Welcome to UCL East! Whether you’re new to campus or returning for another year, we’ve got an exciting line-up of events, activities, and opportunities to help you settle in, make friends, and feel at home in East London.
We’ve planned a range of events designed to help you meet people, explore your new campus, and ease into uni life. Think: creative workshops, boat tours, games nights, socials, food, and more. All based right here at UCL East!
From finding your way around campus, to exploring Welcome Fair, there’s a lot to fit in.
That's why we've summarised the week and broken it down for you here.
We’re here to help you navigate your way through your first few weeks at UCL.
Here’s your line-up!
Monday 22 September
Kick off your Welcome Week at UCL East with a relaxed, social start to the term. From breakfast to boats, we’ve got a line-up that helps you meet new faces, explore your new campus, and soak in some riverside vibes.
Begin your day with our Welcome Breakfasts – running on the second floor balcony space in Marshgate. Pop by for sweet treats, hot drinks, and a warm hello from the SU team. We’ll be around to answer questions, chat about events, and help you settle in.
Spend your afternoon exploring the area with our UCL East Scavenger Hunt – a self-guided adventure around campus. You’ll discover hidden corners, meet other students, and maybe even win a prize.
In the evening, hop aboard our Historical Boat Tour & Pub Quiz. Cruise through the Olympic Park canals while hearing stories of East London’s past – then dock for a fun, relaxed pub quiz with your new peers.
Tuesday 23 September
Tuesday is all about exploring what UCL East has to offer – whether you’re into getting creative, getting active, or just getting to know the space around you.
Start the day with another round of Welcome Breakfasts at Marshgate – sweet treats, hot drinks, and friendly chats from the SU team.
Then, dive into a mix of taster sessions, talks, and tours. Fancy a hands-on activity? Join our Candle-Making Workshop and leave with something handmade. Feeling the rhythm? Salsa Society’s taster session brings energy and movement to your afternoon.
If you're looking for something grounding, take part in The Big Help Out: Planting at UCL East – help us green our campus and meet students who care about sustainability and the local environment.
Later in the day, join us for UCL East Welcome Talks – a chance to hear directly from students and staff about how to make the most of your time here.
You’ll also have the chance to step inside one of London’s most iconic venues with our London Stadium Tour – right on your doorstep in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Cap off the day with something big: UCL x UAL x Loughborough London Welcome Social – an epic night bringing together students from all three universities on the East Bank for activities, drinks, and good vibes.
Wednesday 24 September
Midweek at UCL East is all about creativity, calm, and making space to connect – with others and with yourself.
We're starting the day with our last Welcome Breakfasts for the week – pop by Marshgate for some tasty bites, a friendly face, and some midweek grounding.
Today’s all about hands-on moments. Get your hands messy at our Pottery Class – one of our most popular sessions. Whether you’re a total beginner or already have a handmade mug collection, it’s a lovely way to relax and try something new.
Then step into a space of stillness at our Ikebana Workshop – a traditional Japanese flower arranging session that focuses on mindfulness, form, and balance. It’s peaceful, thoughtful, and you’ll leave with your own arrangement to take home.
Still want to explore more of campus? The UCL East Scavenger Hunt is still running – take yourself on a walk through the spaces and hidden corners of your new uni home.
Thursday 25 September
Welcome Fair
This is a huge day for UCL East – for the first time ever, the UCL Welcome Fair is coming to our campus.
From morning ‘til evening, Marshgate will be buzzing with energy as the Welcome Fair 2025 takes over the building. Expect over 100 clubs and societies, giveaways, demos, performances, music, and more – all under one roof. Whether you want to join the Baking Society, try out for a sports club, meet people who share your identity, or just stock up on freebies, this is the place to be.
The fair has always been one of the biggest events of Welcome – and now you get to experience it without even leaving campus. Don’t miss the chance to connect with the wider UCL student community, discover something unexpected, and start shaping your student experience.
You’ll be able to book your free ticket from Monday 22 September. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to find out more about all our groups. Don’t worry about deciding which ones to join, though – you can do that online at any time you like. Welcome Fair is all about asking questions and getting a taste of what student-led groups do.
Before or after the Fair, you can also join one of our London Stadium Tours (we’ve got a morning and afternoon slot), or drop into our UCL East Welcome Talks for useful, honest advice about life at East from students and staff who’ve been through it.
Friday 26 September
After a buzzing week of socials, tours, and fairs, Friday brings a welcome shift in pace. It’s a day to breathe, check in with yourself, and connect with the support that’ll carry you through your time at UCL East.
Start your morning with Rooftop Yoga at Marshgate. This Project Active session is designed for all levels – whether you’re a seasoned yogi or total beginner. Enjoy the open air, gentle movement, and views over the Olympic Park as you reset after a big week.
From there, head down to the UCL East Support Services Fair – where you’ll meet the teams who are here to support you year-round. From mental health to money advice, careers to academic support, this is your chance to ask questions, gather resources, and put names to friendly faces.
If you haven’t done it yet, it’s also your last chance to complete the UCL East Scavenger Hunt – take a wander, meet new people, and get to know the spaces around you before term properly begins.
Sunday 28 September
Welcome Week isn’t over just yet – we’re ending the week on a high with a chilled social to keep the energy going.
Join us for Project Active Bowling – a relaxed Sunday trip to Stratford’s bowling lanes, just a short walk from campus. Whether you're ultra-competitive or just there for the snacks and vibes, it's a great way to meet new people and enjoy your weekend!