New Students' Guide Getting started on your UCL journey
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UCL STUDENT SUPPORT AND WELLBEING
New Students’
Guide
Getting started
on your UCL
journeyNew Students’ Guide 1
Welcome
Congratulations on joining us at UCL! This guide is aimed at any student SECTION 1 SECTION 4
You are joining a diverse and curious new to UCL, from first-year 03 ARRIVING AT UCL 27 SUPPORT SERVICES
student community where you will undergraduate freshers all the
04
have the freedom and courage to way to experienced researchers. How to find out more 28 Student Support and Wellbeing
challenge ideas, to think differently 05 Pre-enrolment and enrolment 29
and to take on some of the biggest You’ll see some sections aimed International Student Support
06 Settling in 30
issues of our time with the potential specifically at international students Faith support
to make real world impact. Welcome – read these for more info 30 Student Enquiries Centre
to your student community – we hope if you’re from outside the UK. 31
SECTION 2 askUCL
you are excited!
We hope you find this guide useful,
07 ESSENTIALS 31 Student Funding Adviser
32
Starting out at university can be a time and we look forward to meeting you! 08 Students’ Union Advice Service
Accommodation
of big change. Alongside the New 33 Student Mediator
10
Students website, the Countdown Fees, funding and finance
33
11 Report + Support
to UCL emails, the Welcome to UCL Follow UCL on social media Bank accounts
app and others, this guide is here to 12 Healthcare
help you figure out what you need to Instagram: www.instagram.com/ucl
15 Visas and immigration SECTION 5
do before and after you arrive. It will Facebook: www.facebook.com/uclofficial
also introduce you to some of the
17 Transport and travel 34 OPPORTUNITIES
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ucl
19
opportunities and activities on offer. ISD and IT on campus
#LoveUCL 35 Students’ Union UCL
20 Safety and security 36 UCL Careers
37 Alumni Online Community
Follow UCL Student Support
38
and Wellbeing on social media SECTION 3 UCL Innovation & Enterprise
38
21 ACADEMIC LIFE Go abroad
Instagram: www.instagram.com/uclcares 39 Learn a language
22
Facebook: www.facebook.com/uclcares Starting your programme 39 Sustainable UCL
23
Twitter: www.twitter.com/uclcares Academic support 40 You shape UCL
24
#UCLcares Library Services 40 Global Citizenship Programme
25 Exams and assessment
26 Finishing your programme
Download the Welcome to UCL app
– search ‘Welcome to UCL’ in the
App Store or Google Play
This guide is accurate at time of publishing
(August 2019), but please be aware that Visit the New Students website:
information is subject to change. www.ucl.ac.uk/students/new-students2 New Students’ Guide 3
SECTION 1
ARRIVING AT UCL
How to find out more
Pre-enrolment and enrolment
Settling in4 New Students’ Guide 5
How to find out more Pre-enrolment and enrolment
The two steps to becoming
an official UCL student.
New Students website The Countdown is arranged into 12 Pre-enrolment Enrolment
different themes, from ‘London life’
This guide is just the beginning! This is an online process in which you Once you’ve completed pre-enrolment,
to ‘Settling in’. If you’re starting in
Make sure to check out the ‘New accept the conditions of your offer, verify you’ll receive a confirmation email that
September, then you’ll receive an email
Students’ pages of our UCL Students the information we hold about you and contains details about your face-to-face
recap for each of these themes in the
website for lots more information on pay your fees. enrolment appointment. All new students
run-up to the beginning of term, but the
everything you need to do to prepare need to complete this when they arrive.
articles are available all year round. International students also have the
for your arrival and what to expect
opportunity to sign up to the International Please follow the instructions given and
when you get here. Countdown articles are mostly written
Student Orientation Programme during attend at the time and location you’ve
by students – undergraduates,
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/new- pre-enrolment (see page 29). been allocated.
postgraduates and researchers – so be
students
sure to read through them for a first-hand You’ll receive an email inviting you to You’ll need to bring acceptable ID with
account of life on campus. complete pre-enrolment usually a few you (usually your passport). If you’re an
Checklists weeks before the start date of your international student with a visa, you’ll
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/new-
programme. Please note you’ll only also need to bring confirmation of your
It can sometimes be tricky to stay on students/countdown-ucl receive this once you’ve accepted and right to study in the UK – this is usually
top of everything you need to do when met all the conditions of your offer. your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
you start at university. We’ve tried to See the New Students website for full
make things easier by putting together Welcome to UCL app You’ll firstly create a password for your
information on what to bring with you to
a number of checklists on our New To help you organise your first few UCL account. You’ll then be asked
your enrolment appointment.
Students site, so you can cross things weeks, which can be packed full with to log in to Portico (the UCL student
off as you go. induction events and social activities, information service) using that password At enrolment, we’ll check your ID,
we’ve created the Welcome to UCL app. and your UCL user ID. Both of these you’ll confirm you accept the terms
These are arranged into three different will stay with you throughout your time and conditions of study, you’ll have a
categories: before you arrive, your first This allows you to build your own at UCL. chance to pay your fees if you haven’t
few days, and your first few weeks. schedule of welcome events, set done so already, and finally you’ll receive
Each checklist is then broken down reminders, navigate your way around Once you’ve logged in, follow the
a Statement of Student Status (a letter
into essential activities, recommended campus, connect with others, find out on-screen instructions to complete
confirming you’re now a UCL student) as
activities, and some optional extras. more about services and opportunities, pre-enrolment. If you have any
well as your student ID card, which you’ll
There are even checklists for any and keep on top of everything going questions, contact details are provided
need to keep with you whenever you’re
students arriving late. on with notifications. on each page.
on campus.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/new- There are two separate guides within Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/new-
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/new-
students/checklists the app, for those starting in September students/pre-enrolment
students/enrolment-new-students
and those starting in January.
