Student Daisy Lang reflects on her UCL journey. Daisy is a third year media student, graduating soon, who is passionate about creating engaging content - whether written, filmed or edited. She loves bringing ideas to life, and exploring how media can inspire and entertain.
Finding belonging with the Students' Union
Wow. Nearing the last few days of my final year, and with graduation approaching in September, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and bitter-sweetness as I sit down to write this.
When I started my first year as a media student, I had no idea how it would unfold. Like a lot of students, I was juggling lectures, deadlines, money, and an evergrowing to-do list. But somewhere in between all of that, I found something unexpected: a real sense of belonging.
A huge part of that came through my involvement with the Students Union. Through the infinite opportunities the Union provided over the years, I found myself part of communities that shaped my university experience in ways I could never have have imagined. From joining societies like the Writer’s Society, KPOP Society, and various sports clubs, where I met some of my closest friends, to attending events that made campus feel like home, the Students' Union was always at the heart of it all.
But somewhere in between all of that, I found something unexpected: a real sense of belonging.
One of the most fascinating parts of my journey was working as a content creator for the Union, including capturing student stories, incredible events, and helping spotlight the people and moments that make the Students' Union so special. It gave me the chance not just to observe, but to be part of the creativity and passion that runs through this university. Looking back, I realise how much those experiences helped me grow, both as a media student and as a person.
Gaining new skills
Studying media here has added another layer to everything I’ve been involved in. Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to create short films, design games, and contribute to numerous exhibitions (including one happening right now!), with each project pushing me to think more creatively and critically. One of the highlights was getting to apply those skills in the real world through work placements, including opportunities at Formula E and the Silverstone Festival, where I worked as a content creator and even got to go into the pit stops during races!
Being able to bring classroom knowledge into fast-paced, high-stakes environments like those made everything feel so surreal and incredibly exciting. It was in those moments that theory truly met practice. (Well, most of the time. Let’s not talk about all those all-nighters I pulled editing videos and writing essays back to back.)
The moments that mattered were outside of class
Outside of lectures and editing timelines, some of the moments that have stuck with me most are the quieter, everyday ones: sitting in the print room cafe between classes, grabbing drinks with friends at phineas or institute bar, or just sitting on the portico steps on a rare sunny evening. There were times I’d sit there, look around at the buzz of campus life, and feel this sudden, grounding realisation that this is my reality. Somehow, this once intimidating university had become my space, my routine, my home. And in those small moments, surrounded by people I’d grown with, it all started to feel so special and something I will reminisce on forever.
I won’t pretend it was all smooth sailing! There were moments I felt overwhelmed, unsure, or just plain exhausted. But there were also moments I felt genuinely proud of myself. Moments I’ll carry with me long after I’ve left UCL.
So, if you’re reading this as a fresher, or even as someone who feels a bit lost in the blur of deadlines and decisions, here’s what I’d say: get involved. Be curious. Say yes more often than you say no. Some of the best things that happened to me this year weren’t part of a plan. They came from taking a chance, even when I wasn’t sure I was exactly “ready.” I don’t know exactly what comes next, but I do know that this year gave me the courage to find out.
Thanks, UCL. It’s been real.