Seven Questions with... Lola Hylander

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I’m studying History and Politics of the Americas at the Institute of the Americas, and I’ve loved learning about a new region that I had limited prior knowledge about! The most interesting topic area for me has been Latin American revolutions – they’re so unique compared to any other revolutions I’ve studied before.

When I graduate, I’m going into consultancy, but I’m keen to keep up my passion for the Americas. In the long-term, I’d love to go into politics and policy-making!

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

This year, I’ve been working with Gale to promote the fascinating primary sources available to us students at UCL. I’ve found some fascinating content in their archives, including declassified files from the FBI and Bush administrations which have been a highlight! I really recommend that all students check out the Archives Unbound collections to see what you can find. It contains over 250 million pages of primary source content so there is sure to be something that relates to your course! For more insight, follow @GaleAmbassadors on Twitter to stay up to date on all the amazing possibilities that Gale can bring us as students.

I will be delivering an event in collaboration with Gale and the Library team in the IOE on 22 February. It would be great to see you all there –  here is the link to sign up!

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

The Observatory Photography Gallery is one of my favourite cafes around campus. A couple of minutes from Russell Square station, it definitely has the best coffee in London. I’d recommend popping by for a mint berry iced tea and checking out the photography on display! It’s also very quiet so a perfect environment for studying.

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

1. Visit the Taste of London food festival in Regents Park. Fun fact: when I was five years old, my brother and I got lost there. Scary stuff, but that hasn’t stopped me from going back every single year.
2. The walk down the canal from Camden to Coal Drops Yard – it's beautiful on a summers day and has some pretty cool architecture.
3. Visit Low Profile Studios in the Harringay Warehouse District on a Friday or Saturday. It’s a small warehouse club minutes away from my house and easily one of the best clubs I’ve been to. Perfect for fans of techno, tech-house and disco!

What’s one thing you’d like to see in a post-Covid world?

A greater concern for the environment. It was beautiful to see the reduction in pollution and litter during lockdown and it felt like nature was healing. It would be great if we could continue being so conscious post-pandemic.

Who inspires you and why?

My mum. The man, the myth, the legend! She’s an obstetrician for the NHS in North London and not only brings lives into the world every day, but saves them too. She’s a massive fan of rock ’n’ roll and certainly dresses like it (when she’s not in scrubs). She survived breast cancer and still managed to look like a rock star from start to finish. Love you mum.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I’ve played in bands for about eight years. I play guitar and bass, and I sing. We played everything from indie and rock to disco. My favourite thing to play was always metal though. Shredding out Master of Puppets with my brother on the drums is my favourite pastime.