Top things to do on UEL’s campuses (beyond your lectures)
Published on 08 Apr 2026
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Disclaimer: The content on this blog is the opinion of the author and it was correct at the time of writing
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Choosing a university isn’t just about the course. It’s about where you’ll spend your time between lectures, how the campus feels day to day, and what the normal pattern of your life will be.
At UEL, university life extends well beyond the classroom. Whether you find yourself in Docklands or Stratford, there’s plenty to fill your days,
Take in the waterfront at Docklands Campus
Our Docklands campus sits on the Royal Docks, offering one of the most distinctive environments of any London university.
Between lectures, you can walk along the water, reset, and get some space. So much access to open air makes a big difference, especially among all the bustle of London life.
Train at SportsDock
SportsDock is one of the standout facilities at Docklands. This £21 million sports centre includes a gym, swimming pool, fitness studios, sports halls, and a wide programme of classes.
Used by professional organisations including the London Lions and West Ham United Foundation, it reflects the quality of what’s available to students. Whether you’re training seriously or just staying active, the facilities are there for you to use.
Join a society early
A large part of university life happens outside your course. Joining a society is one of the fastest ways to meet people and feel part of the UEL campus community.
UEL Students’ Union supports a wide range of clubs and societies, from sport and culture to creative and academic interests. Getting involved early helps you settle in and make the most of your time at university.
Be part of the bustle of Stratford
Our Stratford campus offers a different pace and setting.
You’re next to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and close to major cultural developments, including Sadler’s Wells East and V&A East. Westfield Stratford City is nearby, alongside restaurants, cinemas, and everyday essentials.
On campus, you’ll find modern teaching spaces, specialist labs, a large library, and social study areas designed for collaborative work.
Escape the noise at USS
University Square Stratford (USS) is one of London's newest and most well-equipped campuses. Close to the connections of Stratford but with its own facilities and calmer feel, you're less than half an hour from London ExCel, Olympic Park, Oxford Street and Waterloo.
Time to study? Not a problem. We've invested £33 million in industry-standard facilities at USS, including a student centre and help desk, specialist dance and performance spaces, a Harvard lecture theatre with live capture technology and a simulation courtroom for mooting experience.
Use London as part of your degree
Studying at a UEL campus means studying in London, with everything this city has the offer.
Our campuses are well connected by Tube, DLR, Overground, and the Elizabeth line. You'll be able to access any internships, industry events, and cultural spaces you need to.
Make the most of the libraries.
Libraries play a central role in university life, especially during assessment periods. The Docklands library on the UEL campus is open 24/7, giving you a reliable place to study whenever you need it.
You’ll also have access to digital resources, subject databases, and specialist staff who can support your academic work.
Consider on-campus living
The Docklands student village houses around 1,200 students, making it easier to meet people and settle into university life quickly. Living on a UEL campus means your accommodation, teaching, and social spaces are all within walking distance.
A free shuttle bus connects Docklands and Stratford, making travel between each UEL campus straightforward.
Life at UEL goes beyond lectures and libraries. Each campus offers a distinct environment, strong facilities, and direct
Considering studying in the capital? Visit us! It's the best way to understand what your university experience could look like.
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