Coming to 抖阴APP导航

Pre-departure information to help you plan your travel to Lancaster and settle in once you arrive.

Aerial view of 抖阴APP导航 campus

Before you set off

Before you travel to the UK and Lancaster there are a few things you’ll need to sort and plan.

The British Council has a free online course through FutureLearn, for students , which you may find useful.

Here are some of the things you may need to think about before your arrival.

Image of campus fields on a sunny day

Visa and CAS

Our expert Visa and Immigration team are on hand to help you throughout your visa application if you require one. As part of the application you’ll need a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) and we will send you this electronic document automatically once you’re eligible to receive one. You won’t get a CAS until your offer is unconditional and we have received your passport details.

For more details about visas and immigration, including information about CAS and ATAS certificates, you can visit our pages.

If you have any questions or concerns you can contact us at:

You might also want to check the pages and information available from the Home Office.

Student studying in the West Pavilion in the 抖阴APP导航 Management School

Prepare your finance

You can pay your tuition fees in advance, but at least the first instalment will need to be paid when you register with the University. Payment should be made online, where various payment methods are offered. Details of how to register and pay any fees will be sent to you before the start of term.

We recommend that you do not bring large amounts of cash with you when travelling to the UK. Most shops, restaurants and services accept payment by debit card, credit card or mobile payment, and there are some places that no longer accept cash.

However, it is a good idea to have access to some money for your first few days in Lancaster, either through a payment card that works in the UK or a small amount of British currency. Around £100-£300 is usually enough for initial expenses, depending on your travel plans and accommodation arrangements. Find out more about Lancaster’s cost of living, financial support and guidance.

Before you travel, check with your bank whether your card can be used in the UK, and whether any international transaction fees apply. You may wish to continue using your existing account or open a UK bank account after arrival, depending on your circumstances.

Top tip: Make sure you have access to funds when you arrive, either through a bank card that works in the UK or a small amount of British currency for immediate travel and living expenses.

Group of students socialising in the Lancaster Environment Centre atrium

What to pack

You will find lots of helpful packing information on our Welcome pages, but here are some essentials that current students recommend bringing with you.

Important documents:

  • Passport and visa documents
  • University offer, CAS and enrolment documents (digital and printed copies)
  • Travel tickets and accommodation information
  • Driving licence (if you have one and plan to drive in the UK)

Money and banking:

  • A debit or credit card that works internationally
  • A small amount of UK currency (recommended £100-300 for your first few days)
  • Details of your current bank account and any online banking apps you use

Health and wellbeing:

  • Any prescribed medication, in its original packaging
  • A copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your medication, if applicable
  • Glasses, contact lenses and any other personal healthcare items you may need

Technology:

  • Laptop or tablet for your studies
  • Mobile/cell phone
  • Chargers and cables for your devices
  • Plug adaptors suitable for UK electrical sockets (Type G)

Clothing and personal items:

  • Clothing and footwear suitable for different seasons and weather conditions
  • Personal items that will help you feel at home (you’ll be able to buy decorative items when you’re in the UK)

Top tip: Remember to check your airline's luggage allowance before you travel. Most everyday items can be purchased locally once you arrive, so focus on bringing essential documents, medication, technology and personal belongings.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you are planning to complete one of our English language courses ahead of your studies, you can find more details about these online including accommodation information and start dates.

You can access specific guidance and support about visas, money, work rights and travel on our ASK webpages.

Travelling to the UK

Lancaster is just over 1 hour from cities Manchester and Liverpool, and 2.5 hours from London, Glasgow and Edinburgh by train. Lancaster is well connected and easy to get to.

When flying to the UK, we recommend arriving into Manchester Airport. It’s the largest international airport near to Lancaster and is well connected to us via train and car routes.

The campus itself is only 3 miles south of the city of Lancaster, and is well served by buses, main roads and cycle routes. Check out our maps and travel page for more information about getting to Lancaster and different travel options.

A map of the UK with approximate travel times from large cities

Travel times indicated on this UK map are based on the best estimates by train.

Term dates and travel planning

Before you set off to the UK, it’s a good idea to check your local authority’s and the UK Government’s travel information. You can check the UK information on the .

Our term dates are published online to help you plan your travel.

Airport collection

We also offer an airport collection service to bring our international students to 抖阴APP导航 during the arrival period. Details about the latest service will be updated closer to the start of term.

