Looking Back on My Three Undergraduate Years at UCL

Time has flown by, and my three undergraduate years have now come to an end. Looking back, I can still vividly remember the excitement I felt when I first arrived in London as a first-year student. Reflecting on this journey, I would like to share my experience from two main perspectives: academic life and student life.
 

Academics: From Adjustment to Independence

For me, the first year was very much a transition period. Moving from high school to university meant adapting to a completely different learning style, pace, and level of independence. Fortunately, the first year at UCL places relatively less weight on final grades, which provided valuable room for trial and error. It allowed me to explore different study methods, adapt to English-taught lectures, and gradually build academic confidence. Rather than striving for perfection, the first year was about adjustment and exploration.

The second year was undoubtedly the most challenging part of my undergraduate studies. With significantly increased academic intensity and a much higher weighting of grades, it became clear that achieving good results required far more time, effort, and discipline than in the first year. There were moments of anxiety and self-doubt, and even times when I felt overwhelmed. However, persevering through this demanding year taught me essential skills such as time management, resilience, and how to cope with academic pressure—skills that proved invaluable later on.

By the third year, although the workload remained heavy, I felt far more prepared and confident. In addition to advanced coursework, we were required to complete a 10,000-word dissertation, which carried the largest weighting across all three years. Thanks to the “training” of the second year, I was able to plan my schedule effectively, break down large tasks into manageable steps, and maintain a sense of balance. Completing my dissertation was challenging, but it was also deeply rewarding, as it marked the culmination of everything I had learned during my undergraduate studies.

Student Life: Living and Exploring in London

Living and studying in London was an incredibly enriching experience. As a global city, London offers unparalleled convenience, diversity, and cultural opportunities. Many iconic landmarks—such as the London Eye, Big Ben, and the British Museum—are easily accessible, making weekend exploration effortless. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in musical theatre and had the opportunity to watch productions such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and The Devil Wears Prada. Experiencing these performances live was truly unforgettable.

London also comes alive during festive seasons. One of my favourite traditions was visiting Christmas markets across the city before the holidays. The warm atmosphere, festive lights, and unique handmade items made these moments especially memorable.

As the capital of the UK, London is also a major travel hub for Europe. Taking advantage of short flight times and academic breaks, I visited several European countries during my undergraduate years, experiencing diverse cultures, cuisines, and lifestyles. Among them, Barcelona remains my favourite destination. I travelled there immediately after my exams in May, and the pleasant climate, friendly locals, and Antoni Gaudí’s breathtaking architecture left a lasting impression on me.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Degree

Looking back, while academic results are important, the most valuable outcomes of my time at UCL were personal growth, adaptability, and resilience. UCL provided me with rigorous academic training, rich learning resources, and a truly international environment. More importantly, it helped shape me into a more independent, confident, and reflective individual.

My undergraduate journey at UCL has been a defining chapter of my life, and the experiences—both academic and personal—will continue to influence me far beyond graduation.