UCL’s new Student Centre

Have you been on Gordon Street lately? If you haven’t, then you’ll be in for a shock, because what has become one of its definitive landmarks – the construction site – is now missing. After years of cranes lifting steel girders and mixers full of cement, there’s a bold new building on the block, and it’s not for just one lucky faculty: it’s for everyone. 

UCL’s new Student Centre is opening its doors today and I got a sneak peek inside to discover just what it has to offer (hint: it’s a lot).

It’s big, it’s bold, it’s welcoming

It’s hard not to be taken aback by the sheer sense of space. A few steps in, and you’re in the central atrium where you can gaze up at the zig-zagging stairwells that tie the building together. The peaceful backdrop sets the gold standard you’ll find throughout the Student Centre: a standard defined by bright wood, soothing greys and streaming light.

The Student Centre feels proud to be here. From the bright new café to the welcoming Student Services hub to the breath-taking roof terrace, the centre imparts a strong sense of architectural ambition – and there’s something inspiring about coming to work in the presence of ambition. 

Also, if you needed more good news, the opening of the Student Centre brings even easier access to the South Cloisters directly from Gordon Street. Just don’t be too surprised if you end up taking a few extra minutes to appreciate the contemplative beauty of the new Japanese garden, sure to become a favourite place to refresh the studying mindset.

Silent or Social? There’s a space just for you

What do you say to 1,000 new study spaces? The Student Centre spans four floors above ground and two below, so there’s a lot on offer for you to choose from when it comes to where to work.
 
Craving some contemplative silence? There’s no shortage of cluster rooms for you to stroll into and find your groove.

Like to feel inspired? You can sit on the internal balcony overlooking the atrium, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and maybe a little casual people-watching too. 

Prefer to study with friends? Every floor is loaded with digitally bookable rooms – just be sure to plan ahead!

Laptop feeling a bit heavy? With hundreds of desktop computers and a few dozen laptop rentals, you have the freedom to travel as light as you want.

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the building designed specifically for the needs of the modern student – not to mention all the other stuff that’s on offer floor after floor.

7 floors with a lot to offer

It’s not often that a study space is so vast that you need multiple visits to get the full measure of it. But the Student Centre is one of those spaces, with every floor having more to offer you than just desks, tables, sofas and printers.

First floor? You’ll find the new home of Student Services, which has bright, private rooms where you can have a chat when you need it most.

Third? There’s not only a café, but a tap offering chilled and boiling water. If you’re a tea drinker, be sure to bring your flask and a box of sachets.

Fourth? You’ll want to grab that shot of you at level with the Portico the moment you walk out onto the charming terrace.

Underground? Showers (perfect if you bike in or pulled an all-nighter) are just around the corner, and there’s a purpose-built prayer room for worship or a moment of meditation.

The Student Centre has so much to offer (and perhaps a few more things that even I haven’t found) which you can now discover for yourself.

Born from gravel, now at level with the Portico

"When I was a student ages ago, the plot of this building was just gravel. Students called it ‘The Beach.’ Then, when I was a sabbatical officer 20 years ago, we were discussing what a Student Centre here would like."

Robert Vilkelis