Re-think belonging

#TeamUEL

Belonging starts with you: building a world where we all belong

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#TeamUEL

Belonging starts with you: building a world where we all belong

Re-think belonging

At the University of East London, every student journey is unique and every story matters. 

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True belonging isn’t about fitting into a box

It's about breaking free.

It's about being seen, valued, and celebrated for your unique identity, whether defined by race, religion, gender, disability, or any other part of who you are.

  • 160 nationalities represented in our 40,481 students from around the globe.
  • 57% of our students are the first in their family to attend university.
  • 1st in London for social inclusion and 12th nationally in the 2023 Times Social Inclusion ranking.

Belonging at UEL – our student community

We are proud of our diverse, inclusive community where students from all backgrounds feel a genuine sense of belonging, support, and opportunity.

From first-generation students and LGBTQ+ advocates to neurodivergent learners and student parents, our community reflects the diverse world we live in. 

Through their experiences, our students show how UEL supports personal growth, resilience, and success at every stage of university life.

a girl sitting in an office chair with a ribbon around her neck.
I love that UEL makes my studies interesting while arranging other extraordinary events along the way.

Mrugdha Rajesh Sankhe

MSc Cloud Computing

Real student stories from the UEL community

Meet Marina, Natasha, Khadijah and Pariss, current students sharing their personal journeys of belonging at UEL. Explore how they’ve overcome challenges, found support, and built meaningful connections as part of #TeamUEL.

  • Khadijah Noor

    As the first woman in her family to study abroad, Khadijah’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery.

  • Pariss Sailsman

    Pariss defied the odds and broke through labels of underachievement to pursue her passion for criminology and justice.

  • Marina Narbuntaite

    Marina's journey is one of resilience and transformation, navigating the complexities of identity, activism, and mental health.

  • Natasha

    Natasha once believed the law industry was reserved for a narrow stereotype she didn’t fit. Now she’s pursuing her passion for advocacy and human rights.

Hear from more of our students

Student support services that help you thrive

A strong sense of belonging starts with knowing support is always available. At UEL, we provide a wide range of student support services designed to help you succeed academically, personally, and professionally.

Our dedicated teams offer:

  • Mental health support, counselling, and wellbeing services.
  • Academic skills workshops and one-to-one learning support.
  • Financial advice, hardship funding, and budgeting guidance with our SMART team.
  • Disability, neurodiversity, and inclusive learning support.
  • Childcare options for student parents.

Whether you’re adjusting to university life or facing unexpected challenges, we’re here to help you feel confident and supported throughout your studies.

Student support services

Share your story with #TeamUEL

Your experience matters. By sharing your journey, you help future students see what belonging at UEL really looks like.

Celebrate your achievements, reflect on your challenges, and inspire others by using #TeamUEL on social media.

  • From Malaysia to London, Sangeet found a space that celebrates her culture, faith, and future
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  • Coming from Georgia, George found more than just a university - he found a community.
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  • From the architecture studio to quiet moments by the dockside, Olumide's found her home at UEL.
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Student Life Radio

Each month on Student Life Radio, we share stories from students, staff, and the local community who bring UEL to life.

FAQs

Will I fit in at UEL?

Yes. UEL is known for its diverse and welcoming student community. Many of our students are first-generation, mature learners, or from underrepresented backgrounds.

What support is available if I need help?

You can access academic, wellbeing, financial, and disability support at any point during your studies - both online and on campus.

Can I get support before starting university?

Yes. Applicants and offer-holders can explore support services, attend transition events, and connect with UEL staff before enrolment.

How do students connect and build friendships?

Students connect through societies, events, mentoring schemes, peer networks, and online communities.

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