Incoming Freshers: Here’s everything you need to know about being a Lancs student

Dear all brand new, freshly minted Lancaster freshers – congratulations! You’ve done the hard part. No, not the exams, but the waiting to find out. Now you can get excited, plan a trip to IKEA and join those questionable group chats on Instagram, because you now know for certain that you are going to the best university in the country (our opinion, not evidenced). Here is a definitive round up of all of the secrets, handy knowledge and Lancaster University tips for 2024 freshers that you will need to know before you move in to your accommodation and cement yourself as a Lancaster student.

It will rain. Bring a coat

What do you expect? You’re coming to the north of England.

Greggs will have a queue

It’s inevitable. It’s a part of Lancaster life.

The 1A is the quickest bus, but if you have the time, the 100 (or even the 42) tend to be quieter

Out of all the Lancaster University tips for 2024 freshers, this may be the most niche. Need to get to Sainsbury’s quickly? Absolutely, go for the 1A, it’s quick and direct. However, every student who lives in town (other than the ones who live in Bowerham) also know this. If you have a bit more time, the 100 can be helpful, and a nice scenic route.

Buy an Under 19 Day rider ticket if you’re going into town, it’ll last the whole day

£4 for a whole day’s travel, as many times as you like? Sign me up, yes please! Just remember to be nice and pass the ticket on to anyone waiting at the bus stop so they don’t have to pay – small acts of kindness make people’s days.

Light Up Lancaster happens in November and it’s INCREDIBLE

This is a free festival that happens across the city centre around Bonfire Night, with light displays, art exhibitions and all sorts of shows to watch. It is ABSOLUTELY worth heading into the city in the evening to see what is going on.

Sultans deserves the hype it gets

Not only is this one of the most useful Lancaster University tips for 2024 freshers, but it’s the most accurate. The best food, the loveliest people – our pals over at Sultans on campus really are amazing and provide the best post-night out grub you could ask for. (Plus, they give out free bottles of water whilst you wait. We really are so lucky to have them).

Roses is going to be held in York this year (but will still be the best part of your year)

Roses, our annual varsity tournament with York, is the highlight of everyone’s year (not least because we have won the last three years!). Lancaster Uni Students’ Union usually put buses on so that students can go watch, and it’s well worth it – the atmosphere is amazing!

Take the Sugar bus

A designated bus, running from campus to The Sugarhouse on a Wednesday and Friday night? Sign me up!

Talk to people on your course!

You will need to steal notes from someone at some point. And besides, it’s always lovely to have a familiar face to sit next to in a seminar, especially if your course is group work heavy.

Your college is not a big deal

You’ll get asked constantly what college you’re in in your first week. After that, no one gives a Scooby Doo.

Keep your eye out for things happening in town, like the Music Festival or LitFest

There’s all sorts going on in town if you keep an eye on social media!

Freshers’ Flu is inevitable

You will be ill. I am sorry. It’s the mixing of germs from around the country. Pack ibuprofen and cold and flu tablets. Buy tissues. We’re all in this together.

Having different groups of friends is a good thing

Some days, you really don’t want to see anyone from your course. And some days, all you want to do is talk about netball, or baking, or whatever your hobby is. Having lots of friends, who have different interests, is not only a good thing, but also healthy. If the only people you ever talk to are your flatmates, you’ll want to punch them by the end of Week Five.

Please, please be the flatmate that takes the bins out

Otherwise no one will and it will stink.

The market in Alex Square on a Thursday is amazing!

There’s fresh fruit, there’s doughnuts, there’s handmade jewellery, there’s a range of local craftspeople – it’s amazing, so lovely, and such a fun way to spend some time in between your classes.

Morecambe is only a bus ride away and is a great day out

If you can bear the 20 minute bus ride (I know! So long!), you can go to the beach for the day, and get ice cream. We really are perfectly situated.

Join more than one society!

It is not only something to do in the evening, but it’s fun, a way to meet new people, and find new hobbies. And hey, The Lancaster Tab will be looking for new writers come October too…

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