University of Lancashire Campus Facilities & Preston Student Hubs
Get to know the libraries, high-tech labs, and vibrant social hubs that make up the University of Lancashire's bustling Preston campus.
Updated 5 min readUniversity of Lancashire
Welcome to Your New Home in Preston
Starting university is a monumental step, and finding your bearings on a new campus is one of the very first challenges you will face. If you are heading to the University of Lancashire, you are in for an incredible experience. Over the last few years, the university has undergone a massive £200 million campus masterplan transformation. This investment has seamlessly blended state-of-the-art learning environments with vibrant, welcoming social spaces in the heart of Preston.
From the landmark Student Centre to the bustling University Square, the University of Lancashire campus facilities are designed to support both your academic ambitions and your personal wellbeing. Whether you are searching for quiet study spaces to prep for exams, looking up 24-hour library hours, or seeking out specialized computer labs, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate your new surroundings with ease.
The Library: Your Academic Sanctuary
At the heart of any university experience is its library, and the University of Lancashire Library is no exception. Serving as a beacon of academic support, this multi-floor facility is packed with physical books, digital journals, and designated areas tailored to every style of learning.
One of the biggest perks for students here is the flexible library hours. During term time, the library operates on a 24/7 basis, allowing you to study at whatever time suits you best—whether you are an early riser or a night owl. To access the building after dark, make sure you always have your student ID card handy at the security turnstiles.
"The library became my second home during my first-year assessments. The fact that the library hours are 24/7 meant I could always find a quiet spot to study, even at 2 AM when my motivation randomly peaked!" - Sarah Jenkins, 2nd Year Psychology StudentTailored Study Spaces
No two students study the same way. That is why the library and surrounding buildings offer a diverse mix of study spaces:
- Silent Study Zones: Located on the upper floors, these spaces are strictly quiet areas. They are perfect for deep reading, essay writing, and distraction-free focus.
- Collaborative Study Rooms: Need to prepare a group presentation? You can book group study pods equipped with large media screens, whiteboards, and power outlets via the online student portal.
- Social Learning Areas: Found on the ground floor, these areas allow for light chatter, making them ideal for casual study sessions with course mates over a coffee.
State-of-the-Art Computer Labs and Tech Facilities
In today's digital-first academic landscape, having reliable access to technology is non-negotiable. The university boasts highly specialized computer labs scattered across the Preston campus, equipped with industry-standard software, high-speed internet, and printing facilities.
For creative and technical courses, there are dedicated PC and Mac suites running professional programs like Adobe Creative Cloud, CAD, and statistical analysis software. Furthermore, many of these labs are accessible outside of scheduled class times, giving you the freedom to perfect your projects at your own pace.
Essential Digital Student Resources to Set Up First
- MS Office 365: Free download on up to 5 personal devices using your student email.
- The Student Portal: Your one-stop shop for timetables, grades, and campus announcements.
- On-Campus Printing: Top up your print credit online to use any of the multi-function printers across campus.
- Campus Wi-Fi (Eduroam): High-speed secure wireless network available in every building.
The Student Centre: Central Hub for Student Resources
Opened as part of the massive campus regeneration project, the iconic Student Centre is a architectural marvel that acts as a gateway between the city of Preston and the university. This is where you will find the majority of your essential student resources and support teams.
If you have questions about housing, mental health, student finance, or career planning, the Student Centre houses the central support team (often referred to as 'The 🧭'). Instead of running to different departments across the city, you can get all your queries answered under one roof.
Budgeting for Campus Life
While utilizing the University of Lancashire campus facilities is largely free as part of your tuition, there are small everyday costs you should keep in mind as a fresher. Planning your weekly budget early will save you plenty of stress down the line.
| Facility / Service | Average Cost | Money-Saving Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Library Printing (A4 Black & White) | £0.05 per sheet | Proofread assignments digitally before printing to save money. |
| Campus Gym Membership (Sir Tom Finney) | £15 - £25 per month | Look out for early-bird annual student discounts in September. |
| On-Campus Grab-and-Go Lunch | £4.50 - £6.50 | Bring your own travel mug for a discount on hot drinks. |
| Student Union Social Events | Free - £10.00 | Get the free student discount cards for cheap entry to local venues. |
Navigating the Campus with the Campus Map
The Preston campus is compact and incredibly easy to walk around, but it can still feel intimidating during your first week. Downloading a digital campus map to your smartphone is highly recommended. The map highlights key landmarks such as the Harrington Building, the Foster Building, and the Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC).
Physical Wellbeing: Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre
Staying active is incredibly important for your physical and mental health during your studies. The Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre (STFSC) is the university's premier indoor sports facility. Located right on campus, it features a double sports hall, a fully-equipped modern gym, an indoor climbing wall, and dedicated studios for fitness classes ranging from yoga to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). It is home to various student sports clubs, making it a fantastic place to make new friends and try out new activities.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Campus
Your university experience is about so much more than just attending lectures. The modern University of Lancashire campus facilities are there to help you grow, collaborate, relax, and excel. Take the time during your first few weeks of the semester to wander around Preston, explore the quiet corners of the library, test out the high-tech computer labs, and find the study spaces that make you feel the most productive. Before you know it, this campus will feel like home.