Available on iOS and Android – search
Countdown to UCL blog
‘Welcome to UCL’ on the App Store or
As well as the checklists, Google Play.
announcements and information on the
enrolment process, our ‘New Students’
website hosts the Countdown to UCL,
a comprehensive blog to help you get an
idea of what it’s like to be a UCL student.6 New Students’ Guide 7
Settling in
Starting out at university can be tough, whether
you’re brand new to studying or an experienced
student, but there’s lots of help available.
SECTION 2
Feeling homesick? International students
London is a large city and can sometimes
feel a bit chaotic, but remember that with
– Culture shock
If this is your first time living in the UK,
ESSENTIALS
a little time and effort you’re sure to feel you may find yourself experiencing
settled in and part of the capital’s vibrant culture shock. Adapting to a new Accommodation
and diverse community. environment can be a challenging
If you find yourself feeling homesick, try learning process. This is completely Fees, funding and finance
normal and can happen even if you’ve
your best to get involved. There are lots
of ways to do this, from joining a club or carried out extensive preparation before Bank accounts
your arrival or if you have travelled a lot
society in the Students’ Union to getting
previously. Healthcare
out and exploring your neighbourhood
with friends – UCL is surrounded Make sure you keep in touch with friends Visas and immigration
by green spaces that are perfect for and family back home, surround yourself
relaxing. with familiar objects and explore the Transport and travel
opportunities living in a new country
It’s important to speak to others about
offers you. The International Student ISD and IT on campus
your feelings – you’ll probably find that
lots of those around you are feeling the Support team in Student Support and
Wellbeing can help you acclimatise and
Safety and security
same way! It takes time to build up a
network of friends and colleagues, so settle in, so get in touch with them via
be patient and keep going! askUCL (see page 31) and they’ll do their
best to help.
If you find after a few weeks that the
feelings haven’t eased, come speak Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/
to a Student Support and Wellbeing international-students
Adviser (see page 28). They can help you
manage your feelings and find solutions.8 New Students’ Guide 9
Accommodation
One of the first things you’ll need to do as
a new student is secure accommodation.
UCL-managed and intercollegiate You can speak to your SRA about any Council tax
accommodation mental health or wellbeing concerns
Full-time students don’t have to pay
(for you or a fellow student), maintenance
There’s a variety of accommodation council tax (a tax that goes to your local
issues, or anything affecting your ability
available to UCL students, including council for services such as transport
to live and study peacefully in your hall.
halls of residence and student houses. and police) if they’re living in a property
Some is managed by UCL itself, some by Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/life/ only with other students. If you’re living
the University of London (of which UCL accommodation/wardens with non-students, you may be eligible
forms a part) or partner providers. for a discount.
UCL guarantees accommodation for Please note that council tax exemption
Help finding private runs from the start date to the end date
full-time, first-year undergraduate
students who are studying at UCL for
accommodation of your programme – you may still need
the first time, as well as international If you’re not able to get accommodation to pay council tax for any periods before
first-year postgraduates who are single in a hall of residence, don’t worry – or after this, for example if you arrive
and meet the eligibility criteria. there’s plenty of support available to early.
help you find somewhere suitable in the In most cases, you’ll need to apply for
The deadline for applying is in May for
private sector. an exemption online and will need to
undergraduate students and in June
for postgraduate students. University of London Housing Services provide evidence that you’re a student
offers a variety of services to help, from (the Statement of Student Status letter).
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/accommodation
housing databases to contract checking. If you’re living in a UCL hall of residence,
Be wary of housing scams – these aren’t you’re automatically exempt, so don’t
Wardens and Student common, but affect a few students each need to take any action.
Residence Advisers (SRAs) year. If something seems too good to be Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/life/
true, it usually is! Make sure never to pay accommodation/student-council-tax
Every UCL hall of residence has an any money for a property you haven’t yet
in-house team of Student Residence seen, and if in doubt contact the Housing
Advisers (SRAs), who are current Services team.
postgraduate students, supported by TV licensing
a Warden, who is a UCL staff member. Web: housing.london.ac.uk
It’s a legal requirement to have a valid
The team are there to help you get the TV licence if you watch or record TV
most out of life in halls and ensure your programmes live on TVs, computers,
safety. They’re available when your hall mobile phones or any other devices,
office is closed and can be contacted or if you watch shows on catch-up using
through the duty mobile number BBC iPlayer.
(see the website). Web: www.tvlicensing.co.uk10 New Students’ Guide 11
Fees, funding and finance Bank accounts
There are a variety of options to fund your studies and Whether you’re a home or international student, having a student
a range of support available if you find yourself struggling. bank account can help you manage your finances.
Funding Student discounts Features Digital banks can sometimes offer perks
unavailable through high street banks,
Many students with Home or EU status London can be an expensive city, Compared to standard current accounts,
such as locking and unlocking your card
are eligible for loans from Student but there are a number of ways to save. student bank accounts may offer
if you lose it, or free transactions abroad.
Finance to help them fund their studies. additional features such as interest-free
There are a wide range of student It can also sometimes be faster to open
More information about the funding overdrafts, cash incentives or freebies
discounts available, often by simply an account with a digital bank.
available from Student Finance can be like railcards.
showing your UCL student ID card at
found on the UK government website.
retailers, restaurants or elsewhere All accounts will give you a debit card as
Web: www.gov.uk/student-finance – it never hurts to ask if a discount standard and you’ll be able to manage Opening an account
is available! your money online, over the phone and
You’ll need to provide documentation
usually through an app.
