University life is all about connecting with fellow students; sharing ideas, creating, and socialising together. At London College of Fashion, UAL, we’re dedicated to growing and developing our student communities and encouraging student-led initiatives.
During our first year at East Bank, we’ve been focusing on improving the student community on campus by creating spaces where students can connect and collaborate. Student feedback has been key in guiding our efforts to ensure that students have the opportunity to build relationships and make the most of their time at UAL.
What are we working on?
To enhance the student community at East Bank, we are focusing on four key areas:
- The atmosphere in the building
- Wayfinding and showcasing
- communication and events
- Networking
The first phase of improvements currently being put in place are:
Community noticeboards
We’ve introduced student-owned noticeboards in each of the 3 student hubs and an Arts SU noticeboard on the 10th floor. Find more information in the East Bank Building Guide on Moodle.
Showcasing your work on campus
Staff and student work is now being displayed throughout the building. This initiative is led by the Creative Directors for the Schools in collaboration with the Cultural Programming team. Students can contact the Creative Directors for guidance on submitting work:
- Ed Stammers, Associate Dean Fashion Business School
- Rob Phillips, Creative Director School of Design and Technology
- Bex Cassie, Creative Director School of Media and Communications
- PhD students can contact Lindsay Pentelow, Head of Cultural Programming
Annual student competition
Plans are underway to launch a yearly competition for students to ‘create something for the building’. Watch out for more information.
Simplified event booking
We’ve streamlined the processes for booking student-led events and activities in the building. Students who have ideas for events at East Bank should speak to Arts SU’s LCF Officer in the first instance, lcfofficer@su.arts.ac.uk. The LCF Officer can then advise on what Arts SU events are taking place (to avoid repetition or how students can get involved with in-progress Arts SU events). These event ideas can also be referred to the Associate Dean of Student Experience.
New LCF student-led initiatives
We’ve recruited students who will explore various initiatives to improve LCF students' sense of belonging at East Bank, such as activating the student hubs and transforming areas like the Canteen, into vibrant social networking spaces.
Monthly canteen takeover events
In collaboration with Arts SU, we’re launching monthly student-led ‘takeover’ events in the Canteen on Thursdays from 2pm onwards. These events will provide opportunities for pop-ups, networking, and collaboration. The first 3 dates are 27 February, 6 March and 24 April.
More information will be shared in the YOUR.LCF - student newsletter.
Enhanced dining experience in the canteen
Based on your feedback UAL Catering has enhanced the dining experience at UAL. The menus will feature new items, including more vegan, vegetarian, and globally inspired dishes, reflecting the diverse tastes of our community. There is also a greater focus on sourcing fresh, seasonal, and locally produced ingredients, particularly in the salad bar, ensuring quality and sustainability. To ensure everyone feels included, allergen awareness and labelling will be enhanced, making dining safer for all dietary needs.
Additionally, there will be an introduction of rotating pop-ups that showcase new dishes, global cuisines, and student-created ideas, keeping the options exciting and fresh. Also, this term lookout for a selection of seasonal drinks, that perfectly complement UAL’s creative and trend-forward community.
Follow @ualcatering on Instagram for updates, you can also explore the East Bank weekly menu to find the special dish of the day.
Visit your Arts SU office
Arts SU is UAL’s Students' Union, led by students for students. It serves as the heart of the student community, fostering connections through societies, sports clubs, support services, social activities, and events. Their mission is to help students make the most of the life-changing opportunities available to them while studying and developing their creative practice.
With a wide range of initiatives, Arts SU offers countless ways for you to build connections and be an active part of the UAL community. The Arts SU office opening times are now displayed on their office door (room EB 122), and a new dedicated Arts SU digital screen has been installed on the mezzanine level - Look out for Arts SU updates.
LCF Arts SU office reception is open:
Tuesday – Thursday, between 10am - 4pm (lunch break from 1pm - 2pm).
LCF Arts SU Front of House services are available:
Monday – Friday, 10am - 4pm and students can also contact the Arts SU by email or phone.
What next?
We are collaborating with Graduate Futures; Estates and Operations teams to enhance student confidence in networking and finding ways to make better use of our Canteen and student hubs as dynamic and welcoming spaces for connection.
"Here at LCF, we have been listening to our students’ experiences in their first year of being in the new building at East Bank. We have been hearing how our students love the new building and want more opportunities to make their mark on campus. You also want to collaborate and network, not just with your course mates, but also with peers on other courses. To this end, we are working with Arts SU and other stakeholders to develop a culture of student engagement that empowers LCF students to thrive, collaborate and feel part of a diverse and supportive learning community." - Dr Annamarie McKie, Associate Dean: Student Experience at LCF.
Future updates on how these spaces will support community building and professional growth and build a stronger sense of belonging and community for all students at LCF will be shared with students in the Your.LCF student newsletter.
- Find out more about Arts SU sports clubs and societies
- Discover more stories on UAL Hall’s Life
- Explore what’s on in the Wolfson Studio takeover space
- Check out our East Bank area guide
- Discover what’s on at Sadler’s Wells East