Large Student Houses in Lancaster: The group chat is chaos.
Someone wants Bowerham, someone else insists on the city centre, and no one can agree on a budget. Trying to find the perfect large student house in Lancaster for 7, 8, or 9+ people is famously the most stressful part of the university year.
But the reward is huge: a year (or more!) of making the best memories of your life in one big, shared home.
So, where do you even begin to find the perfect large student house in Lancaster? And is it really cheaper?
At Bayt, we specialise in housing for large student groups right here in Lancaster. We know the challenge, and more importantly, we have the solutions. This guide will walk you through the real-world benefits, the best areas to look, and how to secure your perfect house.
Why Go Big? The Perks of a Large Student House
Opting for a larger property isn’t just about fitting everyone in. It comes with a unique set of advantages that can genuinely enhance your student experience.
1. The Unbeatable Social Atmosphere
There is simply no substitute for the social life that comes with a large student house in Lancaster. With 7, 8, or 9 housemates, you have an instant community.
There’s always someone to watch a movie with, cook a group meal, or just chat with after a long day at the library. It’s the perfect base for hosting social events, from pre-drinks before a night at Sugar, to a big group roast on a Sunday.
2. The £100/week Price Drop: A Lancaster Reality Check
This is the biggest draw. Let’s look at the actual numbers for Lancaster.
Many students are tempted by a private studio or 1-bed flat. In Lancaster, these all-inclusive properties typically range from £170 to £250+ per week.
Now, compare that to a room in a high-quality, all-inclusive large student house in Lancaster. This price sweet-spot is most common in 8 and 9 bedroom properties, where rooms often fall between £120 and £155 per person per week.
You are not just saving a little; you could be saving over £100 per week. That’s your food, social life, or travel money sorted.
3. More Space, Better Amenities
Large student properties are often designed with groups in mind. This means you’re more likely to find:
Larger Communal Areas: Forget being crammed onto one tiny sofa.
Multiple Bathrooms: Most 9 bed student properties will have at least 3-4 bathrooms, saving you from the morning rush-hour chaos.
Better Facilities: It’s common to find perks like utility rooms, gardens, multiple fridge-freezers, and sometimes even two kitchens.
Where to Look: Lancaster’s Top 5 Areas for Large Groups
A map of Lancaster showing popular areas for large student houses, including Bowerham, Moorlands, and Greaves.
Finding a 9-bedroom house isn’t easy in every part of the city. Here’s where to focus your search:
1. Bowerham
A classic student hub for a reason. Bowerham has a “village feel” with its own local pubs and shops, but it’s packed with large Victorian houses perfect for groups. It’s close to the University of Cumbria and has excellent bus routes directly to Lancaster University.
2. The City Centre
For those who want to be in the middle of the action. You’ll be minutes from shops, pubs, and clubs, with no need for a taxi home. The trade-off is often less garden space, but the convenience is unbeatable.
3. Primrose & Fairfield
Tucked just behind the city centre, these areas are extremely popular. They offer a great balance of being close to town (a 5-10 minute walk) while still feeling like a distinct, residential community.
4. Moorlands
Tucked away just past Primrose, Moorlands is a hidden gem. It’s slightly quieter, with many large houses, and is ideal if you have placements at the hospital or attend the University of Cumbria. You’re still just a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
5. Greaves
A great all-rounder, Greaves is perfectly placed between the city centre and Bowerham. It’s close to the train station (great for heading home) and Williamson Park (great for a break from the library). It offers a good mix of large houses and convenience.
How to Successfully Secure Your House
In Lancaster, these properties are in high demand and are often the first to be snapped up.
1. Start Your Search in Term 1
You cannot start too early. For large student accommodation in Lancaster, the letting season for the next academic year begins as early as November. Get your group organised, agree on a budget, and start browsing listings before Christmas.
2. Get Your Group Organised (The “Head Tenant”)
Landlords and letting agents love an organised group. Nominate one person as the “Head Tenant” or main point of contact. This person will coordinate viewings and handle communication.
Before you even book a viewing, make sure every member of the group has:
Agreed on the budget and the areas you’ll look at.
Got their guarantor information ready.
Prepared their share of the holding deposit.
A great tip for managing shared finances is to use a free tool like Splitwise (an authoritative bill-splitting app) to track shared costs fairly.
3. Prioritise All-Inclusive Bills
Managing finances in a 9-person house can be a nightmare. This is why all-inclusive bills packages are a lifesaver. One fixed monthly payment covers your rent, gas, electricity, water, and high-speed internet. It makes budgeting simple and removes a major source of housemate conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Large Student Houses in Lancaster
Is it really cheaper to live in a large student house in Lancaster?
Yes, significantly. As we showed, a room in a large all-inclusive house (approx. £120-£155 pppw) is far cheaper than a private studio (approx. £170-£250+ pppw).
How do we split bills in a 9-bedroom house?
You have two options. The hard way (chasing 8 people for money) or the easy way: choose a property with an all-inclusive bills package. We always recommend this for large groups.
What happens if one of our group drops out?
This is a common concern. Most student contracts are a “joint and several tenancy.” This means the group as a whole is responsible for the entire rent. If one person leaves, the remaining 8 tenants are legally responsible for covering that person’s rent until you find a replacement.
Your Next Step: Find Your Lancaster Home with Bayt
Booking as a large group doesn’t have to be stressful. At Bayt, we have a fantastic portfolio of large student houses in Lancaster designed specifically for groups like yours, in all the top areas.
Don’t wait—the best houses go fast.
Start your search for large group accommodation. Browse our 7, 8, & 9+ bed listings in Lancaster now!
