University can feel like a big place when you're new. But one of the easiest ways to make UCL feel friendlier and more familiar is through the spaces you'll use every day.

Your Students' Union UCL venues sit at the heart of campus life. They're student-focused spaces where you can connect with others and make the most of your time at university. From your regular coffee stops to the iconic Bloomsbury Theatre, these spaces are run by your Students' Union, staffed by students, and shaped by values that prioritise community, sustainability and creating a welcoming environment for everyone to belong.

A place for every part of student life

University life isn't just about lectures and deadlines. It's about finding your people, discovering new interests, and having spaces where you can feel at home. That's why Students' Union UCL runs a range of cafés, bars, social spaces, fitness facilities and hangout spots across campus, all designed with you in mind. We're a not-for-profit organisation, so every pound spent in our students' union venues are reinvested into your student experience meaning more services, activities and opportunities for you to get involved in.

The heart of Students' Union UCL. 25 Gordon Street is a hub of activity and within this building we've backed in a lot. It's where your Sabbatical Officers are based and our Union staff offices as well as:

  • The Advice Service, Level 1. If you ever need support, our Advice Service offers free, confidential and independent guidance on a range of issues throughout your time here.
  • The Social Impact Team, Level 2. Looking to make a difference while you're at UCL? The Social Impact Team can help you discover volunteering opportunities that match your interests, build your skills and connect you with the local community.
  • Gordon’s Café, Ground Floor. Your go-to spot for a coffee between lectures! Whether your grabbing a pastry before class or a hot/cold lunch between lectures, at Gordon's you'll find low prices and friendly faces, ready to help.
Interior of Gordon's cafe showing servery and grab n go items
With delicious curries Gordon's Café is a popular lunch stop
Two students standing at Phineas bar talking with non-alcoholic drinks in their hands
Phineas bar is open Monday - Saturday, from midday - late.
  • The Hanger, Ground Floor. Our flagship merch store located on the ground floor. Why not add a little UCL pride to your wardrobe, desk or kitchen with official merchandise from The Hanger including exclusive in-store only items.
  • Phineas Bar, Level 3. Recently refurbed with cosy booths and extra TV screens, our largest bar on campus is a great place to socialise with live sports on Monday-Saturday day and night throughout term. Alongside screenings Phineas is also home to legendary Sport Night on Wednesday, plus an ever-changing evening event line-up including Sports Quizzes, live music, and much more. Drinks deals every day make it a no-brainer!

The Bloomsbury Theatre Building is a hub for student life beyond the classroom. It's home to our Student Activities Reception and the Clubs and Societies Common Room, where you can take a break between lectures and meet fellow students. In this building, you'll find:

  • Bloomsbury Café, Upper ground Floor. Fancy a quick coffee, or even a spot of lunch between lectures? Head to the Bloomsbury Café for budget-friendly options, we've got you covered!
  • Student Activities, Level 1. The home of clubs and societies at UCL, where our team supports students to get involved, start something new and make the most of university life. Find the team on the 2nd Floor.
TeamUCL Gym
Bloomsbury Theatre
  • TeamUCL Gym, Level 3. Recently refurbished with top of the line equipment, your student gym and home of TeamUCL is also located here offering great facilities, full class timetable, affordable membership prices and a convenient campus location.
  • Film studio. A specially equipped studio for members of our Film and TV Society.
  • Bloomsbury Theatre, Upper Ground Floor. In case you hadn't guessed this building also contains a fantastic theatre. As well as showcasing student productions and showcases with lots of opportunities to get involved the theatre also receives more than its fair share of touring shows especially comedy if you're looking for a fun night.

Looking for somewhere to spend time between lectures? The Lewis Building is one of the Union's key community spaces, bringing together cafés, social venues, rehearsal rooms and society spaces under one roof.

