Step 6: Applicants under 18

UK law views students under the age of 18 living in England as children

Higher education institutions have a statutory and moral duty of care towards all students. UCL recognises the particular need for a safeguarding culture for students who are under 18 years of age. 

Read our guidance before making a decision

We ask that you consider the following things before making a decision about your offer. 

If you or any parents or legal guardians are uncomfortable with any of the following information we recommend: 

• you request a deferral of your application until you reach 18 years of age or,
• you re-apply when you are over 18.

Under 18 form

If you will be under 18 at the point of enrrolment, you will be required to complete an under-18 form by the deadline stated in your offer letter. The form must be completed by a parent, legal guardian, and appointed UK guardian (where applicable). Please read the guidance on the form carefully. 

Appoint a guardian

If you are under the age of 18 at the point of enrolment, you must appoint a guardian who resides in the Greater London area (within 1.5 hours door to door via train, bus or car). Your guardian would typically be a family member, or a close friend of the family.

If these options are not available to you, you will need to appoint a guardian via the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS). UK guardians should read the information in the under-18 form carefully to ensure they understand their role and responsibilties.

Emergency contacts

It is mandatory for students under the age of 18 to provide parent/s and emergency contact details as part of the admissions processes at UCL.

When there is a reasonable level of concern about the wellbeing and/or safety of a student, the Director of Student Support and Wellbeing may decide to contact their next of kin, parent/guardian and/or emergency contact without the student’s permission. 

Accommodation 

Students under 18 years old (as of 19 September 2026) are guaranteed to receive an offer for UCL Accommodation in one of the following halls: Ian Baker House, James Lighthill House, or Ramsay Hall. 

We are unable to allocate twin rooms to under 18s. 

Student Support and Wellbeing

The Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) department works to support all students at UCL, including those under 18. Students under 18 may be invited to meet with representatives from the Student Support and Wellbeing and/or the academic department to learn more about the support systems in place. 

Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor who is there to help you settle in and help you make the most of your UCL experience. 

Data protection

UCL is required by law to comply with The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). UCL is committed to ensuring that every employee and registered student complies with the Act to ensure that personal information is protected and handled appropriately. UCL has no obligation to disclose any personal information relating to students to relatives, or guardians and a disclosure without the consent of the student may be a breach of the GDPR.

UCL will always aim to keep information confidential regarding our under 18 students, and relevant and proportionate information will aim to be shared in safeguarding situations with your selected trusted contacts.

Students must give written permission for us to share their personal information with another named person, including parents/guardians, via the Admissions contact form.