Colleges at Lancaster

Lancaster is one of only a handful of UK universities - that operate a collegiate system, where you live, socialise and graduate with members of your college.

Advantages of the college system:

  • studying at a large internationally-focused university
  • feeling part of a smaller close-knit community
  • meeting and mixing with people off different courses
  • sharing non-academic interests
  • enjoying a huge variety of activities and support.

Colleges and accommodation

The colleges are one of the most distinctive and valued features of Lancaster University. All undergraduates choose to join one of our eight colleges. Each one is an individual community with its own identity, administration, student executive, social scene and facilities. Read more about our colleges.

Our on-campus accommodation is located within the colleges, so your choice of accommodation will depend on your choice of college. Students living off campus still join a college and you are invited to be involved with it as much as you like.

At a glance

The following descriptions aim to give you a flavour of life within each of the colleges as well as the accommodation on offer. Download the factsheets for more detailed information.

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 was the University’s first college and is located at the very heart of the main campus close to shops and banks, along the western edge of the north spine. Bowland’s facilities have recently been radically refurbished with a new café and bar, JCR and games room. The college offers a range of accommodation for 625 students. Download the Bowland factsheet.

Cartmel relocated to Alexandra Park on the south-western tip of campus in 2004. The college is centred around the carefully converted 17th century listed Barker House Farm which now houses a bar and food court, the JCR and study areas. Cartmel is also in easy walking distance of Galgate Village with its pubs and marina. Cartmel’s 632 rooms are all superior ensuite. Download the Cartmel factsheet

County is located on the north end of the campus. The County Main building surrounds a 200 year old oak tree and has been completely refurbished with a modern piazza complementing the retro-style Northern Oak Bar, JCR and diner. A new development of townhouses encloses the landscaped northern end of Lancaster Square. The largest college on campus, County provides 795 beds for its students. Download the County factsheet

Furness sits to the south of Alexandra Square and is a five-minute walk to most places on the main campus. Its main building and facilities were fully refurbished in 2012 and now provide a modern home for the College, with its popular traditional pub - 'Trevor' - retaining its cosy feel. The JCR organises varied activities and trips, and there's even an annual cruise round Windermere. Furness is one of the smallest colleges, with a popular mix of accommodation of new ensuite or refurbished standard options.Download the Furness factsheet

Fylde sits in the middle of the campus, with easy access to the University's services and facilities. It is home to a spacious and airy JCR and bar; an off-campus student facility; group study room and a non-alcoholic social space and games room. Fylde is the preferred campus venue for international student events, and has a reputation for sporting prowess. It has 593 ensuite rooms. Download the Fylde factsheet

Grizedale is sited between the Management School and the InfoLab21 ICT Centre at the heart of campus. It has ultra modern social facilities and a bar that would hold its own in the most cosmopolitan of city centres. The college organises an extensive range of social events both on and off campus and houses 597 students in a wide variety of accommodation. Download the Grizedale factsheet

Lonsdale is situated on Alexandra Park, lined by a boulevard of dry stone walls and views of Morecambe Bay. It has a large and trendy bar that makes Lonsdale one of the centres of attention for weekend nightlife - from its DJ booth and dance floor to a chillout area and non-alcoholic zone. Lonsdale is the second largest college with 776 superior ensuite rooms. Download the Lonsdale factsheet

Pendle sits along the boundary between the main campus and Alexandra Park, where it benefits from spacious open surroundings and striking views. The college incorporates food outlets, the Central Stores convenience shop and one of the largest college social areas at Lancaster. As one of the larger colleges, it enjoys a diverse student population with equally diverse interests. Pendle houses 720 students in various types of accommodation. Download the Pendle factsheet