Visit UCL: Inspiring Future University Students

This year’s Visit UCL day for Year 7 focused on the student experience, explaining what a university is, as well as the benefits of going to one.

Interactive session ranged from guessing which celebrities are UCL alumni to more informative workshops on student finance and funding, as well as advice and information from current UCL students and staff on the journey from Year 7 to Year 11 and its impact on university applications.

Our Access and Widening Participation Office staff facilitated a lively Q&A session on the topic of higher education and our team of Student Ambassadors shared their experiences of degree subjects, university life and funding studies. The ambassadors also delivered personalised campus tours that showcased UCL’s faculties and iconic landmarks.

The day concluded with a University Societies workshop, introducing pupils to the social side of university. Pupils brainstormed ideas for their own clubs, with abstract suggestions including a “Positive Society” for mental health activities and a “Nap Society” for those seeking an immediate solution to relaxation.

The Visit UCL Team, led by Rachel Donkor (Senior Widening Participation Officer) and Lana Winslow and Dominic Mayhew (Widening Participation Officers), said:

“As this was our final Visit UCL event of the year, we were incredibly pleased with how the day went. The Year 7 participants were engaged from beginning to end and they took full advantage of the day by asking insightful questions. It was a pleasure to welcome these young people to UCL, many of whom were visiting a university for the first time. We would also like to give a special mention to our brilliant Student Ambassadors, as for some of them, this was their last shift with us before they graduate.”

Participant feedback highlighted the event’s success:

“

"I’ve always been excited for university and this trip made me more comfortable with it.”

"Great explanation about what universities are.”

"I felt very welcomed.”

"I like how my questions were answered, and the day was very interactive.”

"I learnt more about the inclusivity of university with their variety of societies.”

The Visit UCL Day aimed to inspire Year 7 pupils to consider their future options and aspire to attend a university like UCL. Schools and teachers are encouraged to look at the Visit UCL 24–25 dates and apply soon, as places are limited!