Generation UCL: 200 years of student life in London
To mark the countdown to UCL's bicentenary in 2026, the ‘Generation UCL’ project will explore two centuries of student life in London. From its foundation in 1826, UCL has embraced a progressive and pioneering spirit; the first university in England to admit students regardless of religion, UCL's opening made higher education affordable and accessible to a broad section of society. The project places students and alumni at the heart of UCL's story. Read more about the project.
This is the first time UCL has undertaken a major oral history project with alumni, and we are in the process of creating a unique and significant record of student life in London. Generation UCL is directed by Professor Georgina Brewis (Professor of Social History at IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society) and John Dubber (Students’ Union UCL). Our Research Fellow, Dr Sam Blaxland, is leading on the oral history element. The research will contribute to an open-access book with UCL Press, an Octagon exhibition and a programme of impact and engagement activities to involve the whole UCL community.
Eligibility
We are currently in the process of interviewing alumni around the world, from a range of ages, backgrounds and levels of study, to gather your memories of your time at UCL and to better understand its impact on your later life. We are interested in hearing from anyone who studied here. Interviews can be conducted in person, where possible, or via a platform like Zoom instead (especially if you are not living in the UK). We are also interested in finding out if you have objects or items from your student days you might like to donate to the archive.
Express your interest
To express interest in taking part in an oral history interview, please enter your details via the form below. Whilst we cannot interview everyone who expresses an interest in the project, we will try and get back to you with more information as soon as possible.