Lancaster Uni 2026 start

It might be a bit early to start this as a lot of current year 12 students (whom I’m assuming would be the ones starting uni in 2026 if not taking a gap year beforehand), duo to many still being very unsure about even their “first choice” uni, however I would love to make some acquaintances early on who might be going there as I am quite a shy person, meaning I struggle to socialise with new people (meaning making new friends can be difficult) and I’m not sure if any of my current friends want to go to Lancaster. However, unlike them, it is definitely my first choice uni and would definitely go there if I get in. I am thinking of doing architecture at uni as I am interested in, relatively good at, and enjoy maths, physics and art (which are what I’m doing for a levels along with an EPQ on architecture).
Look forwards to hearing from anyone! 😁

It might be a bit early to start this as a lot of current year 12 students (whom I’m assuming would be the ones starting uni in 2026 if not taking a gap year beforehand), duo to many still being very unsure about even their “first choice” uni, however I would love to make some acquaintances early on who might be going there as I am quite a shy person, meaning I struggle to socialise with new people (meaning making new friends can be difficult) and I’m not sure if any of my current friends want to go to Lancaster. However, unlike them, it is definitely my first choice uni and would definitely go there if I get in. I am thinking of doing architecture at uni as I am interested in, relatively good at, and enjoy maths, physics and art (which are what I’m doing for a levels along with an EPQ on architecture).
Look forwards to hearing from anyone! 😁

i will be your friend

Hi Im one of the mums that had a student that went to Lancaster. She went onto social media on facebook to join the freshers main group. Sorry cannot give the link TSR's rules, but its relatively easy to find. I would suggest you not join until around april may of 2026, but she just said her hellos and got added to the main instant chats and also added to a subject group chat, as well as college group chats (she was part of grizedales and Countys) . Its a great way to make friends before joining uni. My youngest did the same with nottingham trent and it really helped when it comes to going out at freshers, and visits to the city. Definitely join as many as you can, but little word of warning, do not get drawn in to anyone trying to sell wristbands. Always go through the universities freshers college websites/ emails when the time comes. Shes now graduated in 2024 (physics) and is now at Manchester uni.

Your welcome. TSR is great, but it can be very sporadic (sorry TSR!). one moment you have 3 or 4 people post, and then not hear anything again for a good while. So I would advise if you are to use TSR as an outlet, and nearer the time, post once every week or so to keep the post fresh and new. There will also be a lancaster applicatiant thread. this one is the 2025, but the 2026 one will become live in the summer next year https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7519592 And Merry Christmas to you, have a good one.

It might be a bit early to start this as a lot of current year 12 students (whom I’m assuming would be the ones starting uni in 2026 if not taking a gap year beforehand), duo to many still being very unsure about even their “first choice” uni, however I would love to make some acquaintances early on who might be going there as I am quite a shy person, meaning I struggle to socialise with new people (meaning making new friends can be difficult) and I’m not sure if any of my current friends want to go to Lancaster. However, unlike them, it is definitely my first choice uni and would definitely go there if I get in. I am thinking of doing architecture at uni as I am interested in, relatively good at, and enjoy maths, physics and art (which are what I’m doing for a levels along with an EPQ on architecture).
Look forwards to hearing from anyone! 😁

Hi @Starlettt
I joined my college's WhatsApp group before uni (wait until it's closer to 2026 October start tho) and then from there got added into a flat/house group chat of all the people in my accomodation in first year.
Ultimately just talking to people in Freshers week, trying out a bunch of societies, talking to new coursemates will get u friends as most people will be in the same position you are in. I was the only one from my school going to Lancaster and am also a 'shy' person so was also going from the start again but if you get yourself involved eg always going to a certain society or even just seeing and talking to the same people on your course everyday you will make good friends!
Hope this helps and good luck!
Rachel -Lancaster University Student Ambassador

Hi @Starlettt
When I was applying to universities (nearly 4 years ago now!) there were quite a few social media groups for applicants to different universities, I think I managed to find one for all of my five options and just got speaking to people through these initially!
In terms of you being worried about making friends when you come to university, I can assure you that every single person feels the same! I think if you actually take comfort in the fact that everyone is as eager to meet new people and make new friends then this might help alleviate some of the anxiety. University is a daunting time for everyone so pretty much everyone is keen to meet new people to help make the transition to university a bit easier. I would really encourage you to put yourself out there as much as possible, spark up conversations with people in your lectures, seminars, join a society or sport of something you've had an interest in for a while or join something you've never even heard about!
I have every faith you will smash it!
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Taylor (Lancaster Uni Student Ambassador).

Thank you so much, I am looking forward to starting uni but this has been one thing I’ve been worried about. However, you have allowed me to feel more confident about meeting new friends and your advice is also very helpful so I’m looking forward to it even more! I think I also forgot how different uni actually is to what I’m used to, and there are a lot of clubs and many more opportunities to meet new people (never mind the fact that it’s a lot bigger!). Have a lovely holiday 😁

Hi @Starlettt
I’m glad to hear that the conversations you’ve had here have made you feel a little more confident about starting uni. Just to add to the answers above, during welcome week there will be a freshers fair. This is a fair where every society will have a stall. You can chat to the students running the society and it gives you a great chance to discover what societies exist. There are definitely societies that I had never thought of before! It is very true that everyone is in the same boat when coming to uni. Everyone is keen to speak to people to make new friends so it is not as awkward as it may first seem. I’d recommend going to events that interest you and try a few Society tasters that sound good and see what sticks.
Hope that helps
Tineke
Lancaster University Student Ambassador

Ok, I didn’t know anything about the freshers fair during welcome week but it sounds like the perfect time to socialise and learn more about what is going on. I will definitely try and go to some events on things I enjoy as this will also allow me to hopefully meet some people with similar interests. This helps me greatly and, as I mentioned before, all this information and advice has made me feel nowhere near as nervous about meeting new people, due to the many different things going on which would help with this and allow me to feel more confident.
I have been overwhelmed with the amazing help that both you and Taylor as the Lancaster Student Ambassadors have given me, making me even more willing to go to Lancaster as I was before (and even then it was still my first choice uni by far!).
I hope you have a very merry Christmas and happy New Year 🎄

Hi @Starlettt
Glad to hear that we could help.
Have a happy new year!
If you have any further questions feel free to ask.
Thanks,
Tineke
Lancaster University Student Ambassador

It might be a bit early to start this as a lot of current year 12 students (whom I’m assuming would be the ones starting uni in 2026 if not taking a gap year beforehand), duo to many still being very unsure about even their “first choice” uni, however I would love to make some acquaintances early on who might be going there as I am quite a shy person, meaning I struggle to socialise with new people (meaning making new friends can be difficult) and I’m not sure if any of my current friends want to go to Lancaster. However, unlike them, it is definitely my first choice uni and would definitely go there if I get in. I am thinking of doing architecture at uni as I am interested in, relatively good at, and enjoy maths, physics and art (which are what I’m doing for a levels along with an EPQ on architecture).
Look forwards to hearing from anyone! 😁

Hi I’m freya and I do bio psych and business and an epq and I really wanna go to Lancaster )if I get the grades too)

Hi Freya! What are you looking to study at Lancaster (if you know yet)? As mentioned before, I am hoping to study architecture at Lancaster, however I may consider doing engineering, environmental science or something like that instead if I don’t get the grades.
What are you doing your epq on? I hope it’s all going well! Scarlett 😁

Hiya, I definitely want to go to Lancaster and I want to study biology! My epq is on cults. Yours sounds so interesting!!! I hope you get the grades for your subjects. Are you going to any open days? All the best, freya. Xx