Whether you’ve just arrived in the UK or have been here for a while, there’s no better way to explore the rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes of the UK than with the Discover the UK programme. Launched in 2024, the programme has been designed to provide you with easy and low-cost opportunities to explore the UK. Our ambition is to enable you to see the best of British heritage and culture, whilst providing you with the opportunity to make new friends, helping you to create lasting memories during your time at UCL.
We plan the trips, you just show up, relax, and enjoy the ride!
Immerse yourself in British culture and history
A Discover the UK trip doesn't just show you the sights, you also get to experience them. Think:
- Walking tours led by local guides
- Cultural activities and museum visits
- Time to explore independently or in small groups
It’s all part of helping you build real cultural connections while having a good time.
Make friends along the way
Moving to a new city or a new country can feel overwhelming, especially when it's a big city like London. That’s why our trips are designed to bring people together in a relaxed, friendly environment. Whether you come alone or with friends, you’ll quickly find yourself chatting, laughing, and sharing memories with fellow UCL students from around the world.
“I was alone on this trip but everyone made me feel welcome and I had a great time!” - student on our Bath trip in December 2024
"I made 5 new friends today and we shared our academic experiences, our life in London and our future goals" - student on our Cambridge trip in June 2025
"I'm an introvert so talking to a couple other people was a big deal for me." - student on our Oxford trip in August 2025
Get inspired by our past trips
Past Discover the UK trips include trips to Bath, Cambridge, and Oxford. In December 2024, 30 students explored the city of Bath and its Georgian architecture and Roman baths, as well as the Christmas market.
In June 2025, 44 students spent the day in the historic city of Cambridge, where they enjoyed a guided punting tour along the River Cam, visited the Fitzwilliam Museum, and had free time to explore the city’s picturesque streets, shops, and cafés.
"It was an amazing trip. I really liked the atmosphere" - student on the Cambridge trip in June 2025
In August 2025, around 40 students went to Oxford, where they enjoyed a guided tour led by Uncomfortable Oxford, and plenty of free time to explore the university colleges and the Ashmolean Museum.
Need help covering the cost?
We want everyone to be able to take part in Discover the UK, and we know that sometimes money can be tight. That’s why you can apply to the Student Participation Fund, which helps support UCL students financially who need it. The application is quick and confidential. If you're eligible, the cost of your ticket will be covered so you can join the trip without worrying about the price.