University College London - In Depth

Founded: 1826. Structural features: Founding college of London University. Absorbed a number of other London University institutions over the years (eg Institute of Archaeology, School of Slavonic & East European Studies).

Site: Heart of London University area in Bloomsbury.

How to get there: Train (Euston station); underground (Warren Street, Euston Square, Goodge Street); many bus routes.

Academic features: 3 or 4 year LLB course available. 4-year undergraduate Masters' programmes in many branches of engineering, mathematical and physical sciences. Many degrees include the option of studying abroad for a year.

Special features: School of medicine offers clinical studies to students who have completed pre-clinical studies at Oxbridge.

Awarding body: London University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA. BEng, BSc, BSc(Econ), LLB, MBBS, MEng, MSci.

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years eg undergraduate Masters', courses with year abroad.

Library & information services: 2 main libraries and 15 specialist libraries - 1.7 million volumes, 9000 periodicals, 2000 study places; special reference facilities for some course books; extensive specialist collections. Annual expenditure on information provision, £208 per (FTE) student. Library and IT services converged. 1300 workstations (ratio 1:13 students), all with internet access; access to library from networked machines and 65 dedicated library machines; wireless network being rolled out throughout college. IT facilities in residences generally open 24 hours/day, otherwise 9-12 hours. Central helpdesk 8 hours/weekdays for personal, telephone and email enquiries plus departmental support; library tours and 30-min IT induction for new students; courses in IT training and use of electronic resources available.

Study abroad: Formal exchange links with numerous European universities/ colleges.

Careers: Information, advice and placement service. Student advice & services: Doctor, dentist, psychiatrist, solicitor, student counselling service.

Amenities: Own theatre (Bloomsbury) and TV station.

Sporting facilities: Fitness centre; Somers Town sports centre; 90-acre athletic ground at Shenley.

Accommodation: All single first years housed who apply by deadline. 4000 places in UCL and London University managed residences. Halls £85-£114 per week; UCL self-catering houses £57-£154. Most students live out for part of their course; local rents approx £100-£110 pw for a room, £175 pw studio/flat, hotel £30 per night.

Living expenses budget: Minimum £175-£195 pw (excluding tuition fees) recommended by UCL.

Term time work: College allows term-time work for full-time students provided it does not have an adverse effect on academic work. Some work available on campus in library, SU, refectory. SU-run vacancy information service, WorkStation, for student jobs in college; careers service helps with holiday work.

Financial help: Government and other funds available. Scholarships for students prior to enrolling; various loans, bursaries, grants and scholarships for existing students. Apply for help to Entrance Scholarships Office (020 7679 2005 or see www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships).

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £10,120 pa (classroom), £13,160 (lab/studio), £19,870 (medical).