Some students may want to purchase to confirm that you’re a student. It may
Funding for study should ideally be
a TOTUM card from the National Union be enough to provide your Statement
secured before your course starts.
of Students (NUS). This is available of Student Status (the letter from
For more information on how to fund Choosing a bank
for a small fee in 1-year, 2-year and enrolment) but you should check with the
your course and the financial support
3-year versions, and grants additional Many student bank accounts will seem bank to make sure – some banks need
available from UCL, visit the UCL
discounts. The card comes with a 1-year similar, but it pays to do a little research documents in a particular format.
website.
free ISIC (International Student Identity online to find the option best for you.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/fees-and- You’ll also need to provide ID, typically
Card) for further money off overseas.
funding In addition to the features mentioned your passport.
above, you might want to consider which
Depending on the bank you choose,
banks have branches near where you
it may take several weeks before your
live. Most major banks have branches
Paying fees as a self-funded account is open and you’re able to use
near the UCL campus, usually on
student Tottenham Court Road.
your card.
There are a number of ways to pay your
fees if you are self-funded. The easiest
option is to use the UCL online payment
International students
Digital banks
system, which requires your UCL student – Further things to consider
In recent years, more and more students
ID. You can alternatively pay by cheque It generally pays to open a UK account
have been moving to digital banks. These
or banker’s draft. if you’re an international student. If you
allow you to manage your money through
Note that there are deadlines for paying don’t, you’ll likely find you build up high
an app, online and over the phone,
your fees (in instalments) depending on charges in foreign transaction fees, and
but they’re digital only and don’t have
when you start your programme in the it may be more difficult to do things like
branches. They usually offer one type of
academic year. take out a phone contract or join a gym.
account for everyone, and won’t have a
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/fees/pay- ‘student-specific’ option. If you’re studying in the UK for less than
your-fees 6 months, you might not be able to open
an account with certain banks. Instead,
it may be easier to use a pre-paid cash
card throughout your time at UCL.12 New Students’ Guide 13
Healthcare
It’s vitally important to make
sure you can access healthcare
during your studies.
When opening an account, you’ll usually About the NHS Other GPs If you are studying in the UK for less than
need to show your visa (BRP card if you 6 months, you will not be able to register
Even if you’re from the UK, the NHS can If you live elsewhere in London or
have one) as well as your passport. with a doctor but will still be able to visit
sometimes be confusing! Our national outside the city and can’t register with
one as a temporary patient if required.
To avoid any delays, make sure your health service is free to use and receives Ridgmount Practice, you can find your
You may, however, need to pay for these
home address and your term-time (UK) funding from taxation, and most NHS closest GP surgery on the NHS website.
services. You are therefore encouraged
address are both up to date on Portico, services are free at the point of delivery. You should contact a practice close to
to have private medical insurance.
so that they appear correctly on your where you live to find out how to register
You should always go to your doctor –
Statement of Student Status and any there. Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/
your GP (General Practitioner) – first for
other letters. accessing-healthcare-uk
any physical or mental health concerns. All UK students from outside the greater
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/ They can refer you to specialist care London area are advised to register with
international-students/international- (usually in a hospital clinic) if needed. a GP in London, as this is where you’ll
support/money-and-finances One of the first things all new students be spending most of the year. If you go
should do is register with a local GP home during the holidays, you can still Vaccinations
surgery. be seen by your local GP as a temporary
Students are more at risk of certain
International students patient if needed.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/register- illnesses than the general population,
– Funding your arrival doctor Web: www.nhs.uk/service-search so it is important to have the appropriate
Because you may not have your card vaccinations and remain vigilant for
immediately, it’s important to bring symptoms.
sufficient funds to cover your first Ridgmount Practice International students All students under 25 should be
month in the UK. However, bringing – Eligibility
UCL’s partner GP surgery, Ridgmount immunised against meningitis (the ACWY
this as cash is risky – choose other
Practice is located just a few streets from Eligibility to access healthcare and vaccination). It is advisable to get the
options such as pre-paid cash cards
our main campus. Many students living register with a GP will depend on a vaccination several weeks before arriving
or traveller’s cheques.
in north and central London will fall within number of factors, such as the length at UCL.
You may also want to explore some its catchment area and will be able to of your programme of study and whether The MMR vaccination protects against
of the digital banking options, which register. or not you are studying on a visa. measles, mumps and rubella. There
sometimes allow you to open your
Registration involves a simple online form If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the have been more cases of these diseases
account prior to your arrival in the
followed by an in-person appointment at UK, you will have paid the Immigration in recent years, so new students are
UK (see page 11).
the surgery. If you’re eligible to register, Health Surcharge (IHS), allowing you to strongly advised to make sure they’ve
Remember that you can pay your we strongly recommend that you do so use NHS services in full. had this vaccination.
UCL fees online, so you shouldn’t as soon as possible after your arrival on
Whilst the UK remains part of the EU, If for any reason you’re unable to have
need to bring this amount with you. campus.
the European Health Insurance Card these vaccinations before arriving at
In addition to GPs, Ridgmount has a (EHIC) allows EU students to access UCL, you should be able to get them at
team of nurses on site, who can provide healthcare for free. However, EU students your GP surgery. Please do this as soon
services like travel vaccinations. are encouraged to apply for pre-settled as possible after registering.
You can make an appointment to see a status once they start at UCL, as this
doctor or nurse easily over the phone or will protect this right once the UK
online. has left the EU.
Web: www.ridgmountpractice.nhs.uk14 New Students’ Guide 15
International students
- Visas and immigration
UCL is home to a diverse community of students,
many of whom are from overseas and studying on a visa.
