First-year undergraduate

First year is an exciting time, but it can also be confusing and daunting. Use the resources on this page - along with the support from your department, personal tutor and transition mentor - to get off to a great start UCL. Don't forget that university isn't just formal learning, but the other opportunities you discover here too.

What to expect in your first year

students sitting on grass in sun on main quad

How you will learn at university.

Your first assignment

Simple steps to help you tackle your first assignment.

Develop your study skills

A pipette being used to put liquid into test tubes

Tips, advice, and opportunities for academic skills development

Development opportunities

students learning about volunteering opportunities at student fair

Find out about the other opportunities to develop your skills at UCL.

Planning ahead

The UCL Front Quad in the summer, with students relaxing and talking to each other

Module choice, careers and planning your summer early.

Where to get help when you need it

askUCL: UCL's student enquiry system. Your one-stop shop to ask any questions that you have, which will correctly get directed to the correct team to answer your enquiry.
Student Support and Wellbeing Services: Get support from UCL's expert team of wellbeing, disability and mental health staff.
Students' Union UCL Advice Service: There to give you support, care about the things you care about, and fight for you when need someone in your corner.
Information Services Division: Support for all your IT needs. They have an online helpdesk and a physical presence in a lot of UCL's libraries.
UCL Library Help: Different ways to get help from UCL Library staff. There is also up-to-date information on library services.
Access one-to-one careers advice from UCL Careers.
Exams and assessment hub: for all you need to know about centrally-managed exams at UCL.

Feedback and suggestions

A huge thank you to Lily Weilar, a second-year undergraduate student, for helping curate this content.

Got feedback or suggestions for resources? Would you like to create some content to help other students transition to university and make the most of their first year? Contact the UCL Arena Centre. We are also keen to hear from staff if you have comments or suggestions.