So, it's official – you're joining us at UCL! Congratulations on all your hard work – the fun starts here.
Sure, there are some long days in the library ahead of you, but there's so much more to student life at UCL beyond your lectures and seminars.
I’m Anam, your Students’ Union President, and I'm part of a team of elected Sabbatical Officers who work full-time to represent and support you at the Students' Union. We’re here to make sure you can make the most of your time at UCL, and your student life is more than just lectures, coursework, and exams. There’s more to your education than what happens in a classroom.
This is where you’ll find friends for life, make memories, discover your people, and feel like you belong.
At UCL, student life is student-led. That means everything is created by students, for students. That's what makes it so special here. Your wellbeing, your voice, your ambitions all matter to us. You'll develop new skills, meet people from different backgrounds, and try new experiences you never imagined - all while shaping a journey that helps you grow and stand out long after you leave UCL.
When you join UCL, you’re automatically a member of the Union - a fun and diverse student community, with more than 400 student groups for you to get involved with (maybe not all of them, though!) amongst other things. We're here to support you to overcome barriers, develop skills & confidence and pursue your passions. The Students' Union is where you’ll find friends for life. It's where you’ll make memories, discover your people, and feel like you belong.
If you’d told me a year ago when I’d just started at UCL that I’d soon be your Students' Union President, I honestly wouldn’t have believed you. I was still figuring out how to get to lectures without Google Maps! But one thing I did do early on was get involved. I joined societies, connected with students outside my course, and ran for a role that felt meaningful to me. It was scary at times, but also incredibly rewarding. You don’t have to have it all figured out, just be open to opportunities and don’t be afraid to take that first step. I promise, it can lead to amazing things.
So, while you prioritise your academic life, make sure to have fun along the way. Get involved in activities and societies to enrich your university experience and get to meet interesting people before you leave UCL. The time will go by faster than you think!
See everything we have planned to Welcome you to UCL here, and find useful guides about what student life is really like.
See you in September!
Anam
Written by Anam Choudhary, your Students' Union President