Visiting Researchers
Before you start
Before you start accordion Accordion
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Confirm acceptance
The University will issue you with an Agreement letter confirming the dates of your visit. Please ensure that you have returned your acceptance to the University as described in the letter.
You will need this Agreement when you are applying for your Visa (if you require one). UK Government advice on applying for a UK Visa is available on the gov.uk Website.
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Accommodation: short period (1 week to 2 months)
There are several options for visiting academics on campus or in Lancaster city centre. These include:
- On-campus accommodation is available for visitors, with details available via the Conferences website. The prices for Guest Rooms start from £37.00 per night, this is for a single self-catered bedroom. For stays of longer than one week, we recommend that you email the Guest Rooms team at sleep@lancaster.ac.uk to check availability and rates available.
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The University has a small number of flats under its direct management, and although these are primarily for student use and often contracted for one year, mid-year vacancies do arise and we recommend that you contact the office to inquire about availability for your own visit. Please contact the postgraduate accommodation team at flats@lancaster.ac.uk.
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Although primarily focused on student accommodation needs, the Lancaster University Homes Scheme provides a link to explore potential accommodation (shared house accommodation or apartments/small houses) in the city centre and surrounding area. The Scheme also offers a registration service, so that you can receive accommodation search results to your inbox on a regular basis. Most lettings are based on a standard one-year period, though shorter periods may also be available subject to demand. The webpage also allows you to approach landlords directly to ask further questions. Further information can be found on Lancaster University Homes website.
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There are a number of small hotels and guest houses in Lancaster city centre, several of which offer room-only rates. An online search should provide you with several options, though your host department may also be able to advise on your options. Visit Lancashire also provides a list of accommodation, from bed and breakfast to serviced apartments in the city centre.
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Alternatively, you could search websites such as Spare Room or Airbnb.
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Accommodation: several months to one year
- There are a number of letting agents based in the city centre, which we list below. A useful online search can be conducted using the website Rightmove. In the UK, the typical minimum letting period is six months, though some agents can offer shorter-term lets.
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Although primarily focused on student accommodation needs, the Lancaster University Homes Scheme provides a link to explore potential accommodation (shared house accommodation or apartments/small houses) in the city centre and surrounding area. The Scheme also offers a registration service, so that you can receive accommodation search results to your inbox on a regular basis. Most lettings are based on a standard one-year period, though shorter periods may also be available subject to demand. The webpage also allows you to approach landlords directly to ask further questions. Further information can be found on Lancaster University Homes website.
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For longer stays, it may also be worthwhile to advertise your accommodation needs via the University’s Staff Noticeboard. Please contact your host department to inquire about this, as only current University staff members can post advertisements on the Noticeboard.
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Finally, do contact the postgraduate accommodation team (flats@lancaster.ac.uk) who manage a number of flats on campus. Although these are primarily for student use and often contracted for one year, mid-year vacancies do arise and we recommend that you contact the office to inquire about availability for your own visit.
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Childcare
Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council provide advice to visitors who may need to arrange childcare or a school place during longer visits:
- Childcare advice (including contact email for detailed enquiries)
- Schools advice
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Travelling to the University
The closest UK airport to reach Lancaster is Manchester Airport (MCR), less than 70 miles away by road or rail. Lancaster is located on the Western Mainline rail network, with direct service links to London, Manchester Airport, Glasgow and other major UK cities. You can find detailed advice on reaching Lancaster city and campus via the University website.
Your first day
Report to your Department
On your first day, please report to the named contact in your department.
As you are not a paid member of staff, you will not be required to complete ‘eligibility to work’ checks, but if you are from outside the UK do bring along your passport and visa (if you have one). If you are sponsored on a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange) visa, you will need also to report to the HR Building where we will take a copy of your passport and visa; in other cases, your department may need to keep a copy. Also, bring along a copy of your Agreement letter.
You will be set up on the University’s HR system as a visiting academic (with a title such as Visiting Professor or Visiting Researcher, for example) and this will enable you to be issued with a University card (which also serves as your Library card) and an IT account with an email address. You will need your University card to access some buildings and to enable you to print on the University’s systems.
If you have any problems, staff in your department will be able to assist.
Working at Lancaster
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Travel around Lancaster
Travel from Lancaster city centre and its suburbs to the heart of the Bailrigg campus is straightforward by bus. If you do need to drive in, there is pay and display car parking available, including a guest car park at £3 per day.
Our maps and travel page provides you with information on how to get to the University, as well as campus maps and local area maps.
Commuting to Campus information page includes useful information on cycling routes, bus travel, electric vehicle charging points and more.
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Benefits and Responsibilities
Appointees will have free use of Library facilities, an email account and access to appropriate IT facilities. Space and equipment needs are the responsibility of the host Department.
Appointees are required to observe University Rules and Regulations, including those relating to professional conduct.
Finally, may we take this opportunity to wish you well for your visit and trust that you will find it productive and enjoyable.
If you should have any further questions, please contact your host department or you can reach the HR Department via hr@lancaster.ac.uk.