  • George Farha Café. One of our favourite lunch spots with it's delicious curries (we recommend the Katsu) George Farha Café makes a great lunch spot. Attached to the café is our Grab & Go counter where you can find a variety of hot and cold snack or lunch items perfect to take away when you're in a rush. If you're looking for a treat we recommend pairing the bubble tea with a curry.
The Huntley
Karaoke at Mully's
  • The Huntley. If cosy corners and good conversation are more your thing, The Huntley offers a relaxed alternative to the traditional student bar. It's upstairs is also a great space to hold society events in with no hire charge.
  • Mully’s Basement Bar. There's something happening every night in Mully's and student talent is always on show at our venue for clubs and society performances.  It's also home to our famous Monday Pub Quiz and Karaoke nights every Friday during term-time.
  • The dance studio. Mirrored walling and a sprung floor for clubs or societies who want to perfect their pirouette.
  • Music practice and soundproof rooms. If you’re a musician, you’re highly likely to find yourself spending a lot of time in our dedicated music rooms.

Every time you choose a Students' Union UCL café, bar or shop, you're doing more than grabbing a coffee or picking up lunch. As a not-for-profit organisation, any profit we make we reinvest right back into the student experience, helping to fund opportunities, activities, support services and spaces for UCL students. So whether you're meeting friends, finding a quiet corner to study or stocking up on essentials, your spending in these spaces helps support the community around you. Why not check out:

Institute of Education

Join the PG Quiz in Institute every Wednesday
Institute bar's cocktails are always popular
  • The Institute Bar. Open all day and loved for its chilled atmosphere, large outside terrace and cocktails. With live jazz sessions, DJ nights, pub quizzes and great drink deals every week this is a favourite spot with postgrads. 

South Quad

Print Room Café is one of our favourite spots on campus.
Student picking up crisps with sandwich in hand
Bloomsbury Shop has all the essentials you need on campus
  • The Print Room Café. With its cosy, newly refurbished setting and relaxed feel, the Print Room Café is perfect for everything from solo study breaks to catching up with friends over lunch.
  • Bloomsbury Shop. Located right next to Print Room Cafe, this is our main campus shop with all your essentials in. Grab some stuff for your dinner after a late night library session, or a meal deal to enjoy on the Portico steps!

Wherever you're studying, your Students' Union is there too. Alongside our central Bloomsbury locations, we have spaces and services across both UCL East and the School of Management - these spaces are part of our commitment to creating welcoming, student-focused environments wherever you're base. No matter which campus you call home, your Students' Union is never far away! Check out:

  • At UCL East, there's always something happening. From regular social events and community activities to iconic moments like the annual Campus Run each April, the Students' Union helps bring students together, while the UCL East Officer ensures your interests and experiences are represented throughout the year.
  • Student Common Room at UCL East. Need a change of scenery between classes? Located on Level 6 of Marshgate, the Student Common Room is a dedicated space for students to relax, eat lunch, socialise and take a break from the busier parts of campus. Think of it as your living room away from home.
Marshgate Building, UCL East
UCL East Gym interior showing weights, running machine, exercise bikes and central space for slasses
TeamUCL Gym East
  • TeamUCL Gym East makes it easy to fit exercise into your day - and it's more than just a place to work out. Whether you're an experienced gym-goer or trying fitness for the first time, you'll find a supportive environment and affordable student-focused pricing right on your doorstep.
  • The School of Management is united by a strong student community - through Students' Union activities, events and opportunities, you'll find plenty of ways to connect with soursemates and make the space your own.

Your home from home

By students, for students

Starting at UCL means joining one of the most diverse student communities in the world, but finding where you belong can still feel daunting. That's why everything we do, from our cafés and bars to our events, societies and support services, is designed to bring students together and help you find your community.

Planet over profit

We believe students deserve spaces that put people and planet first. As a not-for-profit organisation, we reinvest in the things that matter most: creating welcoming spaces, supporting student communities and helping you find your people.

One of our ambitions is to become the most sustainable students' union in the UK. We're working towards this by embedding sustainability into everything we do, from the way we run our venues to the events and activities we offer. By putting planet before profit, we're focused on reducing our environmental impact while creating welcoming spaces where students can belong and thrive.

Here to help

Across our venues, you'll find Students' Union staff on hand to help answer questions and point you in the right direction. We're here to support you throughout your university experience. For dedicated help, our Advice Service is on hand.