University College London — Attraction in London

I’m 6 months into my first year here at UCL, and I’m doing a BSc in Geography. I wish I could give a five star review, but I just can’t bring myself to. I need to be honest here - I’ve had a very rough time so far. I’m from humble beginnings: public school educated, born and bred in Notting Dale London. I had to work my ass off to get the A level grades to get into this university since mummy and daddy wouldn’t be able to afford to bail me out if I failed. Within a week of being at UCL, it was clear that I was one of the “poor students.” I’ve been nastily judged by students around me for not being able to afford to go clubbing every night and go on elaborate trips around central London. Hell, I can’t even afford to join the societies I want to do. Ice skating society = £120. On top of paying for my train fares everyday, food, stationary, notebooks, I cannot afford to join societies. As a first year student this really saddened me, since I was so excited to try new sports and activities. Within my department (geography), I was even judged for stating that I’d never travelled abroad alone. I was told “you’re literally a geography student, and you’ve not travelled??” Sorry for not being able to afford to travel 😬. If you’re from a background like mine, coming to UCL will feel like a culture shock. I’m also, as far as I know, the only person of my ethnicity on the course. This has been extremely isolating. I’ve struggled to make friends and connect with people. I’ve noticed that people of the same ethnicities in my department cluster together. So as someone from a minority ethnic group, I’m a loner. Unfortunately, it’s not just the students I’ve struggled with. It’s also my professors and lecturers. Most of my professors are unapproachable, many extremely passive aggressive and very cut-throat. I’ve been told in many lectures that “If you don’t understand the lecture material thats your fault!” And god forbid you turn up to a lecture five minutes late, you get publicly shamed. As a commuter, this has triggered panic attacks, especially when my trains are held up. My worst experience was when I very politely emailed a professor about having to pull out of a trip due to bad mental health and I felt as if I’d been given a verbal beating. I’d never felt so embarrassed and misunderstood in all my life. Another nasty experience occurred in my tutorial group. I was asked a question which I misunderstood, and was laughed at by my tutor. This became a running gag for a while, but it was incredibly embarrassing for me. Yet another nasty experience occurred. I didn’t submit an assignment properly, this was a genuine accident on my part since I was using new software to complete the assignment. I was sent an email from my prof, who said that he was “kindly going to give me another chance to submit it, but my inability to follow instructions deserved a null grade and a fail.” I had tried my best to follow the instructions provided, but they were last minute and the assignment was badly organised. Me and 40 other people made the same mistake. The way I’ve been spoken down to and treated by some of my profs has been pretty surprising, and has had an impact on my mental health. Even teachers during my secondary school career never spoke to me in such a way. I know it’s still early days for me, but I still felt it necessary to leave this review. Before ending my review, I’d just like to remind readers that my experience isn’t universal. I’d also like to remind my readers that University College London is not a bad university. But, my circumstances have unfortunately greeted me with substantial challenges. This is the experience that I, a neurodivergent female student of an ethnic minority and working class...

University College London (UCL) has an overall rating of 4.27/5 based on 768 verified student reviews. Here's what students and alumni have to say about their experiences:

Pros:

Academic Excellence: UCL offers high-quality courses, variety of programs, and excellent faculty. Students praise the university's academic brilliance and career excellence. Diverse Community: With students from 160 countries, UCL provides a unique opportunity to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Location: London provides access to a global financial hub, internships, and job opportunities across various industries. Supportive Environment: Many students appreciate the university's supportive staff, resources, and facilities, including the library and career services.

Cons:

Space Constraints: Some students mention that the university is constrained by space and location, making it difficult to find study spots. Administrative Issues: A few students report difficulties with administrative processes, but overall, the university's support services are helpful. Cleanliness: Some students mention that the campus can be dirty, and the bathrooms may not always be well-maintained. Wi-Fi: A few students report issues with Wi-Fi connectivity on campus.¹ ² ³

Student Life:

Clubs and Societies: UCL offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, music societies, and drama clubs. Networking Opportunities: Students appreciate the opportunity to connect with peers and professionals in their field, which can lead to valuable career opportunities. Campus Facilities: While some students praise the campus facilities, others mention that some buildings are old and in need of maintenance.

Career Opportunities:

Career Support: UCL's career services provide guidance on job applications, internships, and career development. Industry Connections: Many students benefit from the university's connections with top companies in London, which can lead to internships, work experience, and job...

Outpatients clinic on the edge of Euston road and northern tip of Tottenham Court Road. I was there for l yr check on my hip replacement: X rays and senior registrar chat. No warning in the letter about stripping into hospital gown...one that was broken. I put it on as best as l could then was sent back to put a different one on. Embarrassed and confused by why technician had so many problems getting me into correct position. Almost late for Podium clinic which was very crowded running behind. I lady had 2 he wait before being seen. No where l felt safe to sit where l could hear my name called. I then was harassed .. nay verbally abused by another patient for his perception of my repeated statement that l had to leave for work at 1. ( appointment 11. 10). Actually trying to get receptionist to agree to take my clinical trial survey in case l couldn't be seen by l pm. Everyone watched this abuse which reduced me to tears behind the clinic wall. No clinic staff asked the man to step away from me, calm down. Only a passing person from another area helped me. Despite this l appreciate how hard it is to keep this building moving through its normal schedule. Staff trying their very best to get their jobs done. The mood definitely feels different to last year. A real sense of weariness pervades. Advise visitors to bring their own sanitising gel as some dispensers on desks are not push down operation.Bring water/ drinks too to anticipate long waits for appointments. Signage is reasonable to follow in corridors though the way lifts operate less obvious. Be prepared to go in opposite direction occasionally just to press button for your floor. Better than climbing stairs if you're tired. My photos are mostly of lower...