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Supporting trans and non-binary students

We seek to build a safe and inclusive environment for trans and non-binary students at University of the Arts London (UAL). We aim to provide accessible support and clear guidance on issues such as how you can update your student records.

You can update relevant details on your student record by updating your UAL portal or submitting a change request form (Word 37KB) to the Head of Academic Registry in your College.

Changing your name, gender marker or title as a current student

Preferred first name (‘known as’ name) and title

You must submit a change request form to Academic Registry.

Gender marker, pronouns or trans status

You can update this information yourself on the UAL Portal at any time.

Legal name

You must complete a change request form and send it to Academic Registry. You’ll need one of the following documents to update your legal name at UAL:

  • birth certificate
  • change of name deed (unenrolled or enrolled deed poll)
  • driving licence
  • marriage certificate
  • passport
  • statutory declaration of name change.

If you’re an international student, contact International Student Advice. You’ll need one of the following documents to update your legal name at UAL:

  • passport
  • visa
  • biometric residence permit
  • residence card.

Legal sex marker

You must send a change request form to Academic Registry. You must have one of the following documents to update your legal sex marker at UAL:

  • passport
  • driving licence
  • birth certificate.

If you’re an international student, contact International Student Advice. You must have one of the following documents to update your legal sex marker at UAL:

  • passport
  • visa
  • biometric residence permit
  • residence card.

University email address

You can change your university email address to match either your ‘known as’ name or your legal forename by sending a change request form to Academic Registry.

These changes can take up to 5 working days.

Name change on your student ID card

You can update the name on your student ID card by sending a change request form to Academic Registry.

The name on your student ID card must match either your ‘known as’ or legal forename on your student record.

Using toilet facilities

There is a mixture of toilet facilities across UAL sites, including gendered and all-gender toilet facilities. All UAL sites now have gender-neutral toilets.

You can use the toilet facilities that best align with your gender identity.

Dressing comfortably at UAL

You can dress in a way that makes you feel safe and comfortable for study.

If you wear a uniform, you can request a set of new uniforms that are appropriate for your gender expression at no extra charge.

New uniforms can replace previous ones or can be used as additional garments for students with gender-fluid identities or expression.

Taking time off for medical or other appointments

We understand that sometimes trans and non-binary students may need to take time off for reasons related to your trans or non-binary identity.

Absences for medical or other appointments, including counselling appointments, that happen during scheduled learning activities will be handled in line with our attendance policy.

You should talk to your tutor about any absences, so that they can help to minimise any impact on your studies.

Further resources