How is the UCL East Student Experience Board making a difference?

The UCL East Campus Student Experience Board launched in September 2023, at the beginning of the 23/24 academic year. The group, which is made up of around 20 members, works to strengthen the East campus community and the opportunities available to its students.

The board's purpose is to bring together key stakeholders across UCL, to ensure oversight of student experience and satisfaction. It reviews data from a range of sources, including large scale surveys like the New Student Survey, which offers students joing UCL at every level an opportunity to feed back on their experience. 

“I was actually one of the first students to graduate from UCL, having studied at the East campus. So, I understand what developments are needed and I was so happy when I was asked to attend the board. It is great that we have an initiative like this, which listens to students, gives them a space to feedback and is dedicated to trying to make the lives of UCL East students better

In the past year the board has worked together to address student experience feedback, particularly those around developing use of space and facilities in our new campus' buildings. Here are a few of their key successes so far: 

• A Student Common Room was opened this summer, providing students with a dedicated space to relax. 
• More diverse food options were introduced at the catering outlets, providing healthier menus and more options for different price points. 
• The Marshgate Refectory opening hours were extended to 7:00am - 9:30pm, providing students with additional space for studying and social activities. 

The UCL East Campus Student Experience Board is committed to continuous improvement and reports back into other UCL boards, for example UCL Education Committee and the UCL East Campus Management board. 

There is so much potential in the UCL East campus, there are so many spaces which can be used not just for teaching but for extra curricula activities. We’re currently liaising with departments to open their spaces for clubs and societies or even for extended learning opportunities, which will give students from across the whole of UCL so many more chances to make the most of the amazing facilities we have here. Eda Yildirimkaya, Students' Union UCL's Equity and Inclusion Officer

Read more about Eda's reflections on her first term as Students' Union UCL's Equity and Inclusion Officer