Graduate Caroline Coyer (Creative Documentary by Practice MFA) writes about falling in love with London, and how studying in the city enhanced her experience at UCL.
Studying in London has been, hands down, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The opportunities, adventures, and friendships I’ve made here have far surpassed my expectations. What started as a two-year Master’s program in Creative Documentary, evolved into a longer stay because my career and life have flourished in ways I never imagined. As a multimedia journalist, I’m excited to share why I chose London, what it’s like to live here, and offer some advice on how to make the most of this incredible city as a student.
Why London?
I’m originally from New York City and studied Broadcast Journalism at New York University (NYU). During my time there, I had the opportunity to study abroad in London, and NYU’s campus happened to be just a stone’s throw from UCL. That brief experience made a lasting impression on me—I fell in love with London’s energy almost instantly. Coming from a big city, I wanted a place with New York’s energy but something fresh and different—and London delivered.
I found myself invigorated by the city’s creative pulse. London is an absolute goldmine for anyone who’s curious and loves to learn. It’s filled with world-class museums, exhibitions, cinemas, and endless live music and theater, and UCL’s central location puts you right at the heart of it all. Whether you’re a short walk, cycle, or tube ride away, the sheer number of cultural institutions at your doorstep offers unmatched opportunities for academic and professional growth. Not to mention the genuinely welcoming people.
Adventures Outside the City
One of London’s underrated perks is how easy it is to take a break from the city. I joined UCL’s Hiking Club, and nearly every weekend I explored the breathtaking countryside and nature spots just a short trip from central London. I’ve hiked all over the UK and across Europe during term breaks with the club. London’s proximity to other countries makes it easy to hop on a train or flight and explore beyond the UK.
A highlight of my time at UCL was traveling to Copenhagen for the CPH:DOX documentary film festival with my coursemates—a trip our professors encourage every year. It was an incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in the international documentary scene, and it gave me a fresh perspective on the film industry while bonding with my peers.
In London, the whole world truly feels at your fingertips.
Finding My Community
Enjoying an evening of mini-golf with the UCL Hiking Club
What I love most about London is its endless capacity for discovery. One moment, you’re tucked away in a cozy Bloomsbury café drafting your next film; the next, you’re at an impromptu jazz gig in Camden. The city has a way of blending the mundane with the magical, turning a casual stroll into an unexpected adventure
I’m a huge fan of catching movies at the BFI IMAX, which has the biggest screen in Europe—definitely a must for any film lover. When I’m not at the cinema, you might find me charity shopping in Brick Lane or practicing yoga and meditation in Victoria Park. Every corner of London feels like its own world, and I’ve loved finding my own little pockets of the city where I can connect with the things that matter to me.
But what makes London special for me are the communities I’ve joined. I regularly frequent figure drawing sessions in Soho, queer takeover nights in Hackney Wick, and I’ve even joined a horror movie club! These are the kinds of connections that make London feel personal, not just another big city. By leaning into my passions and hobbies, I easily built my community and surrounded myself with people who enjoy the same things!
My Career in London
Recording an episode about the “Barbie” movie for the Bored Meeting podcast with Chief of Stuff Magazine
Moving to London and navigating a completely new professional landscape was intimidating at first, but it pushed me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. London taught me how to network, how to carve out opportunities, and how to create my own path. The city's creative energy is contagious, and if you’re willing to dive in and keep creating, the rewards are incredible.
In my time at UCL, I’ve worked as a videographer for the English National Ballet, producing a documentary about their new Nutcracker production. I was the lead producer on a lifestyle podcast for Chief of Stuff Magazine. I wrote countless articles for UCL news about topics like virtual reality in healthcare, alumni profiles, and our amazing student accomplishments. I’ve also collaborated with UCL professors on films about their cutting-edge research.
Currently, I’m working as a research assistant on a Wellcome Trust-funded project about women’s health in the media. I’m also excited to direct a review film for the upcoming Bloomsbury Festival. Each one of these opportunities came from connections I made at UCL or in London—doors I never expected to open so early in my career.
What’s more, thanks to the range of opportunities I’ve explored through UCL, I now market myself confidently across multiple disciplines. My experiences have allowed me to grow as a videographer, director, podcast producer, reporter, social media manager, event coordinator, and archival researcher. This diversity of experience has given me a broad, unique skill set, setting me apart in the industry and making me highly marketable.
What’s Special about UCL?
UCL East
One of the major advantages of studying in London is the access you have to industry professionals. We had weekly masterclasses from some of the biggest names in documentary filmmaking, from directors and producers to cinematographers and festival curators, some of whom I’ve admired for years. In the classroom, we also learned technical skills from top-tier videographers, editors, and sound recordists. The insight you gain from being so close to working professionals is something you simply don’t get everywhere. Plus, UCL regularly hosts career panels with experts working at major media companies, giving us a real insight into what it takes to build a successful career here. Just over the summer, I was able to attend Careers Day hosted for documentary film students in Anthropology, where we heard from panelists about what it takes to be a successful freelancer.
UCL’s connection to the Open City Documentary Festival is another unique aspect of its documentary program. This prestigious festival is one of the only university-hosted film festivals in the world, and UCL students have the rare opportunity to showcase their films in a professional setting, drawing an audience from all over London. This early exposure allows emerging filmmakers the incredible opportunity to see their work on the big screen. Then there’s UCL’s new East Campus, a state-of-the-art facility offering some of the most advanced tech in the industry. Equipped with three cinema screens, podcast production suites, editing labs, sound immersion rooms, and green screen studios, UCL East provides an exceptional environment for budding storytellers excited to explore new mediums. These resources give students hands-on experience with industry-standard technology, allowing them to hone practical skills, crucial to becoming innovators in their future careers in media.
My Top Three Things to Do in London
Cycling along Regent’s Canal: It’s a peaceful way to explore the city, unwind, and take in some fresh air.
Catching a film at BFI Southbank: Whether it’s a blockbuster on the IMAX screen or a cult classic with a director Q&A, the BFI is an essential experience for any film lover. Plus, there’s a great discount for those under 25!
Exploring markets: I’m a big foodie, and London’s food markets are an absolute treat. Borough Market is a classic, but the Sunday market at Victoria Park is my go-to for fresh produce and a laid-back picnic with friends. I also love Camden markets handmade clothes and jewelry shops, and the famous Columbia Road Flower Market.
Advice for Prospective Students Considering London
If you’re considering studying in London, my advice is simple: immerse yourself in the city and take every opportunity that comes your way. It might feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to budgeting or balancing work, studies, and social life, but London has so much to offer.
Get involved, meet people, and explore the city—you’ll soon find your own corner where you feel at home. The energy here is contagious, and there’s no shortage of stories waiting to be told.
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