My experience of the UCL 'Welcome Fair' as a postgraduate student at UCL GBSH

My Experience

I arrived at the Welcome Fair at 9:50 AM, buzzing with excitement! The atmosphere was absolutely electric, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. I strolled around with my friends in anticipation, chatting and soaking up the vibe. By the time we finished collecting all the gifts and stepped out of the fair, it was already 1 PM. At that point, the crowd to enter the fair was intense, but surprisingly, I later learned that the lines had been even crazier around noon! Luckily, we arrived early enough to avoid the worst of it, which turned out to be a smart move.

The Welcome Fair itself was massive and, honestly, a bit overwhelming at first. However, UCL did a fantastic job with the organization. Volunteers were stationed everywhere to guide us, making it so much easier to navigate and enjoy the experience. My friends and I followed the flow of people and explored tons of societies. Among all of them, the one that truly stood out for me was the Ink Painting Society. Not only was their booth beautifully set up, but the tote bags they handed out were hands down the prettiest ones at the event.

Meanwhile, as we wandered around, we stumbled upon other unexpected delights. For example, some societies were giving out freshly made snacks, which, for someone like me far away from home, felt like a warm hug. On top of that, Wendy’s booth—a restaurant—completely won me over with their stunning cups. It’s small details like these that made the day extra special.

That said, if I could make one suggestion to UCL, it would be to extend the event’s duration. With so much to explore, the time flew by way too quickly. Picking a society isn’t just about finding something fun to do; it’s about discovering a group that might shape your entire university journey. That kind of decision takes time, and it would’ve been great to have more of it.

Here are some suggestions for future freshmen who want to participate in the Welcome Fair to help them better engage in the event and enjoy the experience:

1. Arrive early
Timing is everything. You’ll need to queue at the student centre to enter. While it might be tempting to sleep in, trust me, getting there early is worth it. If you can make it by 9 AM, the lines will be manageable, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the event. In contrast, by noon, the lines become overwhelming. If you didn't manage to book a ticket, don’t worry too much—the non-ticket queue is a good backup. It’s less crowded, and the wait isn’t too bad.

2. Bring a big backpack
Another must is bringing a large backpack. The amount of free stuff you’ll collect is no joke! Right at the entrance, everyone gets a purple tote bag from the student union, which includes a stunning calendar. But that’s just the start. As you visit different booths, you’ll need to chat with society reps and fill out quick forms to collect even more goodies. From candy and stickers to stationery, there’s no shortage of freebies.

3. Prioritise the societies you care about
With nearly 100 societies to explore, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To avoid getting lost in the options, think about your interests beforehand and prioritize those booths. Whether it’s a society focused on creativity, like the Ink Painting Society, or one tackling important issues, like the LGBTQ+ group, having a plan will save you time and help you make more meaningful connections.

4. Don’t overlook the commercial booths
After you’ve checked out the UCL society booths, make sure to visit the tents near the main library. These are sponsored and commercial organizations, and they often have the best giveaways. From tote bags to exclusive gifts, their perks are worth the stop. However, be prepared for a small trade-off—they might ask you to download an app, provide your email, or fill out a survey. That said, if you’re willing to put in a bit of effort, you’ll walk away with some pretty cool stuff!

My final thoughts

All in all, the Welcome Fair was an incredible experience. The energy, the variety of societies, and the sheer creativity of the event completely exceeded my expectations. What impressed me most was how UCL fosters such an open and inclusive atmosphere, where every society has its own unique focus. From hobby-driven groups like the Street Dance Society to societies dedicated to professional development or social causes, there’s truly something for everyone.

This event wasn’t just a showcase of UCL’s vibrant campus life—it was also a window into the school’s history and legacy. Whether it was the buzzing new societies or the long-established ones, the Welcome Fair embodied the spirit of UCL: innovation, diversity, and passion. If you’re a future freshman, get ready—you’re in for an unforgettable experience!