Dental care Sexual health care Support and advice Full guidance is available on the UCL
website, and the Student Immigration
There are two types of dental care in There are numerous sexual health Applying for a visa (typically a Tier 4
Compliance team are able to answer
the UK – NHS and private. Many dental centres in London, including the student visa or a Short-term study visa)
any queries if you’re ever in doubt.
surgeries will offer both, but you may find Mortimer Market Centre close to can be complicated. Full guidance
there is a long waiting list to register as UCL’s campus. Call to make an can be found on the UK government’s Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/
an NHS patient. appointment – some clinics will also website and we also provide guidance on immigration-and-visas/tier-4-visas/tier-
offer walk-in services. the UCL website. 4-responsibilities
You’ll almost always have to pay for both
types, but private dental treatment can Sexual health services are free, including If you have questions about applying
be significantly more expensive. Certain any testing, treatment, medication and all for a visa, you can get help for the
groups, such as those under 19 and contraception (you can also usually get Student Immigration Advice team
Police registration
pregnant women, can get free dental free contraception from your GP). through the website below. Some students studying on a visa will
treatment. need to register with the police when
For those students already living in the
they arrive in the UK. This requirement
Charges for dental treatment can be UK who want to extend their visa to
complicated, so always ask how much Pharmacies study at UCL, the Student Immigration
is typically shown on your entry
clearance sticker in your passport or on
you’ll need to pay. Pharmacists are experts in medicine and Advice team run a Tier 4 student visa
correspondence from the Home Office.
can often help with minor concerns such document checking service to help
Check the information on the website
as coughs, colds and sore throats. facilitate this process.
below carefully, as not all students on
Eye care If you think something might not be Web: www.gov.uk/visas-immigration a visa will need to register.
Most people will need to pay for eye serious enough for a GP appointment, Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/ Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/police-
tests and any contact lenses or glasses. visit a pharmacist for advice on self-care. immigration-and-visas registration
Again, there are some exemptions, such
as those diagnosed with diabetes or
glaucoma. Contact the NHS Tier 4 student visa responsibilities
Opticians will sometimes offer vouchers Calling 111 (the NHS non-emergency
Those studying in the UK on a visa
for discounted or even free eye tests, number) can help you if you have a
need to ensure they adhere to the
so always shop around. medical problem and need advice on
responsibilities specified by the Home
what to do. You’ll speak with a highly
Office. This can include things like not
trained adviser about your symptoms
working in excess of a certain number
Prescriptions and they’ll provide medical advice and
of hours per week and ensuring regular
direct you to the most appropriate care.
The NHS charges for prescriptions – the attendance at lectures and seminars.
amount increases every so often, but In a medical emergency, you should call
is currently around £9. Again, there are 999 and provide the operator with details
some exceptions, including those with of your situation.
certain long-term medical conditions, but
in most cases students will need to pay.16 New Students’ Guide 17
Transport and travel
London is a large city but is very well connected
and has many different transport options.
Biometric Residence Permits EU/EEA/Swiss students Transport for London (TfL) There are different fares for many
(BRPs) and Brexit services depending on the time of day,
TfL manages much of London’s
with ‘off-peak’ and ‘peak’ pricing
In most cases, when your Tier 4 student We are aware that there is a lot of transport infrastructure, including the
– the peak times are Monday to Friday
visa application is approved overseas, uncertainty around Brexit for all students Underground (also known as the Tube),
(not public holidays), 6.30am to 9.30am
you’ll receive a 30-day travel visa sticker but in particular students from the EU, the Overground, our bus network, trams
and 4pm to 7pm.
in your passport to allow you entry into EEA and Switzerland. In order to ensure and river boats. For pricing, TfL divides
the UK. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll need that your immigration status and access London into zones, from zone 1 in the Buses are charged at a fixed rate of
to collect your Biometric Residence to healthcare are protected when the centre out to zone 9. £1.50 for any journey. The ‘Hopper fare’
Permit (BRP) card, which is your full visa. UK leaves the EU, you’re strongly allows you to transfer to other buses an
Web: tfl.gov.uk
encouraged to apply for pre-settled or unlimited number of times within one
Many students collect their BRP from hour without being charged more.
settled status through the EU Settlement
UCL after selecting this option in their
Scheme as soon as possible.
application. If you’ve chosen to do this, Paying for transport
you’ll be contacted by the Student The Student Immigration Advice
Many people pay for transport using the Cycling
Immigration Compliance team with team has a lot of information about
Oyster card, which can be topped up
full instructions once we’ve received the application process, answers to London has a network of hire bikes
with credit for pay-as-you-go journeys
the card. frequently asked questions and links (Santander Cycles) as well as new app-
or loaded with a Travelcard, which gives
to other resources on their pages. based hire bike services, which can be a
Unless there are exceptional you an unlimited number of journeys
handy way to get around. UCL also has
circumstances, you’ll need to collect Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/ within particular zones for a particular
free bike maintenance and bike sales
your BRP before you can enrol. immigration-and-visas/eu-settlement- time period, e.g. one week, one month.
throughout the year and Camden Council
scheme You can top up your Oyster credit or buy
Take care not to lose your BRP, offers free cycle safety training.
a Travelcard in stations and online.
especially if you’re travelling, as this can
If you plan to cycle, there are a network
make it more difficult to re-enter the UK. It pays to do some research into different
of designated cycle routes across the
If your BRP is lost or stolen, follow the fare options and think about how much
city, but take extra care and ensure you
instructions on the website below. you are likely to use public transport. For
are cycling safely – be sure to always
example, if you live close to campus and
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/ wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing.
will mostly walk, it probably won’t make
immigration-and-visas/tier-4-visas/
financial sense to buy a Travelcard. Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/greenucl/what-we-
biometric-residence-permit/biometric-
do/travel
residence-permits You can use a Contactless debit or
credit card in exactly the same way as
Oyster pay-as-you-go, for exactly the
same price.
