Why Choose the University of Lancashire?

The University of Lancashire presents itself around three claims that matter most to prospective students deciding where to apply: global ranking, cost of living, and student support. According to the university's own website, it ranks in the top 7% of worldwide universities (CWUR 2025), places 1st in the North West for affordable accommodation, and sits in the top 3 in the North West for student support (WUSCA 2025). It also describes a community of more than 42,000 students and staff across campuses in Preston, Burnley, Westlakes, and a satellite campus in Cyprus. If those three factors — recognition, affordability, and support — are high on your list, this page explains what the university says about each.

Global recognition: top 7% worldwide

The university cites the Centre for World University Rankings 2025 (CWUR 2025) to support its claim of being in the top 7% of universities worldwide. It also states it was founded in 1828 and is recognised in the QS World Rankings.

What this means in practice: if you are comparing universities and want a signal of international standing, a top 7% placement gives you a benchmark. Rankings measure different things, so treat this as one data point rather than a complete picture of teaching quality in your subject.

Cost of living: 1st in the North West for affordable accommodation

Accommodation cost is often the largest ongoing expense for students. The university claims:

• 1st in the North West for affordable accommodation, citing the Cheapest UK Cities for Student Accommodation League Table 2025/26 (Student Crowd).
• Guaranteed accommodation for all first years at the Preston Campus.

The guarantee is the more concrete commitment here — it removes the uncertainty of finding a place to live in your first year at Preston. If you are applying to Burnley, Westlakes, or Cyprus, check separately what accommodation arrangements apply, since the guarantee is stated specifically for Preston.

Student support: top 3 in the North West

The university states it ranks in the top 3 in the North West for student support, citing the What Uni Student Choice Awards 2025 (WUSCA 2025). WUSCA results are based on student reviews, so this reflects how current students rated their experience rather than an institutional self-assessment.

If support services matter to you — for example, if you are a commuter student, a mature student, or someone who wants structured help settling in — the university also publishes dedicated information for commuter students and welcome and arrival guidance for new students.

Campus options and community

The university describes a community of more than 42,000 students and staff and lists these locations:

Campus tours are available, and the university runs open days — the next Preston Open Day is listed as Sunday 11 October, with travel discounts available and up to £50 towards travel costs for prospective students.

Subject areas

The university lists these broad subject areas on its site: Arts, Business, Computing, Engineering, Health, Humanities, Justice, Languages, Sciences, and Sport. It also states that its creative and health subjects are ranked in the country's top ten, though the specific ranking body is not named in the source material.

Who this university may suit

Based on the university's own stated strengths, it may be a good fit if you:

• Want a university with a recognised international ranking and are weighing global standing alongside other factors.
• Are cost-conscious and applying to Preston, where first-year accommodation is guaranteed and accommodation is described as the most affordable in the North West.
• Value student support and want evidence from student-choice awards rather than marketing claims alone.
• Want multiple campus options, including a satellite campus in Cyprus.

It may be less suited if your priority is a specific subject ranking not covered here, or if you need accommodation guarantees outside Preston — in those cases, verify details directly with the university before applying.

Next steps

To move from interest to decision:

1. Check your subject — search the courses A–Z or use the course search by keyword to confirm your programme is offered.
2. Visit if possible — book a place at an open day or arrange a campus tour to see the location in person.
3. Confirm accommodation terms — if you are applying outside Preston, ask what accommodation support applies to your campus.
4. Review entry requirements and start dates — the university notes January and mid-year starts in addition to the traditional September intake, which may suit you if you are not ready for a September start.