UCL Term Dates 2025-2026: Important Dates and Deadlines

The UCL term dates 2025-2026 academic year comprise three distinct terms with specific start and end dates.

University College London follows a three-term system that accommodates undergraduate degrees, masters programmes, and research activities across 45 weeks of study.

Key Academic Statistics:

• Total teaching weeks: 30 weeks
• Reading weeks: 2 weeks
• Assessment periods: Integrated throughout terms
• Holiday breaks: Christmas (2 weeks), Easter (3 weeks), Summer (15 weeks)

UCL Welcome Week and Induction Activities

UCL Welcome Week 2025 begins in mid-September, with teaching commencing on Monday, September 22, 2025.

Welcome and induction activities typically run between September 16-27, helping over 20,000 new students settle into university life.

Welcome Week Timeline 2025

Welcome Week Key Features:

• UCL ID card collection and visa support
• Campus tours and orientation sessions
• Society and club recruitment events
• Academic department introductions
• Student services information sessions

Assessment periods, examination windows, and submission deadlines

UCL assessment periods are integrated throughout the academic year rather than concentrated in specific examination blocks.

The assessment structure varies by programme type, with continuous assessment, coursework deadlines, and formal examinations distributed across all three terms.

Assessment Calendar Overview

Important Assessment Notes:

• Module-specific deadlines vary by department
• Masters dissertations are typically due in September
• Resit opportunities are available in the summer period
• Personal timetables published via the Student Timetables service

UCL bank holidays 2025-2026

UCL observes standard UK bank holidays and implements specific closure periods during Christmas and Easter breaks.

These closures impact library access, administrative services, and campus facilities.

UCL Closure Dates 2025-2026

Bank Holidays 2026

• Monday, May 4, 2026 – Early May Bank Holiday
• Monday, May 25, 2026 – Spring Bank Holiday
• Monday, August 31, 2026 – Summer Bank Holiday

Note: Bank holiday dates may change subject to government announcements.

What should international students and study abroad participants know about UCL term dates?

International students and study abroad participants should note that UCL term dates 2025-2026 may differ from their home institutions’ calendars.

Visa requirements, accommodation bookings, and travel arrangements should align with these specific dates.

Study Abroad Considerations

Visa and Immigration Timeline:

• Student visa applications: 3-6 months before arrival
• Biometric residence permit collection: Within 10 days of arrival
• Police registration: Within 7 days if required
• Bank account opening: First 2 weeks of arrival

How do UCL term dates vary by college and programme type?

UCL term dates differ significantly by college and programme, with some faculties following extended academic calendars.

Professional programmes, teacher training, and specialized masters courses often have unique scheduling requirements.

College-Specific Variations

Masters Programme Considerations:

• 45-week study period for full-time taught masters
• Dissertation preparation extends beyond Term 3
• 10-month and 2-year programmes have custom schedules
• September dissertation submission deadlines

Where can students download official calendars, PDFs, and view personalized timetables?

Students can access UCL term dates 2025-26 PDF downloads and personalized academic calendars through multiple official channels. The Student Registry Services (SRS) provides comprehensive calendar resources and individual timetable access.

Official Calendar Resources

Digital Calendar Integration:

• ICS file downloads for calendar apps
• Google Calendar synchronization is available
• Outlook integration supported
• Mobile app notifications enabled

UCL Term Dates Frequently Asked Questions

UCL vs London Universities: Term Date Comparison

London University Term Dates Comparison 2025-2026

Key Insights:

• UCL starts the earliest among major London universities
• Most London universities align the Term 2 and 3 dates
• UCL offers a longer Christmas break period
• Research opportunities vary by institutional calendar

Essential Planning Tips for UCL Students

Academic Planning Checklist

September Preparation:

• Confirm accommodation from September 15th
• Complete visa requirements by early September
• Book travel allowing for Welcome Week attendance
• Set up a UK bank account during the first week

Term Transition Planning:

• Monitor reading week schedules for study planning
• Plan travel around term boundaries
• Consider internship applications during breaks
• Prepare for assessment deadlines in advance

International Student Considerations:

• Visa validity must extend beyond course completion
• Travel insurance covering the full academic year
• Emergency contact registration with the embassy
• Academic transcript verification for transfers

Financial Planning Timeline

Sources and Official Links

For the most current UCL term dates and academic calendar information, students should consult:

• UCL Student Hub: Official term dates and closures
• Student Registry Services (SRS): Academic calendar PDFs and updates
• College-specific pages: Department variations and programme requirements
• UCL Students’ Union: Welcome Week events and social calendar