Money, Money, Money! – Managing your Finances at UCL

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 1 November 2024

UCL Spanish & Latin American Studies BA second year student Molly Taylor shares her tips on managing your finances while at university. 

I’m Molly, a first-year Spanish & Latin American Studies student at UCL. The prospect of moving to a city renowned for being expensive can be scary. However, here are some ideas to help you manage your finances effectively so you can make the most of UCL and London. 

Picture this: you’ve just arrived in London, buzzing with excitement for your new academic adventure. Amidst the thrill, however, there’s the inevitable question of finances – tuition fees, accommodation costs, daily expenses, you name it. It can feel daunting, but fear not; with strategic planning, you’ll soon find that there are many ways to budget as a student. 

First things first, get a grip on your expenses. If you can, accessing a student loan is a great way to take the pressure off tuition fees. Other costs will probably include rent, travel, food, study materials, and, of course, social life. In my experience, taking the time to understand these expenses upfront has been key to crafting a budget that works for me. 

Budgeting is your new best friend. Assess your income and expenses, ensuring you allocate funds for essentials while leaving room for a bit of fun or an unexpected expense. Currently, I find that setting aside a specific portion of my income, after rent, for groceries and transport, keeps me on track without sacrificing the occasional treat or night out with friends. I’d recommend using a spreadsheet or budgeting app to keep things organised and simple. 

Meal planning and cooking at home can work wonders for your food budget. Also, using student discount platforms like UniDays and Student Beans can save you a lot when shopping. Top tip – get a Student Oyster photocard for discounted travel on public transport. In addition, exploring part-time job opportunities can provide you with extra income to support your studies and lifestyle. Last year, I found that working just a few shifts a week helped alleviate some of the financial pressures of university life. 

Living and learning in London may throw some financial hurdles your way, but it’s also a chance for personal growth and adventure. Embrace the experience, and remember, there’s a whole network of resources here to back you up. UCL offers financial support for students who need it, so make sure to reach out for assistance if you are struggling. 

Understanding university finances isn’t just about crunching numbers – it’s about taking charge of your financial journey and making informed decisions along the way. By cultivating good habits and reaching out for help when needed, you’ll thrive both academically and personally during your time at UCL. 

Memorable years as an Ancient Languages student – Graduation Reflections

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 23 September 2024

Recent graduate, Siyi Qi BA Ancient Languages with Year Abroad, reflects on her time at UCL. 

Hi, friends! This is Siyi, a recent graduate of BA Ancient Languages in the faculty. I am happy to share with you some of my experiences as an undergraduate studying BA Ancient Languages with Year Abroad, and some of the lessons I have learned along the way.  

I changed degree from UCL/HKU Dual Degree in Law before joining the humanities faculty, and I think it was one of the wiser choices I made. Law is great, but it is not for everyone, and certainly not for me. I am really happy that after changing degree, I could study what really interested me in the humanities faculty. I think we all have times in our lives when we question our own choices. Is what I am doing right for me? While we all arrive at different answers to these questions, I think it is important to recognise that asking these questions is itself valuable, for we know more about ourselves and what we really value. When we choose to act on what we really value, new worlds open up! Of course, we all have fear about uncertainties and what lies beyond the horizon, but I have learned that failure is not really a thing, and mistakes are not that scary. We can handle the unease that comes with change, and when we look back, we will have learned a lot! 

I also undertook a year abroad in Jerusalem as part of my undergraduate studies during the 2022-23 academic year. When I look back, it was an experience like none other. Alongside studying intensive Hebrew, I was able to take a wide range of modules both at Rothberg International School and at the humanities faculty of the Hebrew University. Some of the professors there were visiting from universities in the United States, so it was nice that I had the chance to have a mini liberal arts experience during the year. Another mesmerizing part about studying in the Hebrew University was the amazing access to gardens and green spaces! The botanical garden on Mount Scopus has over 950 plant species preserved within their natural habitats from around the country. As the season changes, the appearance of the species also changes, revealing different senses of beauty. I spent some of my best times in the garden, relaxing by myself, chatting with friends and strolling along the garden path.  

As a recent graduate from a humanities degree at UCL, I am deeply grateful to the wisdom, kindness and knowledge of all my tutors and peers who have accompanied me during my undergraduate studies. There are many things that I cherish in my undergraduate experiences, such as the knowledge I gained, the skills I acquired and the experiences I had. Above all else, I am most grateful for the opportunities I had to grow as a person. I think university years are beautiful because the experiences are not purely vocational. While we do transition into the working world, we are also reading, writing, and engaging with people to figure out the big questions, such as our place in the universe, our relationships with the world and other people, as well as our most urgent yearnings. These things may not provide the most direct economic benefits, but they anchor our heart, give us a sense of meaning and purpose, and could carry us far in life.  

With these, I wish you, my dear readers, every happiness and fulfilment in life, and if you happen to be in UCL now, cherish the time and live well! 

Instagram @siyi_qi 

Find out more about the Department of Hebrew and Jewish Studies

Day-to-day at UCL: Campus Chronicles & Student Life

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 27 August 2024

UCL Spanish and Philosophy BA second year student Joe Hurley shares his University schedule, and how he makes the most out of it. 

Moving to university, and moving to university in London particularly can prove to be a daunting yet exciting challenge. One of the biggest adjustments students have to make is adapting to a very different day-to-day schedule, which is why I want to give tips in this blog on how to make the most of it.  

Contact hours are the main reason why we have to change schedules at uni- we go from having at least 20 hours at school to having as little as half this amount. Whilst it seems hard to fill the remaining time up, the daily schedule UCL offers to its students allows for an ideal balance between independent study, social life, and extra-curriculars.  

As a Philosophy and Spanish student, I normally start the week on Monday as follows: I first go to my 10am lecture for aesthetics, and then the seminar for that module at 2pm. The time in-between gives me plenty of opportunity to decide whether to head to either the Student Centre, Main Library or Science Library and go over my lecture notes before I meet my friends on the steps of Portico to eat lunch (assuming the weather in London wants to be nice to me!). The aesthetics seminar is the best way for me to clarify my understanding of the set reading which will become useful for writing my essays later on in the term. Finally, I finish my Monday classes with a Spanish seminar on translation at 5pm, and having a class so late in the evening was in itself challenging for me at first. However, with some help from UCL’s volunteering society I was able to find a commitment working as a mentor for disadvantaged students after their school day, enabling me to gain valuable experience as a volunteer before my final class.  

Wednesdays are also great for those interested in picking up or continuing a sport, as classes for everyone end at no later than 1pm. With up to 80 different sports to choose from, there is no doubt you can find something that aligns well with your interests and timetable. This year I decided to get into running with UCL’s Athletics Society, and I really enjoyed being able to meet completely new people whilst also do more exercise on top of working out at Bloomsbury Fitness, UCL’s sustainable on-campus gym.  

Overall, navigating day-to-day life at UCL is rewarding despite the initial challenges. By balancing academics, social activities, and personal interests, you can easily make the most of your university experience. Embrace the opportunities, stay organised, and most of all; don’t forget to take advantage of being in London, a city full of culture and countless places to explore! 🙂 

Preparing for your time at UCL, Study Time Structure

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 19 July 2024

UCL Scandinavian Studies and History of Art BA second year student Amelia Chukhnova shares her tips for studying to support students preparing to start at UCL.

Prior to coming to UCL, I expected fifty contact hours per week and rigidly scheduled (independent) study hours, which someone else would define for me. Plainly, I was wrong.

At UCL, a student is expected to dedicate approximately 30 hours to self-study, while the contact hours amount to around 8-12 hours per week, depending on the course and the modules chosen. Modules are usually structured as a combination of lectures and seminars — during the latter students are expected to actively contribute to the class discussion.

On my modules, which are mostly text-based, I was assigned required and recommended readings every week. These readings and reflections on them usually take up the majority of the self-study time. In the seminars, the discussions were built around those readings and questions they suggested, and even though I could still get some meaningful takeaways without reading the assigned texts, preparation prior made the learning experience so much more intense and rewarding.

