Accommodation Masthead Lancaster University Masthead picture of Lancaster students

colleges at lancaster:

your home away from home...

The colleges are one of the most distinctive and valued features of the University, and each undergraduate will join one of the eight undergraduate colleges: eight individual communities with their own identity, administration, student executive, social scene and facilities. The University’s accommodation is also located within the colleges, but even if you live off-campus you will join one, and be free to get involved with it as much as you like.


Our collegiate set-up is the ideal way to break the University population down into small and friendly communities. Most freshers live in their college during their first year, and the college will immediately become the focus of your day-to-day life. If you live on campus, you'll meet and
make friends with the people you live with before you meet the people on your course, and at the end of it all, you will graduate with your college rather than your department.

The first choice you will need to make when you go through our application site is therefore that of which college to join. The snapshots below pick out some key features of each, and there are links to PDF factsheets for you to dig a little deeper into those you like the sound of...

 

 

Bowland College LogoBowland is the oldest of the colleges, established in 1964 and named after the nearby hunting forest. The logo depicts the mythical Bowland Lady from Lancashire's distant past. Bowland is renowned for its strong community spirit and varied social calendar. Much of the old college and all social facilities were fully refurbished in 2011. Download the Bowland factsheet here.

 

Cartmel College LogoCartmel is named after the Cumbrian area renowned for its medieval priory and racecourse. The college relocated to the south-western tip of campus in 2004 with entirely ensuite accommodation, and the college centres around the listed and converted Barker House Farm - a 17th century farm that now houses a bar and food court. Download the Cartmel factsheet here.

 

County College Logo The County College opened at the north end of campus in 1969, its centre being the iconic County main building. With new additions and the rest fully refurbished, County now sits around a landscaped piazza and is a popular choice for the students. It's bar - The Northern Oak - is modern retro in style, and the County Diner adjoins it. Download the County factsheet here.

 

Furness College LogoFurness sits to the south of Alexandra Square, at the centre of the main campus, and its main building and facilities reopened after a full refurbishment in 2012. Its popular mix of accommodation is either new ensuite or refurbished standard. The bar - 'Trevor' - is traditional and pub-like, and offers a cosy atmosphere. Download the Furness factsheet here.

 

Fylde College LogoFylde College was the sixth to be established, and sits in the middle of the campus. It has a long standing sporty reputation, and is also the preferred venue for International student events on campus. The bar and JCR are recently refurbished and modern in style, lending themselves to hosting such functions. Download the Fylde College factsheet here.

 

Grizedale College LogoGrizedale College was the last to be founded in 1975, but was wholly rebuilt in 2008. A variety of accommodation is now complemented by ultra modern social facilities and a bar that would hold its own in the most trendy and cosmopolitan city centres. It has a relaxed atmosphere with a range of social events. Download the Grizedale factsheet here.

 

Lonsdale College LogoLonsdale was one of the original colleges in 1964, but moved down to the new Alexandra Park development in 2004. Now entirely ensuite, its accommodation is flanked by views of Morecambe Bay, a boulevard with dry stone walls, and the most nightlife orientated bar on campus in Lonsdale House. Download the Lonsdale factsheet here.

 

Pendle College LogoPendle College straddles the boundary between the main campus and Alexandra Park, offering a range of accommodation. Known as the 'Venue of Legends', the college is named after the historic Pendle Hill area, renowned for its 17th century witches, and their subsequent trials at Lancaster Castle. Download the Pendle factsheet here.