University College London

Overview

University College London is the oldest and largest college of the University of London, and known as ‘London’s Global University’. It is currently ranked 10th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2021) and is the top rated university in the UK for research strength (Research Excellence Framework). The University was founded in 1826 and there are almost 29,000 students currently enrolled at the institution, 13,000 of whom are international.

UCL is a member of the elite Russell Group of universities, and part of the Golden Triangle alongside Oxford and Cambridge. Staff and alumni at UCL have won a total of 29 Nobel prizes, and 840 professors and 6,000 academic staff are dedicated to research and teaching. UCL students benefit from close associations with several major teaching hospitals, such as the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, the Royal Free Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital.

University College London is currently promoting the idea of education for global citizenship in an attempt to make sure students are given the freedom and encouragement to explore ideas from different cultural prospective, while working on projects of international importance.

Services for International Students

Prior to the start of the first and second terms, the International Office holds an orientation programme for overseas students. University College London also has active exchange and research links with over 260 universities around the world.

An electronic newsletter, International Student News, is produced once a term to keep students up-to-date with issues and events affecting international students. All undergraduates are allocated a personal tutor, but departments also have departmental and faculty tutors available if needed.

Ranking

• 9th in the Times University Guide 2020
• 14th in the Guardian University Guide 2021
• 10th in the QS World University Rankings 2021
• 16th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021
• 16th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2020

University College London was ranked the best university in the UK for research strength following the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, producing the greatest amount of ‘world leading’ research.

Accommodation

All first year international undergraduate and postgraduate students are guaranteed accommodation which is made up of catered Halls of Residence, self-catered student housing, catered inter-collegiate halls and privately rented accommodation organised by partner organisations. University-run accommodation is found in locations such as Bloomsbury, Marble Arch and Paddington.

Location

University College London is based on three main campuses, located in Bloomsbury, Archway and Hampstead. Bloomsbury is home to the British Museum, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, the British Medical Association, the University of London’s Senate House and a number of key UCL colleges including School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, School of Pharmacy and the Royal Veterinary College.

The Archway Campus focuses on Multiprofessional Education, Informatics, Clinical Research and Health Services Research, while the Hampstead Campus is one of the medical school’s main teaching and research sites. The UCL student union claims to have the largest selection of clubs and societies in the country, making it desirable for those who wish to socialise away from study.

Alumni

• Alexander Graham Bell (Inventor of the telephone)
• Christopher Nolan (Director)
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Junichiro Koizumi (Japanese Prime Minister, 2001-2006)
• Chris Martin (Coldplay singer)
• Ricky Gervais (Comedian)

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