Hi, I’m Maria and I am studying English Literature, Creative Writing and Practice at Lancaster. As a new student, I’m going to give you an honest account of my first term as it occurs. Everybody chooses their university for different reasons, but I’m going to share why Lancaster was my first choice.

223 miles, or 4h17 minutes by car (if Google Maps can be trusted). Lancaster isn’t exactly close to my home, but, sitting here, having started my first year, I can’t imagine being anywhere else. There are many reasons as to why the university suits me, and why I was willing to sit that long in a car, but I’ll start with a few:

The eco-friendly campus (including the farm!)

For me, Lancaster’s focus on being environmentally conscious and sustainable is really important. As well as having a beautiful green campus, surrounded by countryside, there are many initiatives and programmes designed to make the university as sustainable as possible, including:

• The use of a wind turbine, CHP and biomass boiler in energy production
• Sustainable accommodation buildings
• Using mainly public transport, cycling and walking to reduce carbon emissions
• Increased recycling and reduced waste
• Initiatives such as Green Lancaster, encouraging student involvement in being sustainable (such as volunteering at the EcoHub)

The Careers Service

With Lancaster being 2nd in the UK for graduate employability (Guardian University League Tables 2020), it’s safe to say that the Careers Service is an incredible addition to the university, providing support for students with careers fairs, programmes, work experience and internships. The service runs courses to enhance employability and workshops designed for improving CVs and cover letters, helping students to find part-time jobs and eventually full-time employment.

I’m really looking forward to using some of the services on offer and would recommend looking at the learning pages upon the careers website for useful advice regarding CVs, interviews and other skills that are needed in the working world, regardless of your status at Lancaster.

The location – why Lancaster itself?

Particularly for a home person like me, Lancaster is very far away, but the beauty of the city is worth it. Although the university is campus-based, there are regular transport links to the main city centre and a walk, taking around 45 minutes (it’s not too far, really). Lancaster is not only a historical centre and an English Heritage City - see Lancaster Castle - but it is a lovely town to explore. You can wander along the canal and the River Lune, visiting the shops in the main town centre. The train station has access to destinations up and down the country – making it very easy for journeys home!

Summer and winter in the city – Lancaster with Christmas lights is incredibly beautiful

No matter how far you need to travel, Lancaster University and its surroundings offers something for everyone. Although university choice should be focused primarily upon the course, I chose Lancaster with the knowledge that I would be in a safe, friendly environment that will support me throughout my degree and beyond.

I’m very excited about the coming years – even if it means being so far away from home!