6 tips for your first month at UCL

Classes are underway and the 2016-17 academic year has officially begun.

With many of our new students still settling in, we've put together a list of five simple tips to help you get the most from your first month here at UCL.

1. Explore the local area with Ramble London

Want to find out more about the history of UCL's local area? UCL Geography has produced a fascinating written and audio walking tour of Bloomsbury and King's Cross, focusing on the connections between the past and the present - perfect for getting to know your new home.

2. Get to know the best local food spots

Being based in the heart of London, there's no shortage of spots to grab a bite to eat. Along with UCLU's four cafés, there's also the Bloomsbury Farmers' Market, which runs every Thursday. And be sure to check out UCL Foodie, the Instagram channel run by UCL graduates, featuring local food reviews by students for students.

3. Check out UCL's Lunch Hour Lectures

Our programme of free Lunch Hour Lectures offers the opportunity to sample the exceptional research taking place at UCL, in bite-sized chunks. Taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the lectures cover everything from current affairs to world-changing scientific developments.

4. Volunteer with the help of the UCLU Volunteering Services Unit

Get involved with volunteering projects in London and learn new skills, meet new people and make a real difference. Whether you're looking for something long-term or would prefer to work on a one-off project, the UCLU Volunteering Services Unit can help you find what you're looking for.

5. Relax in Bloomsbury's outdoor spaces

Summer might be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean you can't still make the most of the many local outdoor spaces to be found in the local area. Gordon Square is popular with the UCL community, while Queen Square and St. George's Gardens both offer an oasis of calm in the city.

6. Begin your journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur

Looking to learn the basics of modern business? Want to hear from leading entrepreneurs and experts? Or perhaps you have a business idea and are looking for funding or advice? UCL Innovation and Enterprise can help, having already assisted several students with the start-up of their own successful businesses.

Image: Sanvir Chana