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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

Give it a Go
Cook for Change: East London Cooking Classes with KERB+ Chefs
19/03/2026 | 14:00 - 16:30
Join us for a hands-on 2.5-hour cooking class that brings together food, skills, and social impact.📍 Location: Hackney School of Food, Oswald Street, Lower Clapton, London E5 0BT (12 mins by bike from UCL East) ⏰ Timings:  2.5 hours at 11am or 2pm on Thursday 19th March 
Give it a Go
Explore London’s Social Enterprise Scene: March Walking Tour
24/03/2026 | 15:00 - 17:30
🌍 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  + £10 voucher at Seven Dials Market
Volunteering
IOE Volunteering Pop-Up: Network with local charities
26/03/2026 | 11:30 - 14:30
Meet local Community Organisations as part of the IOE Careers Festival🌱 Discover how volunteering can help you build skills for careers in Youth, Society & EducationVolunteering is a powerful way to gain real‑world experience, grow your confidence, and connect with organisations that support young people and communities. Here are just a few of the ways it can strengthen your skills and open…