As the academic year comes to a close, the next wave of freshers will begin to file onto campus for the 2025 Freshers’ Week. This is a reminder that university allows students to meet people from all walks of life: with different backgrounds, achievements and attitudes – though somehow, even across hundreds of UK universities and courses, we all seem to encounter the same types of students during our studies.
So, here are five types of students you’ll have likely come across whilst studying at Lancs.
The one who never misses a night out
Generation karaoke night on a Monday? They’re there. Pub quiz in Staggered on a Thursday? Oh, they’re there. Wondering if they’re going to Sugar on both Wednesday and Friday this week? Now that’s just a daft question.
This student lives and breathes for the uni nightlife, and will probably find a way to be out at least 3 nights a week, repeating mantras of “YOLO” and “you’re only a fresher once”. Despite this, they’re almost certain to still average at least a 2:1 even after hitting more club nights than lectures and are thriving. Realistically, a lot of us envy this student, both academically and financially.
The one who lives in the library
Perhaps the antithesis of the ‘partygoer’ student (and the one we all envy the most) is the ultimate academic weapon. This student may as well have their name engraved on their go-to study booth on C floor. This student will be accessorised with an overpriced iced drink in one hand and an encyclopedia in the other, and this student is praying that those items will help them power through an intensive study session.
From overnight revision sessions during exam season, to always being the one student in group projects to lead meetings, this student is reliable, appreciates the simple things in life (like getting to redeem their fully stamped Coastal card) and cosy nights in with friends.
The one who is known by everyone on campus – aka the BNOC
The BNOC (the ‘Biggest Name On Campus’) refers to a student who is seen as a ‘campus icon’ by fellow students, with Lancaster’s 2025 BNOC announced as being Jacob Hudson last month.
Besides this socially prestigious and highly sought-after award, we all know a student who has connections everywhere…
Whilst, admittedly, Lancaster Uni is a tight-knit community within a relatively small city, there are still over 18,000 students to beat in the race to hold the BNOC title. Who will be the next student?
The one who’s always in a situationship
And no, it’s rarely the same student from when you asked last time. However, this student always has a funny date story to hand, and someone they are desperately hiding from on a night out (but will inevitably bump into on the dance floor).
This person is usually cut from the same cloth as the BNOC – always sees someone they know wherever they are, has a wealth of social life-related knowledge to impart, and is a real one for getting that campus gossip.
The one who lived a sheltered life (before uni…)
Let’s face it, we all know a student who hadn’t prepared a full meal for themself before uni – or at least, one that doesn’t involve taking the wrapping off and leaving the rest to the microwave to do.
Of course, there are worse crimes you can commit as a student, but it’s usually a lack of competence. Whether that be in the kitchen, academically, or just adulting in general, that can make you memorable (and not always in a good way).
With these things aside, this student will have an all-or-nothing mindset with their degree, will be no stranger to dropping £5 on a coffee for their essay-cramming sessions, and will likely also have a Sultan’s on to keep them from concocting something atrocious in the kitchen when getting back to their flat.
