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Extra activities

The checklist below shows things to do in your first few weeks at UCL. These are extra actions that you could complete.

Checklists for students starting in 2021

The checklists below are relevant to students starting in 2021 only.

This page was last updated on 8 February 2021.

Please note that depending on your circumstances, some of the activities below may not be applicable to you. 


All students

Visit UCL's museums and theatre spaces

UCL is home to the Grant Museum of Zoology, Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology and UCL Art Museum on the Bloomsbury campus, as well as the renowned Bloomsbury Theatre. You can also find the UCL Pathology Museum at the Royal Free Hospital campus in Hampstead.

Nearly all these venues and events are free to enjoy and open to all - if you're able to come onto campus, be sure to visit them if you can. Please check their websites before visiting to ensure they are open and to follow their precautions to visit during COVID-19. 

Full information about these sites, including reopening arrangements, is available on the UCL Culture website.

Find out more about UCL Culture.

Sort out your 18+ Student Oyster photocard

Many students are eligible for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard, which replaces the standard Oyster card and offers a 30% discount off the price of adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.

If you're in London and plan to take public transport on a regular basis, an 18+ Student Oyster photocard may be helpful, but bear in mind that you might not actually save money if you only take public transport occasionally.

Find out more about the 18+ Student Oyster photocard, including eligibility.

Get a 16-25 or a 26-30 Railcard

Those aged 16 to 30 are eligible for either a 16-25 Railcard or a 26-30 Railcard. These grant you a 1/3 discount on rail travel across the UK. You can even link this card to your Oyster for further discounts. If you're in the UK and intend to travel during your programme, you may want to consider applying.

Find out more about the 16-25 or 26-30 Railcard

Investigate volunteering opportunities

Volunteering is not only a rewarding way to give back to the community and meet new people, but it's also valuable experience for your professional development. Students' Union UCL supports all students to volunteer if they want to, with a wide range of opportunities to suit all interests.

Find out more about volunteering.

Look into opportunities to study abroad

Depending on your programme, you may be able to study at a partner university overseas or take up a short-term opportunity. There may be funding available to help you do this.

In most cases, you would apply in your second year, but it's never too early to start exploring the options available to you.

Find out more about studying abroad.

Get a part-time job

Whether you're looking for work experience or just need some money to top you up, help is available to find a part-time job through the myUCLCareers listings and the Students' Union JobShop, an online directory of opportunities.

If you're an international student coming to the UK on a Tier 4 Student visa, be aware that there are restrictions on the number of hours you can work; make sure you adhere to the terms of your visa.

Visit myUCLCareers.

Visit the JobShop.