Welcome and settling in

Welcome Week

Once you arrive at Lancaster for the start of the academic year, we will have a variety of activities planned to help you set up and get settled in. This will include opportunities to meet your department and your college. Visit our Welcome Week page to find out more.

More information about UKVI regulations for registration can be found on our pages.

  • Register with the University

    Before the start of your course, we will send you an email asking you to begin Registration online. You must provide your passport, your eVisa information, such as a share code, and proof of entry into the UK such as boarding pass or flight ticket.

  • Healthcare in the UK

    Many international students are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which enables them to use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). It’s important that you also register with a doctor soon after you arrive in the UK. And, we suggest you obtain travel insurance for your journey to Lancaster.

  • Before travelling to the UK, you may wish to arrange a bank account or payment card that can be used internationally. If you decide to open an account in the UK during Welcome Week, make sure you bring any documents that may be required, such as your passport, visa and proof of student status.

Reka's experience

Coming from Hungary to the UK, Reka shares her experience of arriving and settling in at Lancaster, and how she made the most of her time here. Check out her videos below.

Mentoring and Buddy programmes

We have a variety of to help new students with welfare and academic concerns. These informal, short-term programmes match you with a current student who can help you to settle in and feel supported. They offer a space to ask questions and get some advice. 

Your home away from home

Our student accommodation is located within vibrant and supportive college communities. It's designed to help you settle in, make friends and feel at home from the moment you arrive. We can accommodate almost 6,500 students through their undergraduate years and on to postgraduate study.

Find out more about our .

Tab Content: Applying for accommodation

You will be invited via email to apply for college membership and accommodation from April for undergraduate programmes and March for postgraduate programmes in the year you are due to start.

If you have an unconditional offer or are deferring entry we will still contact you at the appropriate time.

Tab Content: Receiving an offer

We will send your offer of accommodation by email and ask that you log back into your online account to view the details and accept or reject it. You will usually have seven days to consider your offer.

We make offers through the summer and students should check their emails regularly be make sure they don’t miss anything important.

Tab Content: Accepting your accommodation

When you click to accept the offer you are accepting the Terms and Conditions of the contract presented to you. You will also be directed to secure the room by paying a deposit, refundable at the end of the contract providing no deductions have been made.

Around a week before you arrive, you will be sent an invoice by email to pay for your accommodation.

Tab Content: Off-campus accommodation

While many of our students choose to live on campus, there is also lots of options to live in the city. To support our students in finding their home, we have created the 抖阴APP导航 Homes official accreditation scheme to guide you through the process and ensure housing is of an approved standard.

County College accommodation

College accommodation

There are lots of green spaces around our modern accommodation. These provide great places to spend time with friends.

Student sitting on a bed in student accommodation on 抖阴APP导航 campus.

Bedroom

Your bedroom is a great place you can make your own, and show off your personality. It's a comfy place to relax in the evening and to study.

Students relaxing in social space in 抖阴APP导航 accommodation on campus.

Social space

Some of our accommodation includes communal social spaces to gather with friends or study.

Student working in their bedroom on 抖阴APP导航 campus

Study space

Your bedroom will usually include a personal space for you to study.

Group of students cooking together in student accommodation on 抖阴APP导航 campus

Kitchen

The communal kitchens have lots of space for cooking and sharing meals with your friends.

Discover campus and the city

The University is based on a stunning 578-acre parkland campus, where you’ll find high-quality facilities and a range of services. We have theatres, art galleries, a cinema, bars, restaurants, a modern sports centre and a vibrant library.
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The city of Lancaster is a historic part of the UK with a modern outlook. Home to a medieval castle, stone-cobbled streets, buzzing energy and contemporary businesses. It’s got everything from independent boutiques down little lanes to major brands on the high street.

Lancaster is also a hub of activity, with a packed schedule of festivals covering music, literature, arts, and culture, to headline events such as Light Up Lancaster.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about your travel plans and arriving at Lancaster, our team is on hand to help.

Email us

Exploring the city

“It would be exploring Lancaster in the early morning for a scavenger hunt we had to do for my course. They created a challenge for us which included exploring the city and learning about it along the way which made it loads of fun and an ice breaker for the new coming students.” - Carla, Graduate College

Student profile with scenic view of bridge over Lancaster canal