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Let's do this together
Low-key or lively. Quirky or quiet. There's an event for you.
You belong here
You've just joined one of the largest and most diverse student communities in the world.
And our job is to help you find your people, pick up a new obsession, learn new things, and make some noise. Whatever you’re into, there’s space for you here.
We do this because we're a student-led organisation, on your side every step of the way.
But where to start? Here's some ideas
We'll add another dimension to your education
Adaptability, leadership, teamwork, communication, and networking. These are the kind of things learned through experiences outside the classroom.
We'll help you expand your world beyond your academic field, pick up new skills, find different ways of seeing things, and make connections with people you may never have met.
We'll help you find your people
Nobody arrives at university with their closest friends already sorted, whatever it looks like from the outside.
The good news is you don't have to build that circle from scratch. We have ready-made communities waiting to welcome you - full of people who share something with you, whether that's a hobby, a culture, a faith, or just a very specific sense of humour.
We're here with a helping hand
Starting university is exciting, but it can also come with challenges you didn't expect. Whether you're dealing with housing worries, financial pressures or academic difficulties, your Students' Union is on your side.
From expert advice through the Advice Service to a network of elected reps who champion student voices, there's always someone in your corner when you need support.
There's lots more we can help you do here, but there's no rush, we've got plenty of time together.
Have an amazing week, and welcome to UCL.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Students’ Union UCL?
UCL is a huge community, and at the heart of that community is the Students’ Union.
We’re here to help you make the most of your time at UCL, we’re the place where more happens. Your route to 400+ Clubs and Societies, countless volunteering opportunities, events and opportunities to socialise, great places to eat, drink and chill in, an Advice Service when you need it, and if you want to make lasting change at UCL, we can help you do that too.
We’re led by students, democratically. Students decide what we do and how we do it and 1,000’s of students are elected each year to do just that. Six students even take a year out of their studies each year and get paid to make decisions, influence UCL, and represent you. They’re called Sabbatical Officers.
We’re separate from UCL, which means, whatever happens, we’ve got your back. We’re only ever working for you.- How can I make friends?
Come along to our events, join our clubs and societies, chat to people on your course, strike up a conversation in one of our cafes, join a pub quiz or bingo team at our bars, attend a Project Active class... the list is endless. Here's a few ways UCL students met their friends.- Where can I hang out on campus?
Our bars, cafes, shops and gym will be open and ready to welcome. Lunch at George Farha cafe, pints in the Huntley, panini's in Gordon’s Cafe, or pull-ups in Bloomsbury Fitness – we’re here for it all, including things that don’t start with ‘p’.
Our bars, cafes, shops and gym work a little differently to the kind you might be used to. We live by four promises; we put every penny of profit back into your community, we’re always better value than the high-street, we’ll choose planet over profit every time, and we’ll be at the centre of your campus community from start to finish.- How do you join clubs and societies?
Our groups are run by students, supported by us. They’re groups of students connected by a shared interest or passion - like K-Pop, or football. There’s a lot of groups so we’re sure you’ll find the one for you.
You can join online through our website - browse our directory and see what floats your boat. Come along to our Welcome Fair and meet clubs and society committees and ask them about what they do.- Where can I get more info about UCL?
UCL is regularly updating its FAQ pages for new students, follow the links below for the latest information:
Your journey joining UCL
Accommodation FAQs