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Being a student in the UK has arguably never been more challenging. Today, students are navigating not only the demands of their degrees but also the pressures of the cost of living crisis, mental health challenges, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Students’ Union UCL, we are committed to supporting students throughout their educational journey. Our Advice Service acts as a frontline defence against a wide range of challenges facing students. Our advisors offer free, confidential, and independent support to all UCL students, prospective students, students on an interruption of studies, and recent graduates where there is an ongoing matter relating to their studies.
This report examines the 2,646 cases managed by the Students’ Union Advice Service in 2024/25, alongside wider data from our annual Student Life Survey, to identify systemic pressure points across the student journey.
The report focuses on three key areas:
- Navigating academic procedures and support
- Housing
- Financial support and hardship
By analysing this data alongside wider institutional evidence, the report identifies emerging themes in academic pressure, housing instability, and financial insecurity. It aims to reflect on these challenges and to enable the Students’ Union to better represent students’ academic interests. It also provides a series of actionable recommendations to ensure that UCL remains a place where all students can succeed, regardless of the external pressures they face.
Read the full report below: