University College London (UCL) offers students much more than an excellent academic education. For Mary, a Master’s student in Education, Culture and Practice, the university became a place where she discovered new opportunities, built lasting friendships, and developed the confidence to pursue her passions.

When Mary moved from Brighton to London to begin her master’s degree, everything felt unfamiliar. She had never lived in such a large city before and didn’t know anyone at UCL. Starting university in a completely new environment was intimidating, and she initially worried about finding her place.

However, getting involved in student life quickly changed her experience. By attending weekly board game evenings and joining student societies, Mary began meeting new people and became part of a welcoming community. Since many of these activities are organised by students themselves, she found it easy to connect with others who shared similar interests and gradually built friendships that made London feel like home.

Student life has continued to shape every stage of Mary’s journey at UCL. During her undergraduate studies, she became a society president, participated in sports, and later served as both the Students’ Union Activities Officer and President of the Students’ Union. These experiences helped her discover a genuine passion for public and arts education, inspiring her to continue her academic journey with a master’s degree.

For Mary, university is about much more than attending lectures and earning a qualification. She believes that student life is where people discover their interests, build meaningful friendships, develop leadership skills, and prepare for future careers. Many of the most valuable lessons she has learned have come from experiences outside the classroom.

One of her favourite memories at UCL has been performing in student theatre productions. Playing Lord Farquaad in Shrek in front of hundreds of audience members was an unforgettable experience, made even more special because the entire production was organised and performed by students. Looking back, Mary feels that university has helped her learn not only academically but also personally. Through clubs, societies, and extracurricular activities, she discovered what truly motivates her and what she enjoys most. She encourages new students to take advantage of every opportunity available, join societies, attend events, and step outside their comfort zones, even when it feels challenging.

Mary also believes it is important not to put too much pressure on yourself during your first year. Every student arrives from a different background, and everyone experiences moments of uncertainty while adjusting to university life. Finding a healthy balance between studying, resting, and participating in campus activities can make the overall experience far more rewarding.

Reflecting on her time at UCL, Mary wishes she had attended even more creative events and festivals during her early years instead of occasionally staying at home. Being surrounded by talented, creative, and inspiring people has become one of the most valuable parts of her university experience, making UCL a community she is proud to be part of.

Watch the video below to hear Mary share her experience of studying at UCL, finding her community through student societies, and making the most of everything university life has to offer.

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Source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gmWmol46gU