Ellen Song

Meet Ellen from Beijing. She was awarded the UPC Progression Scholarship in 2024.

What’s your background?

I was born and raised in Beijing, China, a city rich in historical architecture and defined by the interaction between ancient and modern cultures, much like London.

During the UPC, I chose Classical Civilisation and Modern European History & Politics as my optional modules.

Why did you choose to study UPC at UCL?

As an overseas student aspiring to study law at university, the UPC appealed to me for its structured support in preparing for the LNAT (Law National Admissions Test), and for the access it provided to UCL’s student community and teaching facilities.

How did it feel to be awarded the UPC Progression Scholarship?

I am extremely grateful to be recognised for academic merit!

More importantly, as an international student forging a new path in a foreign culture, the scholarship was a great encouragement for me to keep up the good work and further my studies.

What are you doing next?

My undergraduate degree is in LLB Law at UCL.

My year at the UPC has challenged me to think and write critically—key skills for law school.

The Academic Research course also gave me a solid understanding of academic integrity, which is essential for university-level research.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your time on the UPC and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge for me was overcoming the anxiety and loneliness of being away from my support system for the first time.

I found my new emotional safe space by connecting with my coursemates at the UPC and joining UCL societies, such as the Chinese Christian Anchor Fellowship. 

The UPC Progression Scholarship is awarded to the students from each UPC pathway with the strongest academic performance throughout the course. What advice would you give?

I believe learning is an emotional journey. Honesty with yourself, humility, and self-acceptance are essential motivators for progress.

It can sometimes be nerve-racking to require more time than your peers to digest certain concepts, but I have learned that the best strategy is to always work at your own pace and make steady, incremental efforts.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

This spring, I enjoyed a wonderful evening with the Salsa Society. A friend invited me to their dance party, where I learned new dance moves, mingled with students from across London and made new friends. 

How is the UK education system different to your home country? 

The Chinese educational system places greater emphasis on mentor texts and citing authority, while the UK system encourages critical analysis and arguments which might challenge dominant narratives.

Initially, this felt counter-intuitive to me, but as I’ve adapted to both approaches, I’ve come to appreciate how an international education can cultivate more openness in my thinking.

Where did you live during the UPC, and how was your experience?

I stayed at Garden Halls (an intercollegiate accommodation). I appreciated its proximity to campus — just a 10-15 minute walk.

Living at an intercollegiate hall also allowed me to interact with students from School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London School of Economics (LSE) and other universities in the city. 

Where is your favourite place on campus and why? 

My favourite spot is the Psychology section on the first floor of the Science Library.

I love it because, during stressful times, my dear friend Aksi (from the UPCSE) and I would meet there to support each other by studying together.