Make the most of the support from UCL Careers, plan your summer early on and start preparing for study abroad or your final year.
You'll be more familiar with the rhythms of university life in your second year, but here are some things you might want to start thinking about early on.
Preparing for your final year
Choosing Modules
Use the module catalogue to select your modules and find out information on what your future modules will entail. This will help you plan for the skills you might want to develop during your second year. For more help choosing your modules meet with your Personal Tutor.
Your final year project/dissertation
For most programmes, you'll get support for your final year project/dissertation once you start your final year. Some programmes will begin that process in year two. To help get you prepared for your final year project, you might want to take a look at the study skills resources for final years.
Preparing for your future
UCL Careers and departmental careers support
You'll be making even more of the advice, support and resources on offer from UCL Careers in year two. They also work closely with your departments to ensure there is plenty of advice, support and events tailored to the expected graduate careers for your discipline. If you have ideas for other things your department could be doing, talk to your Careers Liaison Tutor and consider putting in an application for ChangeMakers project funding.
Further study and academic/research career paths
Of course, you might be considering further study after you've finished your undergraduate degree. UCL Careers offers plenty of advice for those considering further study and there is also more information on a career in academia or case studies from UCL research staff.
Careers Skills Hub
Don't forget to explore their skills hub to make sure you are developing the kinds of skills your future employer might be looking for.
UCL Volunteering
The Students' Union Volunteering service connect UCL students with rewarding community volunteering opportunities across London. Not only will this look great on your CV, but volunteering provides you with opportunities to give a little back, to meet new people and build skills including: interpersonal, teamwork, leadership and many more. It may even set you off down a career path you had never considered before.
Read student stories to find out what it is like to be a volunteer.
Other development opportunities at UCL
UCL is a big place and there are loads of different opportunities to get involved and develop your skills, whatever your interests. Find out more about the other development opportunities open to you.
Preparing for your summer
Internships, work and summer opportunities
UCL Careers have created a hub to draw together all the internship, work and summer opportunities for UCL students. You can search the careers bulletin or schedule an appointment for guidance on applying and creating a CV. Also check out the UCL Careers skills hub and workshops on developing your skills. There is also some really useful advice on sourcing and making the most of internships. The Open University offers a course on Internships and Other Work Opportunities.
Go Abroad
UCL has lots of opportunities for current undergraduate students to go abroad, whether or not your programme offers a study abroad option. Explore the opportunities, funding and support available to you.