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!

Jump to section

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!

Give it a Go
Social Enterprise Pop Up: Meet the team & discuss the future of business
14/10/2026 | 11:00 - 14:00
What does the future of sustainable business look like? 📍 Location: Marshgate building Level 2 (just outside the Refectory) 🕓 Timings: Drop in anytime 11am-2pm Drop by for a conversation about business, sustainability and social impact, and discover how you can get involved at UCL.
Volunteering
Crafternoon: Create Cultural Bookmarks for Young People
14/10/2026 | 14:00 - 16:00
Join us to make bookmarks for young peopleOur very popular crafternoon event returns! Last year, we created cultural bookmarks for a children's reading charity called Doorstep Library and we asked UCL students to create a bookmark based on their culture. We want to celebrate the diversity in UCL as well as providing value for children.
Give it a Go
How can I make a difference with my research?: Skills for Community Engaged Research Taster
14/10/2026 | 17:00 - 19:00
Ever wondered how to make a genuine impact with your research? Come along to this free skills  workshop where you’ll learn what it means to research with and for communities.“It has brought a really interesting group together and made me feel part of the UCL research community.” - A student who joined one of our events for the first time last year!