The start of the year is the perfect time to make change happen. As we head into 2026, there are a whole host of opportunities to get involved, meet like-minded people and try something new.
Build connections and join a group
You've found your feet, and now it's time to find your people. With more than 400 student groups, clubs, and societies on offer and endless ways to get involved, this is your moment to make campus feel like home. Our January taster sessions will make it easy to try new activities and discover what you enjoy (look out for these next term) - your community is waiting, and there are so many student groups looking to welcome you.
In term one, our clubs and societies were at the heart of so many moments that brought students together on campus. From directing and performing in our artsUCL season, to giving up their time to volunteer with charities around London, and all the moments inbetween - we couldn't be prouder of everything our student community has achieved. Be a part of the next chapter next term!
Kickstart your fitness goals at TeamUCL Gym
After being fully refurbished last January, the TeamUCL Gym is open with two dedicated studio spaces, top-of-the-line equipment, and personal training available, the new space is the perfect place to get a bit more active in the new year. We'll be launching a special winter membership deal in January, so keep your eyes peeled!
No pressure, just progress
If you're looking for something low cost, beginner-friendly, and welcoming, Project Active is back with a varied timetable of Weekly Classes, Give it a Go Sessions, and Learn to workshops. You don't need any prior experience...just turn up and enjoy the benefits!
This Girl Can Week is running from Monday 26 January to Sunday 1 February with the aim of celebrating women in sport, and inspiring all students to try something new. The theme is 'We Like the Way You Move' - rewriting the narrative of what women getting active looks like and championing women from underrepresented groups. Look out for a range of activities to get involved with this term.
Express your interest in becoming a student leader
Each year, thousands of students put themselves forward in the Leadership Race - an opportunity to be part of the leadership team for our incredible clubs, societies and networks.
All areas of student life, from clubs, societies and networks to the whole of the Students' Union, are led by an incredible group of student leaders, and you can be a student leader too.
Express your interest today to know more about the nomination process. Nominations open 26 Jan 2026.
Have your say on how things are ran at UCL
Throughout term two, you'll also have a chance to make an impact by putting your ideas forward for change. Discuss them at our Zone meetings, encompassing an Activities Zone, an Education Zone, and a Welfare and Communities Zone. Got an idea on how UCL can change for the better? Submit it for discussion at one of our upcoming meetings.
Give back to your community
The Social Impact team at Students’ Union UCL works directly with hundreds of UK-based charities and non-profit organisations, with a constant stream of exciting opportunities for students to get involved with as we head into the new year. From one-off volunteering opportunities to community research initiatives, there are a whole host of ways in which you can get involved.
Get behind Mathura as she runs the London Marathon
On 26 April, over 55,000 people will take part in the London Marathon 2026. One of them will be the first ever student to run the marathon on behalf of a students' union - meet Mathura.
She's a fifth year medical student taking on the challenge of running the TCS London Marathon 2026 to raise money for the Student Participation Fund - helping students facing financial barriers get involved in extra curricular activity, all of which makes life here at UCL unforgettable. There'll be plenty of opportunities to get involved with her fundraising campaign and support her journey - watch this space!
Get curious about cultural identity
As London's Global University, International Festival is an incredibly important celebration in our calendar. Every year, we host a week-long programme of activities and events in which we showcase and celebrate the diversity of our UCL community. This year, International Festival will take place from 23 - 26 February.
Celebrate with our networks
February is the annual month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history. It is a dedicated time to acknowledge, celebrate and share the impact of LGBTQ+ culture. Our LGBTQ+ network leads activity across campus to mark the month, and we can't wait to share plans to celebrate soon....
March is Women's History Month, with International Women's Day falling on March 8. Our Women's Network have hosted everything from karaoke nights to board game sessions in the past to celebrate, so stay tuned to see what they've got in store.
Amaze at the artistic talent of the artsUCL community
Season one of artsUCL at Bloomsbury Theatre and beyond saw an incredible run of shows, and we can't wait to see what season two has in store. Look out for Rhapsody (Live Music Society), Takhta: MNight (UCL Malaysian Society), Monty Python's SPAMALOT (UCL Musical Theatre Society), and plenty more.
Support TeamUCL at Varsity
In March, TeamUCL will go head to head with Kings for a week, competing in a number of different sports. After our incredible varsity win last year, the stakes are higher than ever as we aim to defend the trophy and hold onto our title as winners. This is a series you won't want to miss! Come along to a game and cheer our teams on.
UCL200 Summer Festival
We're planning a year-long, student-led celebration that puts our community front and centre of UCL200 - showcasing the impactful work happening here right now, while looking forward to the future.
To celebrate UCL's 200th anniversary we're planning a HUGE Summer Festival in June 2026. Campus will be transformed into a festival site for the biggest and most exciting events in Students' Union history. Forget Glastonbury, think live music, guest speakers and brand new events right here on the Main Quad. Trust us, you'll want to be there!
That’s not all. We’re also planning:
- artsUCL Fringe Festival – two weeks of experimental student-led comedy, drama, music, and dance across campus.
- A milestone Varsity – a bigger and better celebration of the historic friendly sporting rivalry between UCL and King’s.
- UCL: The Musical – yes, you read that right. A brand-new show written, produced, and performed by UCL students and alumni at the Bloomsbury Theatre.
Take part in the UCL Campus Run
The UCL Campus Run will offer all UCL students, staff and alumni the opportunity to take part in either the 5km or 10km route on the inspiring Olympic Park at UCL East. The event is open to all levels of ability and experience; last year, more than 300 UCL students and staff came together at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to be part of the vibrant celebration of community, wellness and sunshine!
Wondering how you can be a part of the activity?
With so much going on, it can feel difficult to feel like you're in the loop. Our weekly Events Newsletters and 'What's On' stories on our instagram highlight all of the upcoming opportunities on campus, and our 'What's On' Calendar outlines everything you can get involved with.