Official Lancaster University Chat Thread

History. And, I need a 2.1 for my postgrad course.

Good luck, am sure that you will be fine though. But how is the teaching and the research facilities at Lancaster, including the libary of course.

Thank you. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. It is just so hard to gauge how the exams went. Last year, the one I thought was my absolute worst turned into my best - how?!

Teaching is pretty good on the whole, although of course it is really down to the individual. The reading lists are there and the lectures usually provide a good base for the topics, with the seminars offering the opportunity to discuss ideas. But, it is up to the individual to do the reading and ensure they understand it.

The library is okay. I took out a grand total of 225 books over my three years, but I very rarely worked in there. The system for organising the books is a little complicated at first, but you'll get used to it. Plus, there are a reasonable number of PCs and printers available should you need them. There is also the silent reading room - I never went in there though, as I prefer a little noise when I am working. During freshers, you will have a tour of the library and the library usually put on information sessions too so you can familiarise yourself with the systems in place.

If you have trouble understanding a particular text is there any help given to aid you ?

Keeping in mind that my perspective degree there involves philosophy.

I haven't studied philosophy.
Generally, if you don't understand something, you can go to the office hours for your tutor and they can assist you. I never sought help with a particular text though, so I have no experience of doing that.

All this talk of the ice cream parlour!! Will it be open on the open days??

no idea. not sure whats happening with that....

im not even sure if it will be around next year....

The library is okay. I took out a grand total of 225 books over my three years, but I very rarely worked in there. The system for organising the books is a little complicated at first, but you'll get used to it. Plus, there are a reasonable number of PCs and printers available should you need them. There is also the silent reading room - I never went in there though, as I prefer a little noise when I am working. During freshers, you will have a tour of the library and the library usually put on information sessions too so you can familiarise yourself with the systems in place.

I tried the ice cream palour today. Wow. He gives you so much ice cream! My friend and I were eating them for ages and ages as we sat on the swings after results. It was pretty tasty though.

I also bought a Yummy Cupcake too. 3 years in Lancs and I've never tried one. I had that after some supper. [Yes, I've had an unhealthy day food-wise lol, but I got a first so a little treat - or two - isn't so bad, is it? ]

I haven't studied philosophy.
Generally, if you don't understand something, you can go to the office hours for your tutor and they can assist you. I never sought help with a particular text though, so I have no experience of doing that.

1. TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE?! Are you a machine? How did you get through those? I think I took out about 16 over my course, and that was with friends borrowing my library card!

2. Yummy cupcakes are seriously good, right? I was in second or third year before I tried them, and lordy! Do they still have the pinky ones? They were well the best

Also, what's this about an ice cream parlour??!?

Not to be a pedant, but you've studied both history and politics - so yes, you've studied philosophy even if your degree is not an in depth study of it.

I guess with something like history you definitely need more perspectives and as many sources of evidence for your arguments as possible, whereas in physics there is only one 'proper' answer, the correct one.
I'll probably have to take out books next year though as my list of required and recommended textbooks will definitely be more than 1 required and <5 recommended! And textbooks aren't cheap to buy, even second hand.

Definitely. I bought quite a lot of books during the three years but it is much better if you can use the library. Now I have stacks of books to accommodate, which I may or may not use again.