We always arrange a packed schedule for our new students. This is on top of University events such as Freshers’ Fayre, and other events organised by your department. For a complete list of what's in store, see the University’s Welcome Week website. You can also browse the Welcome Week schedule via the iLancaster app.
This year, the Grizedale College graduation celebrations will take place after each ceremony, outside Grizedale College on Friday, 18 July 2025. Expect live music, a free glass of fizz (non-alcoholic available), sweet treats and (hopefully) plenty of sunshine for you and your guests. This is free but will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
All graduating students are expected to attend the College group photo in Lancaster Square at 3 pm. After the photograph, there will be a very brief presentation of the College Awards. You are then invited to make your way down to Grizedale College Quad.
The Charities Challenge is your chance to help raise money and make a difference in the community. Each College enters a team who choose a charity to support and promote. The students involved gain valuable experience creating a variety of fundraising events such as car washing, bake sales, sports tournaments and skill auctions. The teams write up their experiences in a report and everyone comes together for a Charity Showcase where certificates are awarded by the University.
Each year, the eight Undergraduate Colleges compete in a University Challenge style quiz. Questions are set by academic staff from across the University, who usually also judge the various heats as well as the final in the spring.
The College has several sports teams that compete in College leagues over the first and second terms. Try-outs for Football and Netball are normally held during the first few weeks of term. Our table tennis team accepts players all year round. For the contact details of the various team captains please get in touch with the JCR Exec Sports Officers or College Manager, Will Harpley.
Warriors is a weekend of sports and tournaments against fierce local rivals Pendle College. Along with the traditional sports such as football and netball, Warriors includes, quizzes, korfball, goalball, eating contest, chess tournaments, and e-sports tournaments. Grizedale has won the trophy for two years running now.
The Carter Shield is played for every fortnight throughout the year. All of Lancaster’s nine colleges take part in a variety of sports such as volleyball, rounders, dodgeball and tag-rugby, there is something for everyone. Each sport counts for a different number of points and the college with the most at the end of the year is awarded the carter shield. Grizedale are currently the holders having had a record turnout.
Each year Lancaster University takes on long-time rivals York in the annual Roses competition. The competition goes as far back as 1965, when the Vice-Chancellor of York, Lord James of Rusholme, suggested a boat race between the two universities. Over the years more and more events have been added to the competition, and Roses is now a well-established part of the University calendar. Many Grizedale students take an active part in the tournament and we are proud to support them in their sporting endeavours.
The George Wyatt Cup is the most prestigious Lancaster University bar sporting prize you’ll encounter. The competition normally takes place in terms one and two on Monday and Tuesday evenings, with each of our resident bars taking it in turns to host each week. Bar sports include darts, pool and dominoes.
Each year we run dozens of different social events across campus and in town to cater for all of our students. Recent examples include our cultural celebrations, open mic nights, pub quizes, spa days and of course our annual Winter Ball. For the latest news and events, visit the Grizedale College Facebook page.
"Without Grizedale, I wouldn’t have had the chance to get involved in half as many things as I did outside of my degree, and I will always be grateful for the support and advice offered within the college too. University wouldn’t have been the same without it!"
Millie, former Grizedale student
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