If you’re using pay-as-you-go on Oyster
or Contactless, there is a daily and a
weekly cap, meaning you won’t pay more
than a certain amount per day or per
week, no matter how much you travel.18 New Students’ Guide 19
ISD and IT on campus
UCL’s Information Services Division (ISD) provides a
wide array of IT services for students.
Taxis and minicabs International students MyAccount Digital learning
You’ll see London’s famous black – Schengen visas Many systems at UCL require your ISD provides support for a number of
cabs throughout the city, which can If you’re not from the EU, the EEA or password, and you’ll need to update learning tools and services including
be convenient but often costly – you Switzerland and would like to travel in this periodically. With MyAccount, this Moodle, UCL’s online learning space.
just need to hail the cab on the street. Europe, you may need to apply for a is made easy – just register your phone Find out more about the digital skills
You can also book a taxi (a minicab) in Schengen visa. You’ll need to collect a number and you’ll be able to reset you might need and the tools and
advance by calling one of London’s letter from the Student Enquiries Centre your password anywhere, anytime. services you might encounter by
many services – never get into an for your application. You’ll need to do this as part of exploring our short course on Moodle,
unlicensed taxi. pre-enrolment (see page 5). ‘Digital Learning at UCL’.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/
London also has a number of app-based immigration-and-visas/other-visas/ Web: myaccount.ucl.ac.uk There are also many digital skills courses
ridesharing services, which can be a schengen-visa on offer, teaching you how to use a wide
cheaper alternative to get around town. range of software.
Wi-Fi on campus Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/isd/training
All students can access a Wi-Fi network
Travelling around the UK at UCL: eduroam. This is also available
It’s easy to go between London and in halls of residence and buildings at UCL Go! app
other towns and cities in the UK numerous other universities. To connect,
Get useful information on the move.
by train and coach. you’ll need to enter your UCL user ID
View campus maps and your timetable,
(@ucl.ac.uk) and password.
If you’re likely to take trains on a regular or find available study places or free
basis, the 16-25 Railcard and the 26-30 PCs in one of the computer workrooms.
Railcard can be a good investment – for Download via your app store.
a small one-off payment, these can give Printing
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/isd/ucl-go
you 1/3 off rail fares. You can even link There are printers located in all library
these cards to your Oyster for extra sites and elsewhere at UCL, most of
discounts on pay-as-you-go fares which will also allow you to copy and
on the Underground or Docklands Light
IT support
scan. You can access the printers using
Railway (DLR). your student ID card. Once you’ve used Support is available at IT Service Desks
up your free credit allowance, you can located in the Main Library, Science
easily top up your credit online. Library, Institute of Education Libraries
Travelling in Europe and the Student Centre. You can see
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/isd/services/print-
them for any issues with Wi-Fi, email,
London is one of the best connected copy-scan-services
printing, software and UCL’s IT systems.
cities in the world, and it’s easy and often
Support is also available online, by email
cheap to travel to Europe by plane, train
and over the phone.
(Eurostar) or ferry from nearby ports.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/isd/help20 New Students’ Guide 21
Safety and security
London is a safe city, but there are a few easy things we
can all do to help reduce our chances of becoming a
victim of crime.
SECTION 3
ID cards
All students should carry their ID cards
with them at all times. You’ll need this to
• Register your belongings on
Immobilise (www.immobilise.com)
ACADEMIC LIFE
enter most buildings and to use lots of – if police retrieve lost or stolen items,
UCL services. they can then be returned to you.
• Beware online scams and never
Starting your programme
If you lose your ID card, visit the Security
Systems team in the Andrew Huxley
give out your bank details or send Academic support
someone money if you’re unsure.
Building on campus for a replacement.
If something seems too good to be Library Services
true, it probably is.
Exams and assessment
Lost property
All lost property found on campus Contacting the Security team
Finishing your programme
(except in the Cruciform Building or the
UCL has 24/7 security cover. If you see
Bloomsbury Theatre and Fitness Centre)
anything that causes you concern, speak
is taken to the Security office in Foster
to any member of Security staff.
Court. Email the team to report an item
as lost. The Crime Prevention and Personal
Safety Officer is a member of the
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/estates/our-
Security team focussed on helping
services/security-ucl/lost-property
students avoid crime and supporting
any students affected by it. Call the
non-emergency number below to
Safety tips arrange an informal meeting.
• Take care of your belongings,
• Emergencies on campus
especially in study spaces
(from a UCL phone): 222
– do not leave valuables like
laptops unattended. • Emergencies on campus
(from a mobile phone):
• Beware of tailgating (people following
+44 (0)20 7679 2222
directly behind you to gain access
to buildings), especially in halls of • UCL Security non-emergency
residence. number: +44 (0)20 7679 2108
• Be vigilant when using your phone
in public spaces – phones are among
the most commonly stolen items.
• Do not travel at night in empty
carriages on the London Underground
or trains. If you’re on a night out,
always try to plan how you’re going
to get home.22 New Students’ Guide 23
Starting your programme Academic support
Starting out on your academic journey at UCL Whatever your programme, there’s a wide array of
needn’t be complicated. support available.
