ExtendED Conference 2026

Term 3 is an opportunity. 

It’s a chance to step outside your course, meet new people, and build skills you don’t always get time for during term. Come along to just try out things at your own pace - without needing to be perfect and without needing to have everything figured out. 

Get the conference experience while working on yourself.

Whether you’re just starting out as an undergraduate, thinking ahead to graduation or are curious about your options and developing skills - the ExtendED Conference is for you.

Across two days, you’ll take part in keynote talks, interactive workshops and hands-on sessions.

Led by speakers from across UCL and beyond, sessions will introduce you to and develop your transferable skills. Find out more about:

• How do you bolster your story with the help of digital skills, data and AI?
• How do you communicate across sectors?
• How do you network in a way that is genuine and doesn't feel awkward?

Expect practical activities, discussion, and plenty of chances to reflect on how these skills apply in different careers and real-world contexts.

Get ready to conference and book your sessions below!

After booking your ExtendED Conference sessions, remember to register yourself at the myUCLCareers page here! You'll only get access to your wristband and vouchers on the day if you've registered for the conference via the myUCLCareers page.

Top tips for booking

- All sessions are free and open to all taught students.
- Typically, sessions are 45 minutes long allowing 15 minutes of movement and social time between sessions. If a session runs over two session 'slots' there will be a break in the middle.
- We've allowed for a lunch break from 1-2pm.
- Some sessions overlap - the above schedule ensures you don't double book yourself
- There is no pressure to attend a session during every slot - if you need a breather, that's totally fine! We have a quiet space and games room available for this purpose, and of course you've got a whole campus and the Olympic park to explore!

Take a break from the main programme and step into our open, drop-in creative sessions running across both days of the conference.

On Tuesday the 19th, explore your personal story through a reflective, tree-inspired exercise that helps map your roots, strengths, and aspirations at the Culture Lab with JJ Khun.

On Wednesday the 20th, contribute to a giant chalk‑grid drawing inspired by UCL’s 200th anniversary theatre backdrops and become a part of the UCL200 Artist in Residence project with Lauren Godfrey.

On Wednesday 20th, we will also have some UCL alumni joining us ready to chat with current students across the day and share tips and tricks for how to make the most of your university experience, and how to navigate life afterwards. More details TBC.

Whether you stay for ten minutes or longer, these sessions offer a flexible way to pause, reflect, and engage with others while building skills in self-awareness, creativity, and collaboration - no need to register!

Part of the ExtendED Learning Programme

The ExtendED Learning Programme is a collaboration between UCL and Students’ Union UCL with a focus on ensuring you leave university confident and empowered in your abilities. Packed with hands-on opportunities in Term 3, all designed to help you explore new interests without the pressure of grades or deadlines, the programme focuses on transferable skills that will support you in whatever your next steps might be. Explore new interests without the pressure of grades or deadlines in Term 3. Now is the time to invest in your future at your own pace, by curating your own learning experience, and having fun while making friends at the same time. 

👉 Find out more about the ExtendED Learning Programme

Who is the Conference for?

Anyone interested in building skills for the future, and getting to know different people (and themselves)!

Do I need to attend both days?

No, you do not need attend both days but you're encouraged to. You can pick and choose from all the sessions we offer.

I’m in my first year - is this relevant for me?

Yes. The conference is designed to be useful at any stage, whether you’re just starting to think about your future or preparing for what comes next.

I’m close to graduating - is it too late for me?

Not at all. Many of the sessions focus on building confidence, recognising your strengths, and applying your skills in real-world contexts, all highly relevant as you prepare for your next steps.

Do I need any prior experience?

No experience is needed. You don’t need a clear career plan or specific skills to take part.

What if I don’t know what I want to do yet?

That’s completely fine — and very common. The conference is designed to help you explore your options and build clarity in a supportive environment.

How do I get to Marshgate?

UCL East (Marshgate), 7 Sidings Street, Stratford, London E20 2AE Marshgate on Google Maps

TUBE STRIKES

Strikes are planned by some Tube drivers on Tuesday May 19 and Wednesday May 20.

All strikes run from 12:00 midday to 12:00 midday the following day, but disruption will continue into the afternoons and evenings of strike days.

Buses, the Elizabeth Line, Overground services, and the DLR will be operating normally and all have services to Stratford and/or Stratford International. However, we do anticipate these will be busier than normal.

We recommend to plan ahead, check before you travel and use alternative routes where possible.

By Train

The closest train stations are:

Stratford 10-min walk (Underground Central and Jubilee Lines, Elizabeth Line, Overground, DLR, Rail) 
Stratford International 11-min walk (DLR, Highspeed Rail)
Pudding Mill Lane 12-min walk (DLR)
Hackney Wick 19-min walk (Overground)

By Bus

The closest bus stop is London Aquatics Centre.

From Bloomsbury

Approximate travel times using the Underground or train from our UCL Bloomsbury campus in central London to our UCL East campus in Stratford in east London, including walking to and from stations:

37 minutes via the South Eastern Javelin service from St Pancras to Stratford International.
38 minutes via Warren Street (Northern Line) to Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth Line) to Stratford
39 minutes via Euston Square (Circle or Hammersmith & City or Metropolitan Line) to Liverpool Street (Central Line) to Stratford.
39 minutes via Euston Square (Circle or Hammersmith & City or Metropolotan Line) to Liverpool Street (Elizabeth Line) to Stratford.
40 minute (approx.) cycle ride.
42 minutes via Warren Street (Victoria Line), changing at Highbury and Islington onto the Overground to Stratford.

These are typical times as calculated using the Citymapper travel app. 

UCL East Shuttlebus

The UCL East shuttle bus runs from One Pool Street to Stratford Station, providing you with easy access to campus.

The shuttle bus will pickup/drop-off right next to the Gibbins Road exit of Stratford Station. We have to park a few metres down the road for the shuttle bus to stop safely. We recommend allowing a little extra time and checking the nearby bays when you arrive as the area can get busy.

You can find the Shuttle bus schedule and service information here.

Accessible parking and cycle racks

Our UCL East campus is predominantly car-free. However, there is a drop-off point and there are a number of disabled parking bays nearby. Accessible parking spaces can be reserved on site. There is secure cycle storage for students and staff as well as bicycle racks for the public to use.