UCL Outreach

Upon arrival at UCL your department will assign you to a personal tutor. Their main role is to advise you on academic matters but you can also discuss non academic matters with them in confidence.

Normally, you will meet with your personal tutor once a term but you can also see them on an appointment basis.

In addition to your personal tutor, the Dean of Students (Welfare), Dr Ruth Siddall is also able to offer support to those who experience academic or personal difficulties. Dr Siddall oversees the provision of student support services at UCL, and you can see her for an individual appointment to discuss any difficulties you are having and where appropriate she will put you in direct contact with the relevant support service at UCL.

Dr Siddall’s contact details are:

4 Tavition Street
T: 020 7679 4545
E: r.siddall@ucl.ac.uk.

UCL’s Transition Programme supports all new UCL students in adapting to university life, assisting new students in dealing with the social, academic and personal issues that are specific to UCL and departments run mentoring schemes with experienced students in the same teaching area as well as workshops on academic skills. The programme also promotes events and discussion about all the issues that affect students, ranging from accommodation and finance to jobs and socialising.

Other sources of information that you may find helpful are the UCL Student Support pages. This website outlines the types of student support available and access to an online support group (anonymously) and further information on the Student Psychological Services.

Care leavers are entitled to the same support as other students, such as student loans for fees and living costs. 

Care leavers are classified as independent by Student Finance England (as long as you don’t return to your parent(s).  This means that when you’re assessed for student financial support your parent(s’) household income will not be taken into account.  As a single, independent student with no household income you will be entitled to the full Maintenance Grant (do not pay back); for 2012/13 entrants this will be £3,250 per year. 

Additionally, you would be eligible for the full amount of the UCL Bursary. Bursaries, like grants, do not have to be paid back.  As a first year student, starting in September 2012 and living in UCL Student Residences* you could receive a £2,000 accommodation bursary and £1,500 cash bursary.

If you don’t live in UCL Student Residences you could receive a £3,500 cash bursary.

If your circumstances don’t change, from your second year of study onwards you would receive a cash bursary of £3,500, payable in three termly instalments.

Special priority is also given to care leavers when applying to the Access to Learning Fund (ALF). You would be eligible to receive a one off award of up to £1000 on receipt of a completed application accompanied by proof that you grew up in care. You may also be entitled to additional support from your Local Education Authority; they can help with costs such as travel, books, etc.

Most universities will offer scholarships.  Scholarships are additional funding students can receive to help them with their studies.  Scholarships will have eligibility requirements (ie academic excellence) and any funding you receive from a scholarship is not paid back.  

Please go to our Scholarships and Funding website to find out more about thebursaries/scholarships that are on offer for UCL undergraduate students.

Footnote

*UCL Student Residences – for bursary eligibility these are defined as either a UCL Halls of Residence or a UCL Student House and do not include Intercollegiate Halls or private providers. If you believe you are eligible for a UCL Accommodation Bursary, please ensure you apply for a place in either a UCL Hall of Residence or a UCL Student House. 

UCL guarantees accommodation no matter where you live as long as you:

• are a single, first-year undergraduate;
• have chosen UCL as your firm choice through UCAS;
• submit your housing application online by the deadline (currently 31 May of the year of entry);
• have not studied at a university in London (inside the M25 motorway) before.

In addition, UCL will provide 365 day accommodation for care leavers in their first-year and if needed. 365 day accommodation also will be provided for UCL undergraduate students who are from care in their subsequent years of study if needed.

Contact

If you need 365 day accommodation and/or accommodation beyond your first year at UCL please contact:

Dr Ruth Siddall, Dean of Students Welfare
T: 020 7679 4545
E: dean.of.students@ucl.ac.uk

• The Current Students website has further details on student funding, welfare and support at UCL.
• Directgov website provides information about student financial support and how to apply.
• The Who Cares Trust is a charitable organisation who provides support for young people in care and care leavers.
• Buttle UK is a charitable organisation providing grant aid to vulnerable young people to provide the best possible opportunity in meeting their educational needs. Buttle UK also oversees the UK Quality Mark for Care Leavers.