Another important aspect of the studies was visiting my lecturer’s office hours: reflecting on my own questions and completing some sort of general field research to be able to sustain an insightful academic conversation. It really helps to think outside the box and explore your interests, and sometimes feels like going through an additional (self-directed) module! On additional modules: at UCL, it may be possible to ‘audit’ some classes — attend them but not count them towards your credits — but it depends hugely on departmental policies and the lecturer’s decisions.

Now, the assessments also depend on how a course is structured, but the most common forms are coursework and exams. In my case, for coursework, I had to write referenced essays of around 1500-2500 words in length. Usually, I try to start as early as possible, for I take my time transforming what I read into reasonable ideas, but in most cases, I sit down a week and a half before the submission deadline. Research takes about 10-15 hours to complete if I want to be as meticulous as possible, and the total writing process usually seems to take away all the spare hours of self-study I acquired over the weeks (it depends, of course, on the writing style and the word count). Further, in April and May, there are exams, when students occupy libraries from 8 am to 8 am [sic], revising, reading anew, or practicing past exam papers. The exams are more or less evenly spaced across May, so there is always time to prepare — the key is to stay focused, take care of your physical and mental health (for which UCL provides support!), and manage your time well.

Good luck!

‘East, East, East London!’ – What to see, do and eat around UCL East

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 12 June 2024

UCL BA Scandinavian Studies first year student Katie Lauren Ward shares her top things to do around UCL East. 

UCL’s new East Campus not only provides world class education but is also located in one of the most vibrant, up and coming areas of London. As a Cockney descendant myself, I’m passionate about promoting this underexplored area of the city, so here are my Top 6 things to do around UCL East… 

Catch a game at the London Stadium: 

Located right beside UCL East’s Marshgate building, Europa Conference League winners West Ham United play their home games at the London Stadium. On a match day you’ll see thousands of fans dressed in claret and blue, so why not join them and watch some Premier League football! With student tickets starting from just £15, there’s no reason not to go and support your local club, the Hammers! (BONUS RECOMMENDATION: Walk to Hackney Wick tube station before/after the match to get a ‘Boleyn Bad Boy Hot Dog’ from the Bull Dogs stand for only £3). 

Cool off at the London Fields Lido: 

Take the short Overground journey from Stratford to Hackney Central and enjoy an outdoor swim at the London Fields Lido. The 50m outdoor pool is heated and open year-round with a café and space to sunbathe in Summer too (if the weather cooperates). Tickets are £6 for non-members and it’s recommended to book in advance. 

Feel cultured at the Art Pavilion: 

Head one stop west on the Central Line (or enjoy a 40-minute walk) from Stratford to Mile End to see the exhibits at the Art Pavilion. Located in the scenic Mile End Park, this modern gallery displays a range of art styles through its everchanging exhibitions, most of which are free entry.  The Pavilion also regularly puts on workshops and events which are open to the public so definitely worth checking out! 

Grab some food/drink by the River Lea: 

A short walk from UCL East’s campus, along the banks of the River Lea, a range of bars and restaurants provide stunning views over the water and equally stunning food. A personal favourite of mine is the Number 90 Bar & Kitchen who’s outdoor seating is perfect for watching the canal boats go by. 

Shop till you drop at Westfield Stratford: 

Gone are the days of having to travel to central London for your shopping needs thanks to the creation of Westfield Stratford. With over 300 stores and 70 places to eat, under a 10-minute walk from UCL East, you’ll never be short of choice (just don’t spend your entire student loan there in one day). 

Relive London 2012 at the Olympic Park: 

Before Stratford hosted UCL East, it also hosted the 2012 Olympics and luckily many of the sites from the event are still available to visit today. Whether you choose to swim at the Aquatics Centre, see views of the city from atop the ArcelorMittal Orbit (re-opening in Summer 2024) or go on a guided walking tour of the park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

How to choose the right university course for you at UCL

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 9 May 2024

UCL BA German and Spanish first year student Molly Clapham shares her experience of choosing which university and degree to study. 

