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At UCL, it is our priority to support commuter students ensuring a smooth transition to university life. Find below essential support and resources tailored to you.
You're a commuter student if you live outside university accommodation (in a private house or with your parents/guardians) and your commute to campus takes 45 minutes or more.
Starting university as a commuter student can be a unique and challenging experience, as you travel to campus. Find below a range of resources which will help you navigate your time at university.
Academic Support
Balancing academics with commuting can be challenging, but UCL offers several resources to help.
Academic Communication Centre
The UCL Academic Communication Centre (ACC) supports students with online resources like Moodle courses and ebooks, accessible from anywhere. They offers one-to-one tutorials and workshops on academic writing, critical reading, and oral communication. These can be scheduled to accommodate your needs.
Academic Writing Support
UCL provides tips, advice, and courses to improve your academic writing skills. Use these resources for essays, lectures, and assessments.
Library Services
Access extensive digital resources such as e-books, journals, and databases remotely using library service. LibrarySkills@UCL offers training to develop your library and information literacy skills.
LectureCast
All lectures are recorded and available on Moodle, so you won’t miss out due to commuting disruptions.
Personal Support
Personal Tutor
Every student receives a Personal Tutor (or supervisor for research students). They can help you navigate your academic journey and balance your studies with your commute. Tutors offer flexible meeting options, including virtual appointments. You can find your assigned tutor by logging into Portico.
Student Advisors
Student Advisors in your department support you during your first year to transition into university life.
Student Support and Wellbeing
We understand commuter students may have multiple responsibilities. If you face any Wellbeing, disability, and mental health issues, speak to a member of our disability support team. Our advisers are familiar with the issues commuter students face and can provide support or direct you to other services. There are flexible appointment options, including virtual meetings. This ensures you have easy access to support without extra travel.
Transition Mentor Programme
All first year undergraduate students are assigned a student mentor from their department as part of the Transition Mentor Programme. They can assist you with adjusting to university life if you feel less connected to campus.
Career Support
UCL’s career services cater to commuter students with virtual appointments and hybrid events. Sign up with MyUCLCareers for virtual CV writing and career skills events. Connect with alumni via LinkedIn to expand your professional network.
Financial support
Student Funding Advisors
Student Funding Advisors at UCL offer valuable financial guidance. They help with budgeting, funding applications, and other money matters. Their services include assistance with appeals and study plan changes. Commuter students can easily access these services through virtual appointments. This flexibility ensures that even those with limited time on campus can get the financial support they need.
Financial Assistance Fund
Students in financial need may be able to access the Financial Assistance Fund. This is discretionary assistance for current UCL students who find themselves in unexpected financial difficulty. This service is available to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
UCL Student Worker Opportunities
UCL offers student worker roles like Ambassadors. Check Unitemps and UCL Job Shop for exciting part-time, seasonal, and temporary positions to earn extra cash.
Student Discounts
As a university student, you're entitled to various discounts, make the most of them before your status expires. Always ask shops if they offer student discounts and show your student ID or Totum card card in-store.
For online savings, you may be required to sign up to a student discount services like UniDays, Totum or Student Beans.
Travel Support
UCL campuses are easily accessible by public transport. For commuter students, choosing the right travel option is important.
There are plenty of travel discounts on offer for students commuting to UCL on public transport including 18+ student oyster photocards, railcards and coach cards.
For cycling enthusiasts, UCL offers ample cycle parking, including a new basement facility at UCL East. Consider joining the cycling club to connect with fellow commuters who bike to campus.
On Campus Facilities
Study Spaces
If you need a desk to study at on campus, you can find out the availability of study spaces on campus and book a space. Many UCL libraries and study spaces have extended opening hours, with the Student Centre open 24/7.
There are quiet study spaces in the student centre to help you concentrate or if you work better in groups you can book a group study room. If you live closer to UCL East you don't need to travel to Bloomsbury, you can always book a space at UCL East.
Locker Storage & Laptop Loans
If you are looking for a nearby locker to store heavy belongings, you can find out the locker locations around campus. You can also loan a laptop and don't need to carry it to during your long commutes.
Quiet Contemplation Rooms/Prayer Rooms
UCL provides facilities for prayer, worship and meditation for students of all faiths and none. There are several contemplation/quiet rooms available. There are also many places of worship close to UCL.
Food and Refreshments
If you need to relax and socialise – there are 24 cafes/bars in Bloomsbury. Make sure to check out all the Food at UCL. The Bloomsbury Shop is a great place to grab a meal deal on campus!
Kitchen facilities are available with accessible microwaves for student use in multiple locations. Water fountains are accessible in every building. There are also vending machines scattered across to grab a snack on the go.
The Student's Union
Union cafes provide comfortable spaces to relax between classes. Engage with campus life through the UCL Students' Union. They organise commuter-friendly events, especially during Welcome Week. Joining societies and clubs helps you connect with like-minded people and feel connected to the UCL community.
UCL Go App
Download the UCL Go App to explore all the on campus facilities available for commuter students.