Portico In some cases, students will need to Personal Tutors Academic writing support
select particular modules to satisfy the
UCL’s online student information system, All taught students, both undergraduate Depending on your department, you
requirements of their programme – there
Portico allows you to see your student and postgraduate, will be assigned a may have access to additional academic
may be other things to consider too, like
record and is used for a number of Personal Tutor. This is a member of writing support through either the Writing
credit value and any pre-requisites.
administrative tasks. academic staff from your department, Lab or the Academic Writing Centre in
There will be a deadline for module who should be your first port of call the Institute of Education (IOE).
You should try to update your details
selection and it’s really important that for any academic issues affecting
on Portico on a regular basis, especially Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/writing-lab
you choose your modules on time – this your studies.
contact information for both yourself and Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/departments-
is essential to ensure you’re entered for
your next of kin. Personal Tutors can support you and-centres/centres/academic-writing-
the right exams.
with things like module selection, centre
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/portico
If you’re unsure about any of this, or work-life balance, academic progression,
would like to discuss the best modules professional development and even
for you, speak to staff in your department pastoral or wellbeing issues. International students
Academic Manual and handbooks such as your Personal Tutor.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/ – English language support
All study, teaching and research at UCL Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/student- academic-support/personal-tutors If English isn’t your first language,
is governed by a variety of regulations, status/module-registration
policies and procedures, which are there are a lot of resources and support
covered in the Academic Manual. services at UCL to help you improve
Supervisors your written and spoken English.
It’s certainly not expected that you Transition Mentors
If you’re a research student, your Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/
read this in any detail, as it’s a very Every first-year is given a Transition supervisory team will fulfil much the international-students/international-
long document, but you may find it a Mentor, an older student from your same function as Personal Tutors support/academic-life-uk
helpful reference if you have a query or degree programme. They can advise on – they should be the first people you
complaint about your programme. academic topics, support services and speak to for any issues, academic
Many departments provide their students administrative questions; and help you or otherwise, affecting your ability to
with a handbook, which summarises socialise in your department. complete your work.
important information about your It’s really important that you attend the
programme and life in your department. ‘Meet your mentor’ session in your first
Unlike the Academic Manual, students week. You’ll also receive an enrolment Doctoral School
are encouraged to read any handbooks email for the Transition Moodle course
in full. Research students have access to a
for your department: here you can find range of additional support (from skills
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/academic-manual/ the mentoring groups, message your development to funding guidance and
mentors and access first year resources. the Research Student Log) through our
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/ Doctoral School.
Module selection academic-support/transition-mentors Web: www.grad.ucl.ac.uk
Students on many (but not all) taught Email: transition@ucl.ac.uk
programmes will be able to choose from
a number of different optional modules –
this is done through Portico.24 New Students’ Guide 25
Library Services Exams and assessment
UCL has 18 libraries and learning spaces There’s a variety of different assessment methods
across London, all fully equipped to support at UCL, so make sure you understand what’s expected
your studies. of you on each module.
Using libraries Library help First-Class Upper Second-Class Lower Second-Class Third-Class
All students can access all of our libraries Staff are available to assist throughout Honours Honours Honours Honours
and learning spaces – you simply need our library sites – there are dedicated
70% and above 60% - 69% 50% - 59% 40% - 49%
your student ID card to enter. The largest Reference Desks in the Main Library and
are the Main Library, the Science Library Science Library. Support is also available
and the Student Centre. over the phone or through email.
Grading Try to prepare as far in advance as
You can view real-time study space Library skills training and guidance is possible, and remember there’s a wide
availability on the Library Services available through LibrarySkills@UCL. The UK degree grading system
array of support available (see section 4).
website, as well as the UCL Go! app. is quite different from that in many
A team of specialist librarians are able to other countries.
Many libraries also have group study
provide guidance for in-depth research
rooms, which you can also book online. Your overall degree classification is the Examinations
help for their particular subject area..
Some also have spaces reserved for average of your grades for assignments
postgraduate students. Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/library/libraryskills- The main exam period takes place in
and exams, although these may be
ucl May and June.
Library opening times vary from site to weighted differently.
Email: library@ucl.ac.uk Most students will sit their exams at
site, but the largest are typically open 24
Phone: +44 (0)20 7679 7792 (x37792) ExCeL London by Custom House, which
hours a day on weekdays.
Assignments is easily accessed on public transport.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/library Any students with exam adjustments
Many programmes include written
like extra time or the use of specialist
assignments – these are usually
equipment will have their exams on the
submitted through Moodle.
Accessing materials main Bloomsbury campus.
Your department will give you full
Students can find books, journals, and instructions on assignment submission. Your personal exam timetable for the
much more using Explore, the library main exam period will be published
UCL uses automatic plagiarism
catalogue, as well as links to hundreds of several weeks in advance. Make sure
detection software on assignments
thousands of online resources. You can you check this when it’s released and get
to promote academic integrity.
borrow items using your student ID card in touch with the Examinations team as
Students may sometimes find that
and can renew items online. In many soon as possible if there are any errors.
they have plagiarised work
cases, materials on your reading lists To make sure you’re entered for the
unintentionally, usually when they have
will also be available in a digital format correct exams, it’s very important that
not fully understood citation procedures
online. you register for any elective modules on
or have over-relied on the original
Past exam papers are also available time.
source material.
online through the Library Services UCL has a secondary exam period,
If you’re not sure how to correctly
website. Late Summer Assessments, which
cite sources, make sure you speak
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/library/explore occurs at the end of August.
to teaching staff or your Personal Tutor
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/library/teaching- early on for guidance. Results are typically released
learning-services-tls/readinglistsucl through Portico several weeks after
You might find that the third term is
exams take place.
especially busy – you may be expected
to submit assignments and deliver Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/exams-
presentations on top of your exams. and-assessments/exams26 New Students’ Guide 27
Finishing your programme
It may seem like a long way off, but with some students on
programmes lasting just a year, the end of your studies will come
around sooner than you think!
