UCL: An NM Squad Review

What Makes UCL Stand Out

UCL, ranked University of the Year 2024 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, also holds a global top-10 position in 10 subject areas according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. It was London's first secular university, admitting students of all religions and women as early as 1878. Situated in the vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London, UCL's urban campus integrates seamlessly with the city, offering students access to cultural landmarks and excellent transportation options. Indian students can reach UCL via direct 10-hour flights or layovers, landing at major airports like London Heathrow, with convenient transport through the tube or cab to campus. London's climate is variable, ranging from mild winters (2-8°C) to warm summers (15-25°C), making it an accessible and welcoming destination.

From Applications to Scholarships: How to Get into UCL

UCL seeks students who clearly articulate their goals and relevant experiences in their personal statements, with tutors thoroughly reviewing each application and detecting AI-generated content. UCAS applications undergo a rigorous process where essays and applications are ranked in rounds, with 5,000 applications typically sorted in 2-3 rounds. Although supplementary essays may be required, UCL doesn't penalize applicants for using the same UCAS essay for different majors. Admission is increasingly competitive, especially for programmes like Biomed and Medicine, which now use UCAT. For UPCSE, applicants select two subjects and take entrance tests, while UPCH applicants are assessed with or without Mathematics, involving tests and interviews. Entrance tests consist of 30 multiple-choice questions, and practice tests are available. UCL also supports widening participation (WP) initiatives, offering contextual offers and running programmes for underrepresented communities. The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship for 2024-25 offers 33 awards for students from India, including 3 full tuition scholarships. UCL's Indian student body comprises 935 undergraduates, with 260 freshmen this year.

New Programmes and Evolving Curriculum at UCL

UCL, a trailblazer in disruptive thinking since 1826, addresses global challenges in health, sustainability, and technology. For 2025, it introduces three new programmes: Youth, Society and Sustainable Futures BA, Communications BA, and Philosophy and Computer Science BA. Rigorous programmes like Law offer strong support, while Civil Engineering has removed its Math requirement to encourage female participation. Each student is assigned a tutor, with popular courses including Psychology, Law, Economics, Medicine, and Fine Arts. Application numbers for these courses range from 4,400 for Economics to over 5,000 for Law. While Business Studies and Fashion are not offered, UCL excels in a variety of academic disciplines with class sizes ranging from 10 to 350.

A Dynamic and Inclusive Campus Culture

UCL offers a vibrant community with a balance of competition and support, featuring a diverse and inclusive student body. The Indian community actively participates in festivals like Holi and Diwali with students from SOAS and KCL. With over 300 societies, including the Indian Student Society, Yoga Club, and the newly established Malayali Society, UCL fosters student engagement through events. UCL boasts 16 libraries, the Bloomsbury Theatre, and the Grant Museum of Zoology with over 100,000 specimens. Students also enjoy the architecture summer show and film connections to "Inception" and "Batman." A friendly rivalry exists between UCL and King's, with a tradition of stealing each other's mascots. UCL provides strong security measures and housing guaranteed for international students in their first year, alongside various dining options across campuses.

Preparing for Global Opportunities at UCL

The Student Centre at UCL, featuring Jeremy Bentham's preserved skeleton, serves as the hub for non-academic advisory services, including mental health, personal development, and disability support provided by a team of counselors. The Careers Service, staffed by around 25 counselors across various faculties, organizes workshops and career fairs that attracted nearly 1,000 companies last year, ranging from multinational corporations and investment banks to tech firms and start-ups. Additionally, UCL's Office for Innovation and Entrepreneurship supports student startups, particularly from India, while offering CV and interview workshops to help navigate a competitive job market where work permits are not guaranteed. Students also have access to summer research projects and internships promoted by the Careers Service and departments. Ranked in the global top 20 and first in London for graduate employability, UCL's top employers include Deloitte LLP, PwC, Amazon, KPMG LLP, JP Morgan Chase & Co., and Google.