10 reasons to live and learn in East London
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1. City campus
Benefit from an authentic University campus experience with London on your doorstep for when you want to network or explore the capital.
The University of East London is one of the only London based Higher Education Institutions to have a self-contained campus. This means you get to experience the best of both worlds: living in a thriving capital city and enjoying a 'traditional' University experience.
2. British Feminism was born in East London
The East End of London has a rich history when it comes to innovation and education.
Mary Wollstonecraft is the mother of British Feminism. She was born in Spitalfields and spent much of her childhood in Hoxton. She was a passionate believer in the rights of women, education and rational thinking. She opened a school for girls in Newington Green which has been transformed into a non-religious church where these days you can attend events, engage in social justice work and get involved with the local community.
The University of East London continues to address issues of gender equality and our school of Architecture, Computing and Engineering was recently recognised for championing gender equality.
3. Diverse
East London is one of the youngest, most multi-cultural neighbourhoods in the UK, so you’ll fit in whoever you are. At the University of East London we celebrate diversity and you will meet students and academics with various backgrounds from all over the world. We have programmes for refugees, run foundation years, and have childcare on campus so whatever your ambitions, we are here to help make them into reality.
Find out some of the stories from the humans within the University of East London's extended community.
4. Creative
The East End has so much art and creativity around that it spills out from galleries on to the streets as playful murals and colourful displays. There are sculptures and installations hidden around street corners, in parks or on cycle routes. East London is full of culture, creativity and craftsmanship.
Find out more of our top art picks.
5. Green
Sometimes you just need a breath of fresh air and East London has you covered for those tranquil moments alongside nature. Large city farms, Victorian Cemeteries or woodlands and wetlands – there's something for everyone in the East End. Take a cycle in the Olympic Park, buy some fresh eggs from Mudchute Farm or go bird spotting (or wild swimming) at the Walthamstow Wetlands. Spot bluebells in Epping Forest or enjoy some quiet time with a book in Tower Hamlets Cemetery. Stroll along the canal from the Olympic Park to Victoria Park or go canoeing in Hackney Wick.
For more ideas on outdoor fun visit our top picks.
6. Career Opportunities
When it comes to careers, London is moving east. The area is jam-packed with start-ups, established organisations, event spaces and more.
The University of East London is well connected locally and globally. Look out of your campus accommodation to the powerhouse that is Canary Wharf and if you’ve set your sights further afield into the rest of the world, we can put you in touch with our global network. We are well connected and not only because we have City Airport on our doorstep. Whatever subject you’re going to study, we’ll introduce you to industry leaders and help you find unmissable opportunities.
Get more info on our careers support.
7. Inclusive
We are constantly reviewing our curriculum, so it continues to remain innovative, inclusive and representative. We have a thriving Black Academy with a special focus and passion for issues of social justice, racial equity, anti-racism and Black representation.
The University was ranked number 1 in the UK for addressing inequalities (2nd in the world) by the Times Higher Education Global Impact Ranking, 2020.
8. Sports
As the home to the 2012 Olympics, East London has continued its sporting legacy, with the University of East London playing a key role.
Our Sportsdock facility was used by Team USA during the Olympics and our Move East London programme means that anyone, whether a future athlete or a complete novice, can enjoy sporting classes in our amazing £21 million sporting facility. Want to play competitively? We have sixteen sports clubs who train at least once a week. Our basketball, volleyball and tennis programmes are the best in London. You’ll have the chance to regularly compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sports leagues and championships.
9. Community Spirit
East London is hip and happening. The vibe here is younger, more innovative and a little bit shabbier (in the best possibly way). Creatives, families and businesses have continually flocked to the area since the nineties and brought with them talent and imagination to an area with a great sense of community. The University of East London is at the heart of it all, experiencing this seismic culture shift whilst helping build and shape future generations of east Londoners.
Watch our video about how our community coped in lockdown.
10. East London Nights
If good nightlife is important to you, East London is tough to beat.
The streets of Shoreditch are paved with gold when it comes to bars, restaurants and clubs whilst Hackney Wick and Dalston cater for intimate parties as well as warehouse raves. So there's plenty to keep you wined, entertained and dined.
For more ideas on nightlife, check out our top picks.