If you’re not from Lancaster or the North, it might take some time to adjust to our lovely weather. Yes, Lancaster is known for being rainy, blustery and unpredictable, but that doesn’t take away from how great this city is. Once you learn how to survive (and even enjoy) the weather, you’ll be able to make the most of everything Lancaster has to offer.
Dress for the Occasion
If you’re heading out from your student accommodation, make sure you’ve got a good waterproof jacket and a big warm coat, especially as we enter the colder months. Lancaster has a lot of hills, and if you lived on campus last year, you’ll know that walking up to uni on a windy, rainy day with an umbrella is practically impossible. It’ll most likely get blown inside out before you make it halfway!
Warm Up in Lancaster City Centre
On dark, rainy days, there’s no better way to warm up than finding a cosy coffee shop in the city centre. Lancaster has plenty of them, from 18a to Holm, each perfect for grabbing a drink, studying, or catching up with friends.
If coffee isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Most cafés offer a wide range of drinks and snacks, making them great spots to relax and stay dry before heading back to your student accommodation.
(Want to explore more? Check out our blog on the best coffee spots in Lancaster!)
Enjoy Indoor Activities
When the weather’s miserable, it can be tempting to stay wrapped up in bed, but Lancaster has loads of great indoor activities, that are worth venturing outside for.
If you’re into films, you’ve got options with both the Vue Cinema and The Dukes Playhouse. More into history? The city has several fascinating museums that dive into Lancaster’s rich and sometimes dark past.
Or if you’re looking for something a bit more active, why not try Lancaster Escape Rooms? With three themed rooms to choose from, it’s a brilliant way to spend an afternoon with your housemates.
For students living in off-campus accommodation near Lancaster centre, the best part is that everything’s just a short walk away.
Make the Most of the Weather
Whether it’s raining or finally sunny, try to get out and explore. Lancaster has some beautiful walks, especially if you’re living slightly outside the city centre. Grab your raincoat or a picnic blanket and head out to Williamson Park, along Lancaster Canal, or even over to Morecambe Prom for some of the best views around.
Make Your House a Cosy Home
Cold and rainy days make staying in all the more appealing, so it’s worth making your student accommodation as cosy as possible. Stick the kettle on, grab a blanket, and watch a film with your housemates. It’s the perfect way to end a wet day up on campus.
Lancaster might be known for its unpredictable weather, but that’s part of what makes it such a unique and wonderful place to live. With the right mindset and a good coat, you can not only survive Lancaster’s weather, you can love it!