Xiaohongshu
Black@UCL is a three-year initiative designed to strengthen the sense of belonging among UK Black undergraduate students at UCL.
We interviewed Aya Elgool, your Social Class & Mobility Officer before the break to find out a bit more about the project.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Aya, your Social Class and Mobility Officer for this academic year! I’m in my second year studying Politics and International Relations at the School of Public Policy and Department of Political Science. I am also one of the Events Officers within the African-Caribbean Society, as well as Vice President for Sudanese Society.
What is Black@UCL and the widening access programme?
Black@UCL is a space for Black undergraduates to connect with one another and receive mentorship and support as they adjust to higher education. The programme consists of events designed for you to connect with your peers and get to know people beyond your course through trips and activities curated for people to share experiences with each other. The programme explores how enhancing the student experience and fostering a deeper sense of connection may influence the Black awarding gap.
It’s a three-year initiative essentially designed to strengthen the sense of belonging among UK Black undergraduate students at UCL, and it is run by the Student Success Office. The programme holds a big emphasis on co-creation and co-production with students.
Last year was the pilot year, which I found to be a transformative experience in my first year. The programme allowed me to meet other Black undergraduate students beyond my course, which really supported me in feeling like I belonged in an institution like UCL.
What did you gain from the programme?
Beyond the friendships, the social experiences were a significant highlight for me. The trips we took to bond further as a cohort were fun, from cinema trips to cooking classes, we had the chance to experience some great things.
I would also say another thing I gained from the programme was confidence, and the fact that I felt reassured in my experiences as a Black student at UCL to go ahead and take up opportunities which presented themselves to me, as well as seeking out my own.
What advice would you give to Black Undergraduate students who are new to UCL?
Definitely be a part of Black @ UCL! It’s how I made some of my closest friends in first year but also gave me the chance to do new things that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.
Another thing is to step outside your comfort zone; if you’re someone who struggles to interact with others, try to go to societies that interest you, even if nobody else you know has the exact same interest. It’s worth getting yourself out there and exploring what societies there are that could interest you as well – try something new! You are never going to be this young with this much free time so make the most of it.
What connections did Black@UCL help you make?
I became friends with people who are determined and very career focused, which is good for me as it encourages me to also think about what I’d like to do in future. I have also have the privilege of connecting with people who are passionate about culture and development, so being able to share ideas about projects and activities we would like to do is something that I’m really grateful for as well.
Is there anything else you would like to mention?
Overall, Black@UCL was a significant highlight of my first year, and I highly recommend any student who is eligible to be a part of it! You won’t regret it.
You can find out more about Black@UCL and the Student Success Office below.