The start of the year is the perfect time to make change happen. As we head into 2025, there are a whole host of opportunities to get involved, meet like-minded people and try something new.
Break the ice and build connections
If you're looking to try something new and step outside of your comfort zone, we have a range of events running throughout January. Make new friends while discovering the coolest spots in the city, challenging someone to a game of pickle ball, or giving speedfriending a try!
Now is also the perfect time to join a new club or society, and with more than 400 student groups, clubs, and societies on offer, there really is something for everyone. Why not join one of our taster sessions to help you get a feel of what you may enjoy – perfect for beating the January blues!
Kickstart your fitness goals at the new TeamUCL Gym
After being fully refurbished, the TeamUCL Gym is now open! With two dedicated studio spaces, top-of-the-line equipment, and personal training available, the new space is the perfect place to get a bit more active in the new year. Join today with our special student opening offer of just £130 for six months.
No pressure, just progress
If you're looking for something low cost, beginner-friendly, and welcoming, Project Active is back with a varied timetable of Weekly Classes, Give it a Go Sessions, and Learn to workshops. You don't need any prior experience...just turn up and enjoy the benefits!
The UCL Charity Swimathon, led by Project Active, is another great opportunity to not only kickstart your fitness goals, but also support a charity, too. Taking place on Saturday 1 March at the London Aquatics Centre, the Swimathon is open to any student looking to get more physically active and make friends in a fun and supportive environment. Look out for beginner swimming lessons starting in February to join this challenge.
This Girl Can Week is running from Monday 27 January to Sunday 2 February with the aim of celebrating women in sport, and inspiring all students to try something new. This year’s campaign has a focus on getting people active outdoors, and has launched ‘Let’s Get Out There’ to emphasise getting active in natural environments such as parks, outdoor courts, forests and coastal areas. Look out for a range of activities to get involved with this term.
Make an impact this year
The Leadership Race sees thousands of students put themselves forward for the opportunity to be part of the leadership team for our incredible clubs, societies and networks. Most of the leadership roles are voluntary, undertaken alongside your studies, but there are six paid positions where those elected take a sabbatical year and lead the entire Students’ Union. Register your interest today if you're passionate about making an impact at UCL while gaining invaluable experience for your CV.
Nominations close on Monday 10 March, with Vote Week starting on Monday 17 March.
Throughout term two, you'll also have a chance to make an impact by putting your ideas forward for change. Discuss them at our Zone meetings, encompassing an Activities Zone, an Education Zone, and a Welfare and Communities Zone. Got an idea on how UCL can change for the better? Submit it for discussion at one of our upcoming meetings.
The Volunteering Team at Students’ Union UCL works directly with hundreds of UK-based charities and non-profit organisations, with a constant stream of exciting opportunities for students to get involved with as we head into the new year. From one-off volunteering opportunities to community research initiatives, there are a whole host of ways in which you can get involved.
Get curious about cultural identity
As London's Global University, International Festival is an incredibly important celebration in our calendar. Every year, we host a week-long programme of activities and events in which we showcase and celebrate the diversity of our UCL community. This year, International Festival will take place from 3 - 7 February.
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon on 29 January with Lion dancers, food vendors, Tea Society, Mahjong, Chinese painting, and calligraphy on campus. London will also be full of celebrations, with parades, street performances, workshops, and more planned all over the city. Don't miss the huge parade in Chinatown on 2 February, and eat some of the best food London has to offer.
Celebrate with our networks
February is the annual month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history. It is a dedicated time to acknowledge, celebrate and share the impact of LGBTQ+ culture. Our LGBTQ+ network leads activity across campus to mark the month, and we can't wait to share plans to celebrate soon....
March is Women's History Month, with International Women's Day falling on March 8. Our Women's Network have hosted everything from karaoke nights to board game sessions in the past to celebrate, so stay tuned to see what they've got in store.
Support TeamUCL at Varsity
In March, TeamUCL will go head to head with Kings for a week, competing in a number of different sports. After our incredible varsity win last year, the stakes are higher than ever as we aim to defend the trophy and hold onto our title as winners. This is a series you will not want to miss! Come along to a game and cheer our teams on, or tune in on our live stream to support TeamUCL.
Varsity 2024 kicks off on Friday 21 March.
Save some money in our spaces
Keep your eyes open for our latest offers as our Daily Deals have launched for term two, giving you more opportunities to save money. All profits made are channeled back into student activities, so you can be sure that the money you spend goes back into making more happen at UCL. Here are just a few deals we are loving!
- Tuck in to half price pizza with any drink purchase in The Institute from 12:00
- Take advantage of 50% off Tanpopo Onigiri on Tuesdays. Choose from Chicken Teriyaki or Spicy Korean Chicken for just £1.19 in Bloomsbury Shop.
- Enjoy a coffee and a muffin or traybake for just £3.50 all day on Wednesday in our cafés.
- Turn your single spirit and mixer into a double for just £1 extra in Huntley and Mully's all day on Thursdays
- Grab yourself a TeamUCL Gym student day pass for just £6.00 for access to our new gym.
Terms and conditions apply.
There are so many things to look forward to in the new year, and we are here to ensure you make the most of your time at university. If you’re facing challenges as you head into 2025, don’t hesitate to make the most of our support and advice service available – from helping you with housing issues to academic challenges, we’re here to help.