UCL Freebies You Won't Want to Miss Out On

Photo Courtesy: 2H Media

Everyone loves a freebie. Especially when you live in an expensive city on a paltry budget. Whether you’re a fresher or a third year, you’re probably not taking advantage of everything UCL offers its students, so I have put together a comprehensive list for you.

Magazine Subscriptions

If you have tried staying on top of current affairs but keep getting stuck behind paywalls, you will know that magazine subscriptions are expensive. But you can get digital access to the likes of the Financial Times by signing in with your UCL credentials. The FT has a tech section covering AI and developments in global technology, and a Life & Arts section covering topics from The Met Gala to London theatre reviews. Something for everybody!

UCL also subscribes to Lexis+ UK, a platform giving students access to over a thousand digital newspapers covering UK and global news.

Unlimited Access to Films and Podcasts

UCL subscribes to Box of Broadcasts, a platform giving students access to many films and documentaries. You’ll find classic films on here – from The Devil Wears Prada to Bridget Jones. Obviously UCL’s membership is intended to provide access to educational content, but you can use it for a lot more… and save on a Netflix subscription.

You can also get an account for the British Film Institute’s streaming service to watch cult classics and explore their indie collection.

Society Memberships

Societies can be expensive, especially if you join more than one. But you can find lots of free societies, including Buddhist Society if you’re feeling spiritually curious, or the Effective Altruism Society if you want to learn how to maximize your philanthropy. The Piano Society is free, as is The Country and Folk Music Society. If you loved Ru Paul’s Drag Race and fancy attending some student run drag shows, Drag Society has no joining fee either. This barely scratches the surface of UCL’s free societies. Money shouldn’t stop anyone from getting involved with the community!

Careers Events

This one’s for the third years who keep hearing that dreaded question: ‘What job do you want after university?’ If you don’t know where to start, keep an eye on the ‘Upcoming events’ section of the UCL careers website, and subscribe to their weekly newsletter to have the latest opportunities emailed to you. Many UCL careers events are free – just book a spot in advance.

One-to-One Careers Support

If careers events sound impersonal, UCL also offers one-to-one appointments for CV checking, mock interviews and job application advice.

Counselling Services

University can be a challenging time of emotional and educational transition. UCL offers six free counselling sessions per academic year – an amazing service considering that the average cost of therapy is £50 per session in the UK.

Technical Support

One too many assignments burning up your devices?

If your laptop malfunctions and you don’t want to pay to get it fixed, try the UCL IT support services. They have desks in the IOE and Science Libraries, open from 9:30-5:30 on weekdays.