[HDNG]IN COLLEGE:[EHDNG][PARA][GRPH]A2[EGRPH][STAT][BULL] Catered: 2% [BULL] Cost: £61.50 (30wks) [BULL] Self-catering: 50% [BULL] Cost: £24-45 (30wks)[ESTAT][PARA][BOLD]Availability:[EBOLD] [ITAL]The provision has traditionally been extensive.[EITAL]  All 1st years live in their colleges as do 1/4 of finalists.  2nd years are almost entirely on their own [ITAL]and the situation is getting worse.  [EITAL]As the University grows, the accommodation isn't keeping up and the proportion of students in college places is dropping.  The number of shared rooms is also increasing - currently it is 12%.  The University is, however, committed to building more accommodation soon - [ITAL]how soon is all important.  [EITAL]Corridors in the colleges are split into single sex areas.  There are 40 rooms with en suite bathrooms at Cartmel College (costing £45 a week) - most are taken by overseas students.  Alexandra Hall in town is used by postgrads.  169 catered places at Charlotte Mason.[PARA][BOLD]Car parking:[EBOLD] Limited free parking 5 to 10 minutes from the colleges on The Spine - the backbone of the campus.  Even more limited permit parking nearer, but 1st years are not allowed to bring cars.[HDNG]EXTERNALLY:[EHDNG][PARA][GRPH]A1[EGRPH][STAT][BULL] Renting: 32% [BULL] Ave rent: £30[ESTAT][PARA][BOLD]Availability:[EBOLD][ITAL] The best places are Bowerham (convenient), Galgate (10mins walk) and around Blade and Dale Streets (students-ville), but some places should be avoided.  [EITAL]Lancaster can't cope on its own and many students are having to move out as far as Heysham (51/2 miles away) and Morecambe (41/2 miles) which Morrisey described as 'the seaside town they forgot to close down'.  [ITAL]A car is very handy for students who face a long daily trip. [EITAL][PARA][BOLD]Housing help:[EBOLD] The Accommodation Office is run jointly by the University and LUSU and provides a vacancy board, newsletter, approval scheme and standards contracts.[PARA][PARA]