First days at Lancaster University?

Hi there

I can answer some of these, I don't do Maths, but hopefully some of what I say will be useful.

1. As far as I'm aware, at some point, you'll be given a reading list. Some books will be available at the library, (10-week loan length), other than that you can get them wherever you want (I like Abebooks.co.uk, it's fairly cheap).
2. There is a doctor on campus that you can register with. Since you're an international student I'm not sure how registering works I'm afraid.
3. Since each room has a lockable door, each room is classed as a separate residence, so will require a TV license if you plan on watching live TV. Most students don't get one.
4. The university does employ some students, and there are part time jobs available in town, As you're an international student you may have visa restrictions on how many hours a week you can work. You'll have to check on that depending on where you're from.
5. If you want I can find out what some maths students use as a laptop, but there are computer labs available for you to do coursework on. If you're wanting to take notes on a laptop you'll need something that can run word. Since I'm guessing you won't be wanting a Macbook you'd be looking to spend about £300-£400 on something that can run Word and PowerPoint. A decent amount of RAM and a good processor should be all you need. From there it's mostly about what will work for you.

Any questions let me know

Thank you for your prompt reply and your helpful information.

I am actually an EU student (I will be coming from Cyprus), so I shouldn't have any problem with visa restrictions or registering with a doctor.

Could you find out what laptops some maths students use please, so I have a rough estimate of what specs their laptops have?

Thanking you in advance

I'd like to add to that, and say that you don't even need word. As long as you're ok using word pad you can get a cheap notebook for a few hundred quid and use windows 7. I say that because a license to use word can be expensive. Reason being, any kind of computer work you'll need to do, you should be able to use university computers. That includes fast computers and specialist software. Really the only thing you'll need your own PC for is for taking notes and doing written work, maybe some programming.

Students have free access to Microsoft Office.

Hi there

I am due to start studying Mathematics (G100) at Lancaster in October and I have some questions regarding what do I have to do as soon as I get there.

1) With regards to textbooks, how does the system work? Do I have to buy them from the University, or from a specific bookshop? Also does anybody know which books they are and how much they would cost, so I don't get hit in the face with a huge bill?

I don't really know about Mathematics (I did Biomedicine) but I haven't bought a single textbook during my 3 years at Lancaster - library is very good. Plus many lecturers give you pdfs/online access to reading material.



There is a GP medical centre at university grounds; they also have another practice in town for when you move out of campus in later years (if you do). If you are not from the UK, you'll just need to fill in a medical history questionnaire I think (I'm from Poland and didn't bring any medical records with me).



I didn't have a TV license but didn't have TV or watched TV online - Netflix all the way



People will tell you it's easy to find a job and that there are plenty. Trust me, there are really not. Especially if you need to work certain number of hours regularly to be able to support yourself, e.g. I had to and really struggled to find my first job. And wasn't picky at all. There are quite a lot of jobs on zero hour contracts and on when and if needed basis (for the employer), but you have to remember that Lancaster is a small town. And there are two universities. I finally found a job when I was finishing my 1st year, worked all the way through until I graduated. But just beware that it really may not be a walk in the park as some people make it out to be.



There are plenty of stationary computers and laptops you can borrow from the library/Learnin Zone with your student card. If you want you probably would not need a laptop at all. But if you do, any laptop would do. Up to your personal preferance.



And not at all, I've been there What college are you going to be in? Are you going to live on campus?

I've applied to Grizedale and Furness And thank you for your help

And not at all, I've been there What college are you going to be in? Are you going to live on campus?

What job did you find and how can I get one quickly hopefully in first week

Considering it's an old post I doubt OP will reply. I'm coming to Lancaster - hopefully - this autumn, and I'd recommend trying to find a part-time job within the uni as your first port of call (that's what I'll be doing, so I don't have to cope with adapting to two new environments at once). I'm not sure in first week many will be looking for part-time work to supplement their studies so soon, so that may offer you a good chance to get in before (some) others (early bird catches the worm and all that), yet I'm not sure any in-uni positions will be advertised in first week so looking elsewhere could be best in that regard. Maybe ask them in the official Q&A thread or by asking a student on the website; you could alternatively make your own post.

Thanks you're right, I've already registered for the campus vacancies so it's a matter of time now I guess

May I ask how and where you do that?

I have added a link to the page down below
https://temps.lancaster-university.co.uk/registration.aspx

Thanks. I better knock up a CV!