This advice applies to the 2023/24 academic year.
Whether you’re a postgraduate or affiliate student starting your studies at UCL this January, or are just needing a refresher of support available, our Advice Service is here to help you navigate student life.
We've put together a list of frequently asked questions you might have about adjusting to life at UCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do I need to do to join UCL?
There are lots of things you can do to settle into life at UCL and there may be some enrolment activities you need to undertake, such as providing documents.
The UCL New Students pages have all the information you need.
- Where can I find somewhere to live?
It’s not too late to find accommodation!
UCL accommodation may have places available in their halls of residence. If you’d prefer to live outside of UCL accommodation, we have lots of useful information on finding somewhere to live.
- And anything I should know when I’m moving into accommodation?
There are lots of things to think about when you move into a new place, from checking everything is working to paying your bills. We have a handy Renting Checklist which explains actions you can take before and after you move in.
If you have any questions or problems with renting, you can contact our Advice Service for help to resolve these.
- How do I manage my money whilst studying?
We have useful tips to help you manage your money and deal with any problems that might come up during your time at UCL. Please see our Money and Debt pages for lots of helpful information and where to go for further help.
- What if I have a problem affecting my studies?
Whether you’re struggling with your work, being affected by health issue or experiencing something else, we’d usually recommend speaking to staff in your department or faculty to get help.
UCL and the Union have a wide range of help available. See UCLs information about academic support and exams and assessments and also the Unions Language + Writing Support Programme.
Academic Integrity is particularly important – there’s lots of information and support available to avoid misconduct.
If you’re ill or your studies have been affected by other serious events, you can submit an Extenuating Circumstances request to UCL.
If you have a problem that you can’t resolve another way, you may want to make a Complaint or Academic Appeal.
- Where can I get more help?
In the Advice Service, we have friendly, professionally trained advisors to help you navigate the different options available. We can help if you’re not sure what to do for your situation. Book in time to chat to an advisor.
- Where can I get support for my mental health and wellbeing?
The UCL Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) team have mental health and wellbeing advisors who can offer you guidance on any wellbeing issues affecting your time at university. It’s a fully confidential and non-judgemental space, and you don’t need to be in a crisis to access their support – it’s available to all UCL students at any time.
You can have a look at what kind of services UCL offers around this in the ‘Here to Support You’ guide to UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
If you’d like to book an appointment to speak to one of the advisors, you can find out more information here, or book directly through the askUCL service. They have same day and pre booked appointments available.
UCL's 24/7 Student Support Line also offers free, confidential wellbeing support 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support line advisers can help you with issues including but not limited to feelings of anxiety and stress, money worries, bereavement, addiction and bullying, harassment and/or sexual harassment.