Thursday 19-12-2024 - 13:06

 

While some people may head off elsewhere for the holidays, there’s still a place for you at Lancaster! 

 

 

Once Michaelmas term comes to an end, things on campus start to quiet down a little bit.  With the majority of students leaving campus for the holidays and (of course) no classes, many places on campus close for the vacation period, or reduce their hours. 

Staying on campus over the period, or thinking of popping in? Fear not, as we’re here to tell you everything you can expect on campus during this Michaelmas vacation period.

LUSU Opening Times

For one, the gang here at LUSU will be away for two weeks of the vacation period.  

LUSU Welcome Desk
Closes: 3PM Friday 20th December
Opens: 10AM Monday 6th January

But, as you know – LUSU is made up of many magnificent parts – such as LUSU Advice, LUSU Shop, The Sugarhouse Nightclub, LUSU Living and more. Each with their own open times and support over the Christmas vacation – view all of these here.
 

University Opening Times 

The term officially ends on Friday 13th December. After this, there will be no more classes until they come back on 10th January. 

But some members of staff may still be on campus for a while, and certain university services will have specific opening hours in order to provide support to students over the vacation period. Be sure to check in with your department to find out what coverage and support is available to you.

Library
Great news if you just want a quiet place to get stuck into your studies - the library stays open throughout the holidays! However, opening times will look different – with a reduction in opening times. 

The library will be closed completely on December 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st and January 1st. You can check out the specific Library opening hours over on the university webpage.

Support 

LUSU and the university are always here for you – even during vacation. 

University Support
The university has a designated mental health, wellbeing and advice helpline ran in partnership with Health Assured. These helplines are open 24/7, 365 days a year to provide support to students.

Mental Health, Wellbeing Line and Advice line
+44 (0)8000 283 766 (UK Callers)
+44 (0)2070 524 617 (International Callers)

LUSU Support
LUSU’s Advice Service closes 3PM Friday 20th December. However, emergency support is available for the duration of the downtime, to ensure you’re covered. Find out more here.

 

Medical Practice

The Lancaster Medical Practice University Site will be open as usual Monday-Friday from 8AM – 6.30PM over the vacation period. 

It will be closed on the following bank holidays: 
Wednesday 25th December
Thursday 26th December

You can find more information over on the practice’s NHS page.

 

Security

University security will be available 24/7 during the holidays, so you can email them as usual at security@lancaster.ac.uk.

 

Sports Centre

Sport Lancaster will be running on reduced hours during the Christmas vacation period, but that doesn’t mean you won’t still be able to get your reps in! 

You can check out the full list of closures on their page here.

 

Travel

Public transport in Lancaster runs slightly different during non-term times. 

Buses
Typically, Stagecoach bus services tend to run different timetables when it’s not term time. The most obvious of these changes is that there isn’t a 1 bus anymore – just a 1A! However, all services are still frequent. 

You can plan your journey and check live departures over on the Stagecoach app or website. You can also use iLancaster to check live bus times from the uni. 

Trains
These services will run relatively like normal – just be on the lookout for classic train delays that might increase slightly during the holiday period, especially if you’re travelling to big cities such as Manchester/ London. 

Car Parking on Campus
This will run the same as it does during term time, with parking charges and permits still applying. 

 

Chaplaincy

The chaplaincy will be open between 9AM and 5PM, except for during the period of 24th December – 1st January. 

 

Don’t forget to keep an eye out on social media throughout the holidays, including LUSU! 

 

Campus is always here to welcome you home. For more info on what goes on during vacation periods, you can check out the university’s ASK page.