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Want to change the world? Full of the feels to do something about a cause important to you? You're in luck! No other UK Students' Union has a Student Social Impact team. In fact, we don't think any other university has such a team. What's social impact, we hear you cry! It's the effect of your actions on people and communities - especially when those actions help make the world fairer, kinder, or more sustainable.

What does this mean for you at UCL right now? It's about using your time at university to do things that matter in this way - whether it's through your studies, your passions, or the way you show up in the world. You're here to study right? Wrong! Well, kinda wrong. You are here to shape the world around you. Your degree is one thing but exploring your ideas, passions, and projects can add soo-o much colour and light to your degree. Indeed, it'll add value and quality to your student life.

How to take positive, intentional, and ethical action and change the world around us is 100% our team's passion - it's what gets us all out of bed each morning!

There's lots of ways to take a little - or a large - step into the world of socially impactful activities.

News

Celebrating Student Volunteering Week at Students' Union UCL
Student Volunteering Week, 10 - 16 February, is a national celebration where universities and schools across the country step up to organise opportunities and events to celebrate students who have volunteered as well as encourage more of their students to volunteer and help local communities.
Reflections on a Big Help Out
What's a Big Help Out?Our 'Big Help Outs' bring a group of students together for a day of giving back, meeting new friends, all while supporting local community organisations.
"... this partnership made me feel braver about taking on other projects"
Laura from Coin Street shares her experience working with Empovthise UCL, a student-led project that focuses on improving technological literacy and achieving digital equity.
Volunteering brings something really unique to my time here in London

Events

Jobs & Skills
Sustainable Housing Hackathon: Coding and Mapping with Homefolk
21/02/2026 | 10:00 - 18:00
Mapping for sustainable, affordable housing with HomefolkJoin homefolk CIC and Student Social Enterprise for 1 day hackathon focussed on coding and mapping land use for sustainable, affordable homes. This event brings together students with an interest in tech, urban planning, sustainability and social impact.
Jobs & Skills
Research Consultancy Training - Deep Dive 2026
23/02/2026 | 10:00 - 16:00
We invite PhD and MRes students to join us for an exclusive deep dive research consultancy training day as part of the UCL Community Research Initiative. This event is your gateway to deepening your consultancy skills while making a meaningful impact in the voluntary and community sector in London.This workshop is for PhD and doctoral students only. Spots for this workshop are limited so secure…
Volunteering
Social Enterprise Samosa-making!
24/02/2026 | 15:00 - 17:00
We're looking for three volunteers to support us prepare samosas for an upcoming event: The Namesake Film Screening and Curry Night.