A collegiate university is one which is structured around individual colleges. Each college has its own atmosphere and loyalties, its own social facilities, and organises a whole range of sporting and social functions.
Once you have successfully completed the International Foundation Year at Lancaster you will progress straight to your undergraduate degree course at the University and become a full member of one of the eight undergraduate colleges.
- All students and university staff are members of a college
- All students have a college personal tutor
- Colleges mean close-knit, friendly, democratic communities
- You can develop your CV by getting involved in the running of your college
- Every college has its own bar and social facilities, and runs social events e.g. Christmas Balls, Summer Parties
- You can play sport for your college
- Students graduate with their college, not their department
- There is a Porter on duty 24 hours a day in every college
- College affiliation is for life, not just while you study
The colleges - the heart and soul of Lancaster University
For students, the colleges are the heart and soul of Lancaster University. Each college is a self-governing constituent body of Lancaster University that provides social and study facilities; a one-stop shop for practical support and information; and, for those living on campus, residential accommodation.
You won’t just be 1 in 11,000
Being a student at Lancaster means you won’t get lost in amongst the 11,000 students who are here. The collegiate system ensures you are part of a smaller close-knit community - your college community. The colleges make Lancaster one of the friendliest universities around.
Friendly support from day one
From your very first day at Lancaster, the colleges will play an important part in your life. College staff and students will be on hand to show you around and help you settle in. The college will make sure your first week is a fun, friendly and exciting time. Your college will soon become your new home.
The best way to make new friends
You’ll be mixing with student friends who aren’t all studying the same subject as you, so you get a broader informal education here. Also, in your department, the students you’re studying with will be members of other colleges - so you get to have friends all over campus.
Help run your own college
The Junior Common Room (JCR) Executive are elected student representatives responsible for the organisation of activities within each of the colleges. Students play a large part in deciding how their college is run, making sure their needs and requests are met. Student participation is one of Lancaster’s strong points, with more opportunities for students to get involved than any other university. These are not only great fun, but also a great way to develop additional skills to enhance future employment prospects.