University College London - Student View

The original University of London, in a gorgeous listed building in Bloomsbury, very central and a short walk from the West End. The Union is the heart of student life, providing many social and developmental opportunities. Its pioneering clubs and societies centre is well-equipped and the base for some 150 groups (Afro-Caribbean to war games and role playing, and even building a human powered flight machine) and a variety of training workshops.

UCL also owns the Bloomsbury Theatre, a successful fringe venue, which hosts many student productions including UCLU Opera, and drama, dance and film societies; students also have use of the Garage Workshop Theatre.

Union runs an extensive sports ground at Shenley (94 acres); a sports centre in south Camden and the Bloomsbury Fitness Gym (value-for-money) both close by. Many ents held in the 2 Union club venues, Easy J's and Windeyer: cocktails on Thursdays, 99p bar promos on Mondays, as well as sports night, Wednesday comedy, and 3 fast-selling blacktie events each year.

Within the 4 Union sites there are 10 bars, 15 food outlets, 2 shops, a hairdressers and a print shop. Union also runs a fully staffed rights and advice centre for all problems from drugs to debt (in addition to the college's counselling service).

Union runs WorkStation, which helps students find part-time jobs, either in college, the Union or local community. Voluntary services unit links students to voluntary work in the local community.

There are numerous halls of residence, for most first and many final year students. Large proportion of students are from London and the home counties but college is proud of the number of its international students; a third of students are postgraduate or part-time.

UCL is a traditional college, consistently ranked in the top 5 nationally. But whilst work is demanding, many students find time to play hard too! With excellent prospects for graduates, it is a great university in 'the most exciting city in the world' - with the excitement right on the doorstep.