Accommodation Masthead Lancaster University Masthead picture of Graduate College Kitchen

postgraduates:

accommodation guide...

As a postgraduate student at Lancaster your accommodation options range from single rooms, self-contained studios and family flats on campus, to private housing in the city. The following profiles list the options available to you, their locations and the weekly rent. For photographs of all the room types available in each college, head for our Facebook page. Or, to see a few of the main types of accommodation, click here to download our picture factsheet.

 

Most rooms in Graduate College are let on a 50 week lease, since most postgraduate courses run for this length of time. You may apply for a 40 week lease but if we are unable to offer you one, we will offer a 50 week one where possible instead.

 

All of the postgraduate accommodation is non-smoking, and self-catering. We house dozens of different nationalities so you should expect to live with various other cultures to your own. All accommodation is designated ‘study inductive’ or ‘quiet’, so please make sure that your expectations are reasonable.

 

If you wish to apply for single sex accommodation we are able to consider this. If you are female however, you need to take into consideration that no male visitors are permitted in these flats at any time. This is because many female students choose these areas for religious reasons. Male university staff will still have access though to carry out inspections, cleaning and maintenance work, for example.

 

Ensuite

Most of the rooms in Graduate College are ensuite, and these fall into two types: 'Ensuite' and 'Superior Ensuite'.

 

The Superior Ensuite rooms make up the newer part of the college, with 330 rooms built in 2003. Between 4 and 9 students share kitchen facilities, and the weekly rent is £117.95 for 2013/14.

 

The older ensuite rooms were built as part of the original college in 1996, but were fully refurbished in 2010. Again, around 4-9 students share kitchen facilities in each flat, and the weekly rent on these 311 rooms is £114.45 for 2013/14.

 

Standard with washbasin

There are 141 newly refurbished 'Standard' rooms in the Graduate College, attracting a weekly rent of £96.60 in 2013/14. This type of room is popular and there are few of them available. Originally built in 1996, the accommodation was refurbished in 2010, and around 6-9 students share the kitchen and bathroom facilities in each flat.

 

Townhouses

There are also 11 four bedroom houses on the edge of Alexandra Park, each with their own kitchen and lounge area. Built in 2004, these standard rooms do not have washbasins as the number of students sharing is smaller. Each house has a bathroom, with a full size bath and a shower over it, as well as a washbasin and WC. The weekly charge for these rooms is £107.73 (2013/14). Each house has it’s own front door and patio area at the back.

Self-contained Studios

There are 72 self contained studios. Most are single occupancy though there are a handful of twin studios available to couples. Larger than an en-suite room, each has a small kitchenette, table and chairs and a 3/4 size bed. There are no communal areas in these buildings. For 2013/14 single studios are £140.35 per week, with twins £157.50.

 

Services and Provisions

Full details of what we provide and what you should bring with you can be found in our Residents' Handbook. You can download it here, and a hard copy will be provided in your room on arrival for your reference through the year.

 

Rent

Your rent is payable termly in advance, by credit/debit card online. We do not accept payment by bank transfer. There are no administration charges, proving you pay your fees by the due date. If you encounter difficulties, you must discuss these with your Residence Officer in advance of the payment date to avoid penalties. Once you receive your invoice from us you can pay online.

 

Services

If you live in University managed accommodation your residence charges are inclusive of heating, lighting, electricity, and a 24-hour security presence during term time. ResNet is also included, giving you access to the University network and high speed Internet.

 

An insurance premium is built into the rent, covering your possessions up to the value of £4,500. You may wish to increase cover on certain items as you see necessary. More details can be found in the Residents' Handbook, and on the Cover4Students website.

 

A basic cleaning service is included for all shared areas such as kitchens and corridors, though you are responsible for keeping your own room clean. There is no cleaning service available in the studio apartments, family flats and townhouses. More details can be found in the Residents' Handbook.

 

Adaptations

Many beds on campus are now longer than normal, but if you are particularly tall, please tell us in the additional notes field of the online application form.

 

There is also a range of accommodation adapted to suit students with disabilities. Further details can be sought from the Disabilities Adviser in Colleges & Student Life. Please let us know as early as possible of any additional specific requirements you may have with regard to your disability, or if you want to come and view a room. See our disabilities page for more information.