SECTION 4
Thesis submission What next?
Research students submitting a thesis
will need to do so in the Student
Even after graduation you’ll have access
to lots of support from UCL to help you
SUPPORT SERVICES
Enquiries Centre (on Floor 1 of the in your next steps. In particular, you’ll
Student Centre). Theses must be continue to be able to use any services
submitted in a particular format, so
make sure you understand the
from UCL Careers to support you as you
enter or go back into the world of work
Student Support and Wellbeing
guidance before submitting. (see page 36). International Student Support
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/
exams-and-assessments/research-
Don’t forget that UCL has a worldwide
network of alumni, which you’ll
Faith support
assessments automatically become a part of, offering
a wide range of benefits.
Student Enquiries Centre
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/alumni askUCL
Transcripts and certificates
Once your results from any final-year
Student Funding Adviser
exams or assessments and your final
award (1st, 2:1, 2:2 or 3rd) have been
Students’ Union Advice Service
conferred by UCL, you will automatically Student Mediator
be sent 5 copies of your transcript, which
lists your results. You will also be sent Report + Support
your final degree certificate.
These documents are posted to your
home address, as it appears on Portico,
so it’s important to make sure this is kept
up to date.
Graduation
Your graduation ceremony is a
recognition of your achievement and
a chance for you to celebrate with family
and friends. You’ll receive an invitation
to your graduation ceremony towards the
end of your programme, and you’ll need
to register to attend.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/graduation28 New Students’ Guide 29
Student Support and Wellbeing International students
Here at UCL’s diverse Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) - International Student Support
department, we’re on hand to support you throughout your
time at UCL and help you get the most out of your studies. Part of UCL Student Support and Wellbeing, the International Student
Support (ISS) team can help students adjust to life in the UK.
Disability, Mental Health Evening and weekend support Support around arrival Other helpful resources for international
and Wellbeing Support students include UKCISA (the UK
Even when UCL is closed, students can In order to settle in and make the most
Council for International Student Affairs)
All students can easily access support access free therapeutic support from of their time in the UK, international
and the British Council.
for any issues related to disability, mental accredited counsellors online through students need to complete additional
health or wellbeing that may affect their real-time messaging and over the phone. tasks when they first arrive, such as Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/
ability to study. We offer pre-booked opening a bank account or registering international
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-
appointments and a drop-in service for healthcare. Contact: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/ask
and-wellbeing/evening-and-weekend-
every day that UCL is open, no support To help with this, the ISS team run
appointment needed. the International Student Orientation
Programme (ISOP) the week before
Support for affiliate students
Appointments and drop-ins take place
on Floor 1 of the Student Centre, Find out more the start of the academic year. Although some affiliate students are
and allow you to speak confidentially Registration for ISOP takes place at UCL for a short period of time, we
Much more information about the various
and without judgement to one of our as part of pre-enrolment. encourage you to take advantage of the
services offered by Student Support
Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing many opportunities available to you to
and Wellbeing (and other teams at UCL ISOP includes a comprehensive set of
Advisers. Together, we’ll help you find make the most of your time with us.
and in the local area) can be found on welcome talks to help you figure out all
solutions, and we can refer you to other the essential steps in your transition to ‘Meet your department’ sessions take
our website and in the ‘Here to Support
services as appropriate, whether those a new country. It’s also an opportunity place during ISOP for affiliate students
You’ guide to UCL Student Support and
are in UCL or external. to ask questions to our Global to meet your dedicated Affiliate Tutor,
Wellbeing services.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/ssw- Ambassadors. There will be a range who will be able to help you with all
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/ssw
drop-ins of social events and activities academic enquiries. These sessions
Contact: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/ask
organised by Students’ Union UCL are also an opportunity to get to know
and other departments to help you other affiliate students, learn more about
Student Psychological and settle in and meet others. your department and get your Learning
Counselling Services (SPCS) Agreement forms signed if needed.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/
Our on-site therapeutic support team, international-students/isop Students who have an arrival form or
SPCS is made up of qualified Erasmus placement form that needs
counsellors and psychiatrists with signing can do so in the Student
a range of specialisms. Ongoing support Enquiries Centre once they have
completed enrolment (see page 30).
Students need to register online and Beyond your arrival, the ISS team
will then have an initial consultation. can provide guidance on any issues
Following this and based on your needs, around acclimatising to life in the UK.
you’ll typically have access to 6 free They’re a great first port of call if you’re
therapy sessions, or we can refer you unsure, and can refer you to other
to other local services as needed. teams as needed.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-
and-wellbeing/student-psychological-
and-counselling-services30 New Students’ Guide 31
Faith support Student Enquiries Centre askUCL Student Funding Adviser
Part of UCL Student Support and Part of UCL Student Support and Wellbeing, Our student enquiry management system, For any students facing financial
Wellbeing, our Chaplain and Interfaith the Student Enquiries Centre (SEC) team askUCL, streamlines the way we handle difficulties, UCL offers support and advice.
Adviser provides support to students exists to support students with enquiries your enquiries.
of all faiths, and none. and UCL processes.
Pastoral support How they can help FAQs How they can help
UCL’s Chaplain and Interfaith Adviser can Staff in the Student Enquiries Centre can If you can’t find the answer you’re The Student Funding Adviser can help
provide pastoral support and guidance assist with the following topics and more: looking for elsewhere on the UCL you find solutions and figure out ways
to any student at UCL who is facing website, askUCL’s helpful knowledge to manage your money more effectively.
