for some students - studying, going to sports and clubs and socialising and eating, all at the same place can take its toll.
But don’t worry, if this isn’t for you, university managed accommodation isn't your only option.
Can You Live Off Campus at Lancaster University?
Yes.
Students can choose off campus accommodation near Lancaster University, including private student halls, shared houses, flats and purpose built student accommodation.
Off campus doesn't mean living miles away from university.
Some private accommodation is within walking distance of campus, which can give you a useful middle ground: you're still close to university life, but your home is separate from the campus itself.
This can appeal to first years who want a little more independence, as well as returning students and postgraduates.
What Are Private Student Halls?
Private student halls are purpose built for students but aren't managed by the university itself.
They can offer a similar community experience to university halls, with lots of students living in the same building or development and communal facilities where you can meet other residents.
Facilities vary enormously, though.
When you're comparing private Lancaster University student housing, look beyond the bedroom photos and ask what you'll actually have access to.
Is there somewhere to study outside your room? Are there social spaces? Is there a laundry room? What is security like? Is WiFi included? Is there somewhere to store your bike? And, importantly, what is actually included in the rent?
These things can have a much bigger impact on everyday life than you might expect.
What About Shared Student Houses in Lancaster?
A shared house is a popular option, particularly after first year.
You might rent a house with friends and share a kitchen, living room and bathroom, and this can be a brilliant option if you’re already good friends with the people you want to live with.
You'll have more independence than you might in traditional halls and living in a normal house can start to feel a little more like having your own home…. but make sure you look at the whole cost.
Depending on the property, you may need to arrange or pay separately for things such as electricity, gas, water and broadband. You'll also need to think about your journey to campus and whether you're happy relying on a bus or other transport every day.
Is It Better to Live on Campus or Off Campus at Lancaster University?
It depends on what matters to you. If you want to be completely immersed in campus life, university accommodation could be exactly what you're looking for. However, if you'd prefer more independence, different room options or facilities that aren't available on campus, private student housing may appeal more.
Location is very important here too.
There's a big difference between off campus accommodation that's a short walk from university and a student house that requires a longer daily journey.
Rather than simply thinking about somewhere as ‘on campus’ or ‘off campus’, check the actual journey from your front door to the places you'll use most.
How long will it take to get to lectures? Can you walk? Is there a direct bus? What happens when you have a 9am seminar?
These are the questions that matter once you've actually moved in.
Can First Year Students Live in Private Student Accommodation?
Yes.
University halls are a popular choice for first years, but they aren't the only way to experience student life.
Private student accommodation can still give you the chance to live alongside other students and meet people, particularly if the accommodation has good communal areas and an active resident community.
If you're considering private accommodation for first year, we'd look particularly closely at the social side.
Having your own bedroom is great, but where will you meet people?
Communal lounges, shared kitchens, gyms, cinema rooms, study areas and organised events can all make it easier to naturally get to know the people around you.
Where Do Second and Third Year Lancaster University Students Live?
After first year, some students move into shared houses. Others prefer flats in private halls or student accommodation where bills and facilities are taken care of.
As academic life ramps up, you might also start thinking differently about what you need from your room.
A quiet place to study can suddenly matter more. You might want an ensuite rather than sharing a bathroom. Or perhaps you've discovered that you'd rather live close to campus than spend part of every day travelling backwards and forwards.
Don't assume you have to choose a shared student house simply because you're no longer a fresher.
There are plenty of different types of student housing in Lancaster, and the best option is the one that fits the way you want to live now.
Is It Better to Live Near Lancaster University or in the City Centre?
Living in Lancaster city centre puts shops, cafes,, restaurants and nightlife close to your home. If being able to walk into town whenever you fancy is a priority, city living might appeal.
Living closer to Lancaster University can make everyday university life much easier. Think about how often you'll be travelling to campus compared with how often you'll be heading into the city.
A short journey to lectures can be particularly useful when you have early starts, gaps between seminars, society meetings or evenings in the library.
And living near campus doesn't mean being cut off from Lancaster. Look at the transport connections in both directions before deciding which location works best for you.
Are Bills Included in Lancaster University Student Housing?
It depends!
Some university and private student accommodation packages include utilities, while private houses and flats may require you to organise some or all of your bills separately.
If one room looks cheaper per week but you'll need to pay separately for heating, electricity, water and broadband, the difference might not be as big as it initially appears.
Bills inclusive accommodation also makes budgeting simpler because you have a much clearer idea of what your accommodation will cost each month.
What Should I Look for Before Booking Student Housing in Lancaster?
Start with the things that will affect you every day.
Location: How will you get to university?
Room: Do you want an ensuite? How much storage and study space is there?
Bills: What's included in your rent?
WiFi: Is broadband included and reliable enough for studying and streaming?
Study space: Do you have somewhere to work outside your bedroom?
Social spaces: Where will you actually meet the people you live with?
Security: How do you enter the building and what security measures are in place?
Laundry: Is it onsite or will you need to go elsewhere?
Transport: How will you get into Lancaster city centre and back?
Contract: How long are you committing to and what exactly are you signing?
Try to imagine an ordinary Tuesday in November rather than the exciting move in day.
Where Can I Find Private Student Housing Near Lancaster University?
If you like the idea of living off campus without being far away from university, Bailrigg Student Living offers private student accommodation close to Lancaster University.
Bailrigg is directly opposite Lancaster University's Health Innovation Campus, so you can stay close to university without actually living in university halls.
There are modern ensuite rooms in shared flats, giving you your own bedroom and bathroom while still having a shared kitchen and living area where you can spend time with your flatmates, plus, bills and WiFi are included, which makes budgeting simpler.
Residents also have access to communal spaces including an onsite gym, study room, wellbeing room, cinema room and social areas, so there's somewhere to go outside your bedroom whether you want to work, exercise or spend time with friends.
The location gives you easy access to Lancaster University, while buses make it straightforward to get into Lancaster city centre too with a bus that stops right outside our door.
It can work for students at different stages of university, whether you're looking for an alternative to campus halls in first year or want to stay close to university in your second, third or postgraduate years.
Which Lancaster University Student Housing Option Is Right for Me?
If being right in the middle of campus life is your priority, university halls might suit you.
If you've already found a group of friends you'd love to live with and don’t mind sharing a bathroom, a shared student house could be the right next step.
If you'd rather have an ensuite room, bills included and facilities such as study and social spaces while remaining close to university, private student accommodation might be a better fit.
The important thing is not to choose somewhere simply because it's what you think students are ‘supposed’ to do.
Compare the location, total cost, room, facilities and everyday journey to university.
Booking the right Lancaster University student housing will make student life easier, giving you somewhere you feel comfortable living, studying and coming home to throughout the year.
