Rooted in Community: A Student’s Experience of Finding Belonging through Nature at UCL

Moving to London as an international student was a dream and a whirlwind. I arrived with excitement, eager to explore one of the most iconic cities in the world and build a new life. But the first few weeks felt like survival mode. Everything was unfamiliar: the city, the systems, the rhythm of daily life. In those moments, finding community became less about joining a group and more about holding onto something steady.

That’s why I’m so glad I leaned into UCL’s orientation events and, later, the UCL Flourish programme. These moments, small and simple as they seemed, helped me build relationships that truly mattered. The Flourish trips, in particular, offered something special: time in nature, space to talk, and a reminder that we’re not alone. They helped me shift from being a visitor in a foreign city to someone who felt rooted in a real, caring community.

Kew Gardens: A Picnic with Strangers Who Became Friends
One of my favourite Flourish events was the day trip to Kew Gardens on January 25th. We kicked things off at the Student Centre, sharing names and courses, nervous but excited. It felt like a school picnic, in the best possible way. The Flourish team gave us a little treasure hunt challenge to follow around the gardens, and we walked among exotic plants, sharing laughs and snapping group photos in the sunshine.

Kew’s greenhouses and landscapes had a magical, calming effect. The space itself encouraged us to slow down, notice the world around us, and open up to one another. That day, I met Dana, now a good friend. She told me, “I very much liked the experience. I got to meet new friends and visit the gardens, which is something I wouldn’t have done if it weren’t a part of a Flourish activity. It helps me go outside my comfort zone because I don’t have to worry about safety and transportation.” That really stuck with me. The built-in structure of the trip gave us the confidence to show up and be present, something not always easy in a new country.

Queen’s Wood: Quiet Conversations and Sweet Surprises
The Queen’s Woods morning walk was smaller and more intimate. We wandered along forest trails under the spring sun, exchanging stories at a slower pace. Nature has a way of removing distractions, and walking side by side made conversations feel more relaxed and genuine. We ended with dessert and coffee at the cosy Queen’s Wood Café, and I had a surprise encounter with my favourite comedian, which made the day even more memorable. What made this trip special wasn’t just the scenery, but how naturally friendships formed. Vamsi, a fellow student, said it best: “I had a fun and refreshing walk at Queen’s Wood. It was planned out well on a perfect spring day with the sun blazing, and I enjoyed conversing with like-minded students from various courses along the walk. The trail was scenic and long, so we took shortcuts. We wrapped up the circular route with a great coffee at the cosy café. I’d love to join more events like this in the future.” Izzah added, “The trip to Queen’s Wood reminded me of school trips back home... not because of the bus, even though we took a public one in true UK style, but because of the vibe. There was that comforting feeling of just being part of a group heading somewhere together... It turned out to be one of those unexpectedly meaningful days that stays with you.”

Print Room Evenings and Orientation Speed-Friending: Slowing Down to Connect
Before the nature trips, I connected with others during UCL’s orientation week events, particularly the wine and cheese evening at the Print Room Café and the speed-friending sessions. These events may sound simple, but they were powerful. That night at the Print Room Café, with glasses in hand and music in the background, something clicked. Slower-paced social settings like that make it easier to pay attention to the little details, shared interests, similar struggles, and small moments of understanding. Those initial friendships turned into familiar faces on campus and eventually into the friends I now go on trips with. When you’re far from home, it’s the shared experiences outside the classroom over food, in gardens, on walks that help you feel like you belong. They break the ice and make it easier to be yourself. They let you find people who “get it” without needing to explain everything.

A Community That Grows, One Shared Moment at a Time
My idea of community at UCL has shifted dramatically. I used to think of it as a fixed circle I had to find and fit into. But it’s not that. It’s an open, ever-growing web of shared experiences, people I met on a Monday morning walk or over a cheese platter in a café. It’s conversations in nature, spontaneous adventures, and the joy of recognising someone on campus you once met in Queen’s Wood.

Even occasional events like these can have a lasting impact on our wellbeing. They give us something grounding and human in a fast-paced, academic world. I’m grateful UCL creates space for these moments, and I hope more students, especially those new to London, take that extra step to join in.

Sometimes, a walk in the woods is all it takes to remind you: you’re not alone.