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Meet Sean from Hong Kong, who describes the UCL Summer School as a vibrant and unforgettable experience.
Home university: University of London
From: Hong Kong
Year: 2025
Favourite thing to do in London: Musicals, Museums, garden walk (Hyde Park) and historical exploration
UCL Summer School in three words: Vibrant, fruitful, unforgettable
Why did you choose the UCL Summer School?
I was looking to study again after graduating and working for several years. I was so excited to find out that the UCL Summer School offered a wonderful opportunity to study a high-quality programme over the summer, covering the content of a typical undergraduate module and allowing me to study in London, enjoy UCL’s facilities, and benefit from full academic support.
How did you find the UCL Summer School?
UCL is a great place for anyone aiming to focus on their studies and the field they want to pursue, with well-established resources and facilities (student centre, library, etc.) supporting the whole journey.
I took Mental Disorder and Psychological Treatment, which was a Level 2 module for those with a foundation in psychology. It was intense but fruitful, offering a wide range of materials covering both the essentials and the latest research in the field. The lead and visiting professors were highly proficient and guided us well with their subject-matter expertise.
The social programmes were definitely not to be missed. I enjoyed meeting new friends while experiencing the local vibes, and it was a great way to connect with fellow students and create good memories. I loved the rounders game!
Tell us a bit about the module you took – what were the highlights?
We had lectures and seminars and plenty of pre- and post-readings throughout the module. It was a compressed version of a full semester course, so it was intense, but I enjoyed learning such high-quality content in a short three-week period. The module focused on psychological treatments, and different visiting professors worked with the lead professor to deliver content on each specific treatment.
It was a lot to take in each day, but it was a rewarding experience once I organised my self-study time in advance. I had to adapt to the fast pace and the wide range of study materials, though once I figured out how to make the most of the library and student centre facilities, it became an excellent time to enjoy studying while facing academic challenges.
What was your favourite thing about London and why?
I must say it’s all the history you can discover when you look closely at the details of the city — the buildings, architecture, museums and even a small local garden near the accommodation. I learned so much while exploring (and searching things on the internet!). It might be a magnificent old building, or just a park bench engraved with someone’s name from half a century ago — reminding you that people are part of the history here in the city.
Where is your favourite spot on the UCL campus and why?
The Student Centre! (In particular, the quiet study room with PC desks on the third floor.) It was a fantastic place to study with everything you need: internet, food, a quiet atmosphere, PCs, printers and sunlight! I even spent a few nights there studying with my classmates.
What advice would you give to any students looking to apply next year?
“Make the most of it!” people say — and it’s true. But you also need to plan in advance: what to do, where to go, which shows, tourist spots and museums to visit. Three weeks isn’t much time (and the study schedule is very full!), so it’s wise to plan ahead.
I was worried about meeting and making new friends before starting. Everyone needs time to warm up, but after joining a few social programmes and being brave enough to talk to classmates, I soon realised many of us felt the same at first. In the end, I had a great time with them!
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with during the Summer School?
I remember rushing with a few classmates to catch a train to a not-so-famous museum on the edge of the city — and that turned out to be the most interesting thing when I looked back. I was exploring a new and mysterious place with friends I’d just made, and it was a great adventure!