Choosing the right course at UCL is an investment in time and money. Having experienced making a rushed decision (and then dropping out) and making a timely one (which led me to UCL!), I can confirm that proper research, despite being a lengthy process, will save you a lot of confusion and stress.  

It is normal to feel overwhelmed facing this important decision. Those who “have always known” what they wanted to study are in the minority. Personally, it took me a year of studying the wrong course and a gap year to realise what I wanted to pursue. The positive is that I’ve learnt a lot and can share some useful advice.   

The Japanese concept Ikigai, is an invaluable tool that will steer you in the right direction. It poses four key questions: What do you love? What does the world need? What are you good at? And what can you be paid for?  

 The Japanese concept Ikigai. Source, Forbes.  

The best starting point is identifying what you enjoy. Brainstorm a mind-map of any subject or activity that you are interested in (mildly or greatly) and that you would gladly learn about in your spare time. Not only will you be happier at university, you’ll also be more likely to complete your degree and get through the bad days and exam seasons.  

If you find yourself interested in many things, narrow down your options by identifying your strengths. We all have strengths and weakness unique to us, so utilise these to your advantage.  

Look at your course’s graduate prospects and the transferrable skills the course will give you. Instead of pigeon-holing yourself to a particular career, focus on the skills the course will equip you with to become an invaluable employee. Going after the “most employable” or “highest paying” degrees is not an ingredient for success, the skills you gain and how you apply them are.  

Once you have some courses in mind, there are three important components to look at: module content, teaching style and assessment. Find out the module content and the course structure across all years of the degree. Which are compulsory/optional? Does it include a year abroad? How are the modules assessed? Some courses are more exam-based than coursework-based, others are both.  

Teaching style and contact hours also vary. Establish the number of teaching hours a week and whether these are seminars, lectures or/and practicals.  Look closely at the teaching materials and methods. What is the split between individual and group work? Does the course involve textbook-study, or more creative forms of learning such as presentations, podcast-making and website-building? 

The best (and quickest) way to find this information is by contacting the department and students directly. This is important because you get a real sense of what the course is like (from real-life humans and not a website page!). This will also give you insight into the department itself and is a good opportunity to learn about what activities and opportunities are offered outside of classes to complement your studies. When I was applying, I scheduled a meeting with a department member, which helped me make my final decision. 

My Interdisciplinary Journey as an Arts & Sciences Student

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 4 April 2024

UCL BASc (majors in culture) third year student Maxima Bachmaier shares their interdisciplinary journey.

Hello everyone! I’m Maxima, a final-year Arts & Sciences (BASc) student at UCL with major in Cultures.

With my diverse range of interests spanning languages, communications, business, marketing and psychology, the interdisciplinary BASc programme immediately appealed to me for its flexibility and breadth of opportunities.

The BASc course at UCL offers a unique framework where students can tailor their studies to their individual interests and strengths by taking modules across diverse disciplines and departments at UCL. As a BASc student, you will choose a major and a minor pathway for your studies from the four fields of Culture, Societies, Engineering and Health & Environment, within which you have a free choice of modules of your interest. This gives you the opportunity to dynamically explore your strengths and gain an insight into diverse academic fields, fostering a holistic approach to learning.

Personally, I chose Cultures as my major pathway in line with my personal interests and aspirations, allowing me to immerse myself in two foreign languages, Spanish at advanced and Mandarin at beginner level, while exploring modules in Linguistics, Communication Science, Media Studies, Journalism, and Creative Writing. For my minor, I chose to focus on Psychology as part of the Health & Environment pathway, engaging with subjects like Social Psychology, Individual Differences, and Organisational Psychology. Holistically, the multifaceted skillset I have acquired throughout my BASc journey will be of great value and benefit for my personal future career aspirations in the marketing and communications field.

