Lancaster University Impressions
by I attended an open day for Lancaster University on Wednesday, here are my impressions of the University in general.
Earlier this week I travelled westwards to Lancaster in order to visit a University in which I could well be spending a few years of my life at. The Campus itself is a little out on its own, with views of small villages and rolling hillsides from the edges of the University, whereas in the centre there is an urban sprawl of paths, high-rise buildings and open spaces.
The University is now within the “Top 10″ in the UK according to two popular sources and appears to be improving. There is an interesting system at the University where every student in their first year will study three subjects, regardless of their chosen degree. As a PPE applicant this doesn’t particularly affect me, however for somebody applying to Lancaster for a single honours course, you should keep in mind that you will be studying two other subjects of your choice in your first year. You can then decide to continue with any combination of the three subjects into your second year, which I thought was a really good system. It certainly contributes to their excellent low drop-out rates.
When looking around the University there are all the usual amenities that you would expect, a good variety of accommodation and there is a lot of work currently being undertaken in order to improve existing facilities as well as building brand new ones. There is a brand new sports facility being built at the moment which looks fantastic, their current facility seems a little decrepit. Much of the accommodation is “en suite” which may be of comfort to many potential students.
Image via Wikipedia
Overall I was impressed by Lancaster University, a nice setting around the University combined with many practicalities within the University itself. The academic side of the University seems solid and undergoing continual improvement. Perhaps one negative point was that there appears to be a lack of jobs for students in the area, this is due to Lancaster being relatively small. However, I wouldn’t be disappointed to be at Lancaster University this time next year.
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Post CommentMuffinz
On February 27, 2011 at 11:01 am
Didn’t realise about the three topic system – I might have applied if they made it more public! Good article.
George Dunn
On February 27, 2011 at 1:40 pm
I didn’t hear about the system until the open day. I suppose for some people it will be a very useful feature, but others may find it a little annoying if they have their hearts set on one subject alone.