• Confirmation of student status
issues around faith. You can speak to the bank (FAQs) allows you to quickly search Alongside expertise in budgeting, they
Interfaith Adviser no matter which faith • Schengen visa letters based on categories and key words. To can help with complex questions about
group you’re from, or even if you identify • Updating student details access the FAQs or submit an enquiry, Student Finance funding as well as
with no faith at all. • Changes to your studies you simply need your UCL login details. interruption of studies, withdrawing or
repeating due to funding issues.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support- • Confirmation of award
and-wellbeing/specialist-information- • Fees and funding enquiries
and-support/religion-and-faith Enquiries
• International student support Emergency funding
It’s easy to submit an enquiry online
• Third-party verification of studies through askUCL – this will be sent In an emergency, limited cash loans of up
Faith societies and qualifications directly to the correct team. to £250 are available if you experience a
delay in your normal funding being paid.
All major faiths are represented by a You’ll then be able to track your enquiry
Students’ Union UCL society. You can Visiting the Student Enquiries with the unique enquiry number, allowing The UCL Financial Assistance Fund is
find out more about these and join by you to see which team is currently an additional source of support that
Centre
attending the Welcome Fair (for new dealing with your issue and what action you may have access to if you’re in
students starting in September) or by Located on Floor 1 of the Student has been taken. Each time your enquiry financial difficulties. Particular groups
contacting them directly at any point. Centre, the Student Enquiries Centre is is updated, you’ll receive a notification of students who may be in greater need
a face-to-face service where students and when your enquiry is resolved you’ll are prioritised, including students with
Web: studentsunionucl.org/clubs-
can ask questions about a wide variety get an email showing the resolution. children, those with disabilities or those
societies/directory
of topics. Their extended opening hours who are care-experienced.
If you feel your issue hasn’t been fully
allow students with other commitments
resolved or if the situation changes, you For research students who for
to visit at a time suitable for them.
Finding a place to pray or worship can re-open your enquiry and update it. unforeseen circumstances find that
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/life-ucl/ their funding has been interrupted or
For any students looking for a place to Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/askucl
student-enquiries-centre completely withdrawn, UCL offers a
pray or worship on campus, there is a Contact: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/ask Doctoral School Fellowship. This is
Prayer Room and a Meditation Room
awarded on the basis of financial need.
available on Floor B2 of the Student
Centre, along with additional prayer Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/students/funding/
rooms in buildings across campus. financial-support
The Interfaith Adviser can support any
students looking for a place to pray or
worship off campus.32 New Students’ Guide 33
Students’ Union Student Mediator Report + Support
Advice Service A dedicated member of staff to advise All students affected by bullying,
students on making complaints and harassment or sexual misconduct can
An independent and impartial advice support students with the resolution of report it and access appropriate support.
service for all UCL students. informal complaints.
Contacting the Student How they can help How they can help Full Stop
Funding Adviser The Advice Service is a great place The Student Mediator can help UCL is saying Full Stop to bullying,
If you find yourself struggling to manage to go for any issues related to investigate and resolve informal harassment and sexual misconduct.
money or experiencing any complicated academic matters or disputes, housing, complaints and disputes you may have It has no place in our community.
funding issues, speak to the Student employment and any other legal or involving UCL staff members, students
The Full Stop campaign focuses on
Funding Adviser. university matters. It’s fully independent or services. They can also advise and
preventing unacceptable behaviour
from UCL, so you can be assured that provide support to students who are
The Student Funding Adviser is within the UCL community. We all have
your interests will always come first. considering a complaint concerning
available through email or in a a role to play in making the UCL campus
cases of bullying and harassment.
confidential face-to-face or telephone a safe and respectful environment.
appointment (arranged by email). This is an impartial service – the Student A variety of guidance materials, key
Visiting the Advice Service Mediator will not direct decision-making, messages and information on how to be
Email: studentfundingadvice@ucl.ac.uk
Located on the first floor of 25 Gordon but will enable both parties to express an active bystander can be found on the
Street, the Advice Service has regular their views and facilitate a mutually Report + Support website.
weekday opening hours, including drop- agreed solution.
in times. Please be aware that mediation is
The Advice Service is open to all UCL not possible in all circumstances, for Reporting bullying, harassment and
students, including offer-holders, recent example compromises cannot be made sexual misconduct
graduates and those on interruption of in complaints concerning the award If you’ve been the target of unacceptable
studies. of marks or other academic issues. behaviour, there are two ways to report:
Nevertheless, the Student Mediator may
Web: studentsunionucl.org/help-and- 1 – Anonymously, enabling us to build
be able to investigate such complaints
advice/advice-service a picture of issues where people do not
and will be able to give advice on the
Email: su.advice@ucl.ac.uk formal complaint procedure. feel able to reveal personal information
but would like UCL to be aware, helping
us monitor trends and inform our
proactive and preventative work.
Contacting the Student Mediator
2 – Contacting an adviser, in which case
Student mediation always starts with a
you’ll be put in contact with an adviser to
one-to-one appointment, in which you’ll
discuss your concerns and receive initial
jointly decide the best course of action
support. For students affected by sexual
together with the Student Mediator.
misconduct or violence, UCL works with
If you’re involved in a complaint or Rape Crisis and SurvivorsUK to provide
dispute and would like to make an independent support on campus.
appointment, please first read the FAQs
We strongly encourage all students
online before emailing the Student
affected by bullying, harassment or
Mediator with a brief overview of the
sexual misconduct to report in one
issue and your availability.
of the two ways above.
Web: www.ucl.ac.uk/student-mediator
Web: report-support.ucl.ac.uk/
Email: studentmediator@ucl.ac.ukYou can also read
