What do new students think of UCL? Further insights from the New to UCL Survey

UCL ran the first New to UCL survey in October and November last year, an experience survey for all new students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. The aim was to find out how our new students are settling in, their experience of arrival at the institution, the welcome from their department, and awareness of how to access key support services.

25% of new students responded to the survey – over 4500 – and the results show that the vast majority of them had a positive experience with arrival this year. 94% agreed that overall they were satisfied with their experience of arrival, and 98% feel safe on our campus and in the local area. This is equally high across all student groups – undergraduates and postgraduates; UK, EU and non-EU international students. 92% found enrolment straightforward, but only 75% said that social events in the first week had helped them to settle in.

Analysis of students’ motivations for studying at UCL shows that the majority of our students choose us based on our reputation (78%), while 51% said that our London location was a key factor in deciding to study here. Perhaps unsurprisingly, 58% of research students cited the quality of our research as being a top reason for choosing us. 55% of all students heard about their degree programme through our website and 26% through a google search, highlighting the importance of our public-facing webpages in student recruitment.

95% of students agreed that staff in their departments had made them feel welcome, although only 71% agreed that module selection had been straightforward. 87% said that they would know who to go to with questions about their studies, although this varied considerably between departments from 66% to 100%.

80% of new students agreed that they knew how to access IT support if needed, but just 60% said they knew how to access Student Psychological Services. 96% had successfully accessed the library and 88% said they had been able to find a PC. 60% of the general population are aware of how to access disability support services, rising to 77% amongst those students who identified as having a disability.

All departments have received their results, and open comments are in the process of being analysed. These results will be presented and discussed at the next Student Experience Committee and departments are encouraged to discuss them at teaching committee meetings and SSCCs.