Beyond acquiring knowledge in my areas of interest, the Arts & Sciences programme has nurtured my interdisciplinary thinking, providing me with many new perspectives, fresh insights and opportunities to broaden my horizons. Through our core modules in interdisciplinary research, including both quantitative and qualitative methods, I have developed a robust academic foundation and holistic problem-solving skills essential for navigating today’s dynamic educational and professional landscape.

During my BASc journey, I have become increasingly aware of the value and significance of interdisciplinary thinking in addressing the complex, interconnected global challenges of our time, from climate change to social inequality. As BASc students, we are encouraged to transcend academic boundaries, explore multidisciplinary perspectives, and bring together diverse insights to develop innovative, integrated solutions.

Overall, my BASc journey has truly shaped my personality and perspective of the world, equipping me not only with in-depth academic knowledge but also with the ability to connect the dots and grasp the interrelationships between diverse ideas and insights from across disciplines. As I prepare for postgraduate study and my future career, I’m highly grateful for the enriching experiences and lifelong skills this programme has provided me with.

Curious to broaden your horizons and gain new insights from a range of disciplines?

Then the BASc programme may be the perfect choice for you!

Feel free to get in touch with me if you are interested to learn more about my experiences.
Looking forward to connecting and perhaps crossing paths at UCL in the future!

Email: maxima.bachmaier.21@ucl.ac.uk 

Instagram: @maxima__b
 

Find out more about UCL Arts and Sciences department and the courses they offer. 

Engaging with every aspect of your course

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 7 March 2024

UCL ESPS second-year student Cecily Rowley shares how they engage with every aspect of university life. 

I remember applying to UCL and being excited for two things: my new classes and my new social life. I viewed these two as separate. In my mind, freshers’ week was my one big chance to make friends, and once classes started, socialising would be more challenging. How wrong I was! Whilst it is true that freshers’ week is an excellent opportunity to meet new people- everyone wants to chat, dance, be open and discover the area- it is far from the only chance you will get to do so. If you are not a huge fan of clubbing and drinking, there is still hope for you! I found that by fully engaging with my course, I was able to build meaningful and rewarding friendships that have lasted well into my second year.

Most courses have hundreds of students, which can be overwhelming and even slightly isolating at first. During freshers’ week, my department organised introductory talks and gatherings. Sitting in a lecture theatre for the first time was definitely nerve racking- but as I looked around, it became apparent that everyone was in the same boat as me. As we sat waiting for the presentation to start, or as we all crowded towards the exit, I found myself chatting to the people around me, and it was effortless. “What did you think of the lecturers?”, “When’s your first class?”, and more importantly, “Are you going to the ESPS mixer at the Portico?”, “Are you going to the talk about that new book?”.

Checking my emails later that evening, I found countless opportunities to meet people with similar interests on my course. On top of lectures and seminars, during the entire year, most departments offer places at guest talks and academic presentations. Whether you fancy learning more about geography, history, politics or urban planning, these talks not only allow you to expand your knowledge of your field of study, but also provide a great chance to socialise. I met some of my best friends at a guest talk on bioethics.

My course has its own society, which organises plenty of events. Joining a society related to your course, as well as a sports’ society (or circus society, whatever floats your boat), will help you to connect with the people in your department, and feel more integrated within your academic community.

Uni life is not social life versus studies. Rather, it is a big, wonderful mix of both. Academia and friendships intersect in so many ways. I strongly encourage every student, current or prospective, to attend the optional talks and gatherings organised by their department. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn. That kind of mystery isn’t daunting, it’s exciting!

Discover more about UCL European & International Social & Political Studies Department…

A Day in the Life of an Arts & Humanities Student

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 2 February 2024

UCL English student Aniella Ingram shares how to make the most out of your time at UCL on a programme with fewer contact hours.

Since coming to university, I was surprised to find myself with a lot more free time than I could have prepared for. While I know that there will be some STEM students scoffing to themselves about this, as a second year BA English student I have around nine contact hours per week. So, although there is certainly work to be done outside of this teaching time – an absolute mass of reading mostly – I still end up with a lot of spare time on my hands, time which if I don’t make an effort to fill seems to be consumed by doom scrolling. So, this is an example of one of my days at uni, with a couple of lectures as well as what I get up to in between.

