Close
Information for parents of UCL students about term dates, study time and academic regulations.
On this page you will find information about:
- UCL term dates
- Balancing academic demands and personal time
- Lecturers practical business experience
- Class hours
- UCL’s academic regulations
- Industrial action
UCL’s term dates
UCL’s term dates are always published a few years in advance, which gives students plenty of time to plan and prepare.
More information about UCL’s term dates and closures.
Balance academic demands and personal time
We understand that some students find this challenging. Time management is a skill that takes time, practice and effort to develop.
We recommend that students are kind to themselves and aim for a balanced lifestyle as much as possible. Achieving academically is of course important, but aiming for a first-class degree at all costs may have a negative impact on a student’s health.
It is important to help students understand that taking time to engage in sports or group activities, or to socialise with family and friends, is good for their wellbeing and can have an overall positive impact on their academic performance and experience at university.
Do lecturers have any practical business experience or are they just academics?
Many lecturers across UCL have practical business experience from their respective fields and/or current links with business initiatives in their field of practice, evidenced through biographies available on each department’s webpage.
UCL prioritises the development of linkages between its lecturers and the business community through its Knowledge Exchange and Innovation funding, which helps connect university research projects with the greater business community. Find out more about the Knowledge Exchange and Innovation initiative.
Class hours
The timetables for the different programmes vary. Some students are engaged in more in-class activities and others might have more time for independent learning.
The departmental webpages provide more information about contact hours and programme timetables.
UCL’s academic regulations
Industrial action at UCL
For all of the latest information on any planned industrial action called by University and College Union (UCU), which may affect studies, can be found here.
- Letter from President and Provost, Dr Michael Spence AC on national marking and assessment boycott - July 2023
Dear families and supporters of UCL students,
This email has been sent to students advising them on what they can expect this results day and how we will support them if they are affected by the current Marking and Assessment Boycott. Below that is advice on what you can do if you are concerned about a student who is affected by this boycott.
Advice for parents and supporters of students
We know this will be an anxious time for many students and those who care about them. As advised in the letter above, students who are affected by the MAB will receive an email giving them the details of who in their department they should speak to for information and help.
Students and anyone concerned about a student can also contact UCL’s Student Support and Wellbeing team for emotional and wellbeing support
If you have a very urgent concern about the mental health of a student, you can raise that through the Student of Concern procedure. We would be grateful if this is only used for urgent concerns so that students who need immediate help can be properly identified and supported.
Please be aware that, due to confidentiality requirements, we cannot provide information about an individual student to anyone other than that student, even a parent or family member, without their permission. However, I guarantee that we will act quickly and provide full care and support for all students who need it.
Best wishes
Michael