Whatever issue matters to you, we'll help you find ways to take action, build experience and create positive change. Your purpose-led life at UCL starts here!

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What difference could you make in the world?

It is surprisingly easy to make a difference in the world around us.

But when we think about challenges like climate change, loneliness or homelessness, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Where would you even start?

But meaningful change rarely comes from one person solving a huge problem on their own. It comes from thousands of people taking small steps, trying new ideas, supporting their communities, and working together.

At UCL, students are already doing just that.

They've taught children how to read, increased the biodiversity of London, saved bees, written business plans, entertained children in hospitals, built playgrounds, kept waterways cleared, improved young people's mental health, removed plastic from the ocean, conserved ancient and historic buildings, created safe spaces for trans people ... the list goes on. We don't care to talk in numbers. We talk in terms of what difference was made.

No single project changed the world overnight. But every one of them made a difference.


We believe people grow through meaningful experiences. Whether you're tackling a challenge, meeting new people, developing skills, or bringing an idea to life, there are so many ways to make a difference at UCL


Not sure where to start?

There's so much going on, it's hardly surprising!

Maybe like with a huge festival like Edinburgh Fringe, Glastonbury, or Coachella, do you wanna see everything first before deciding what you to do?

We've got your back! You can browse everything here before deciding what's for you!

About Social Impact @ your SU

Social Impact is the home of opportunities, communities, and programmes that help students create positive change in the world around them. Whether you're volunteering, researching with communities, exploring social enterprise or developing your own idea, the Social Impact team can help you get started.

Are you a community organisation?

Want to know how the incredible students at UCL could make a difference to your organisation or directly to your beneficiaries?

Get involved right away!

Volunteering
Big Help Out: Clear out a local Community Garden!
24/09/2026 | 13:00 - 16:00
Join us to give a well-used outdoor space in Newham a much-needed makeover for the local community!The Dockland Settlements is a London-based charity that supports disadvantaged communities in Newham, Southwark and Tower Hamlets by providing affordable childcare, sports, education, social activities, and community programmes.
Give it a Go
Explore London’s Social Enterprise Scene: Welcome Week Walking Tour
29/09/2026 | 11:00 - 13:30
Explore London’s Social Enterprise Scene: Walking Tour with Unseen Tours🕓 Duration: 2.5 hours📍 Start: Gordon Square (what3words = ///moth.relate.jazzy ) 📍 End: Seven Dials Market🪙 Ticket Price:  £5, including a free hot drink at Redemption Roasters  + £5 voucher at Seven Dials Market
Sport
Project Active X Big Help Out: Litterpicking
29/09/2026 | 14:00 - 15:00
🌿 Join Us for Litter Picking in BloomsburyCelebrate the spirit of giving back with one of our Big Help Out events this Welcome.