8am: Wake-up and brekie. I try to wake up around the same time every day just so it keeps me in a good routine.

9am: Workout class. I am really lucky to live close to uni so I walked to my gym for a workout class before walking to my lecture.

10am: Lecture. A one-hour lecture on the influence of Ovid on Chaucer’s dream vision poetry (not everyone’s cup of tea but definitely interesting!)

11am: Coffee and study. I grabbed a coffee with one of my course friends before we headed to the student centre to get some work done.

1pm: Department meeting. I am on a student-staff committee for the English department and today we had one of our bi-termly meetings. I find that being involved in these discussions makes me feel like my voice can be heard in such a big university.

2pm: Seminar. A two-hour seminar for the Modern English Language module I am taking. Today we were focusing on applied linguistics and communication in healthcare contexts.

4pm: Library. I had an hour to kill after my seminar, so I took myself to the Science Library to get a bit of reading done for my American literature lecture tomorrow.

5pm: Salsa Society meeting. I met with some committee member to discuss upcoming projects for the spring and summer term. I find that being involved with a few societies is a great way to spend my time and feel more involved at uni.

6pm: Ballet class. I gave up ballet as a teenager but for ages had wanted to pick it back up. So, I have recently been going to Dance Society’s weekly beginner classes which are great!

7pm: Lidl shop. Quick trip to Lidl near campus to do my grocery shop (which I had been putting off for a week!) before walking home.

8pm: Dinner with my flatmates. We don’t always do this but when we are all around, we like to do little flat dinners together. Tonight, we had stir-fry noodles.

10pm: Chill + unwind. I face-timed a friend for a catch up and then just watched some Netflix before going to bed.

This was one of my busier days and by no means does every day look like this; it’s so important to have days where I just relax at home. But I find that spending time on campus and engaging in all the extracurricular activities UCL has to offer is extremely gratifying, especially as an Arts & Humanities student, as your course is merely one element of a fulfilling university experience.

Instagram: @aniella.ingram

5 Top Tips to Help You Find and Secure an Internship

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 6 November 2023

UCL student Gabija Barkute shares 5 tops tips to find and secure an internship.

A record number of young people are now attending university, which can make it more difficult for students to stand out in the job market. Securing an internship can be a great way to get around this, as it will not only provide you with some relevant experience but also give you industry insight and hone in on the skills required. That said, securing an internship can be tricky, so here are my top tips to help!

1. Nowadays, many job vacancies are filled before they are even advertised, which means that it is all the more important to connect and stay in the know with those in the industry. One of the best ways to do this is via LinkedIn, where you can find people working in the organisations you are interested in, reach out to them, and connect. In my experience, many people are more than happy to respond and may give you some very helpful advice! You can also network via events held by the platform. You should exercise some caution about what you sign up for as LinkedIn is an external platform. Nevertheless, there are many opportunities out there awaiting without you even needing to leave your home.

2. Utilise your university careers service. Similar to LinkedIn, UCL Careers hosts a variety of events which give you the chance to network, as well as providing access to job opportunities that you may not have seen elsewhere via the jobs board. Additionally, you can also book one-to-one appointments to have a practice interview or to get some feedback on your CV, which is invaluable when it comes to making an application.

3. Search for opportunities via industry-specific job boards. This may give you access to opportunities that you did not even know existed and may also be less competitive than those listed on the most popular platforms.

4. Try to get as much experience as you can beforehand so that you can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field in your application. This doesn’t have to be paid work; it can include activities like volunteering or completing virtual internships/online courses.

5. Be proactive. It may well be that there are no opportunities listed online for organisations that you are interested in interning with, but this does not necessarily mean that there are no opportunities available. If you don’t ask, you don’t get, so don’t be afraid to reach out to companies first!

Getting an internship can be tricky, but the key is to keep at it and stay proactive. I hope these tips have been useful; we all wish you the best of luck!