Student London: A New History of Higher Education in the Capital is a groundbreaking book. It explores the often-missed role of students. This work aims to re-center them in London’s vast history. The book launched to mark UCL’s 200th anniversary. Its authors are Professor Georgina Brewis and Dr. Sam Blaxland. They teach at UCL’s Institute of Education. They argue students are frequently dismissed as trivial. University histories often overlook their impact. Therefore, this book seeks to correct that narrative. It repositions students as vital shapers of the city.
Reclaiming Student History
For two centuries, students have been part of London’s population. Most London histories ignore higher education. University histories also neglect student contributions. This new book places students at the forefront. It is the first publication to do so. The authors meticulously researched student life. They trawled through thousands of sources. These included university newspapers and memoirs. Oral histories also provided key insights. Secret service files and court reports were examined. Official records and college magazines were consulted. This extensive research covers nearly 200 years. It traces history through the eyes of students. The book argues the first students were UCL’s true founders. These students arrived in the late 1820s.
A Wider Lens on London’s Culture
Student London looks beyond just one institution. It covers UCL and its merged colleges. These include the School of Pharmacy and the Institute of Education. The book captures diverse higher education experiences. It examines medical schools and teacher training colleges. Specialist institutes are also included. Furthermore, it delves into London’s imperial history. It highlights the significance of international students. The book explores authentic student experiences. These span various cultures and backgrounds. The authors look at collegiate culture. They also cover political engagement and recreation. Health, sports, and leisure are discussed.
Everyday Lives and Evolving Society
The book unpacks city life’s rich opportunities. However, it is not just a celebratory account. It honestly explores challenges. Loneliness and mental health struggles appear. Racial discrimination and crime are detailed. Financial hardship and poor housing are also covered. The book examines student attitudes over time. These shifts relate to class, race, and gender. Sex and sexuality are also explored. The authors investigate student pranks. One example involved formaldehyde disguised as beer. They also note early opposition to LGBTQ+ societies. Such details reveal changing society and culture.
Beyond the Myth of a ‘Golden Age’
Student London questions the idea of a trending ‘golden age’. Many believe higher education was better in the past. The book suggests this is a myth. Student experiences varied greatly. There was often apathy toward university life. Commutes were long for many students. Tuition was not always free or well-funded. The authors found student memoirs felt familiar. One student partied late in 1850. He still attended an 8 am lecture. Another student ate cheap sausages daily. He asked no questions about their contents. Students often saw London as “dirty, smoggy and seedy.” This perspective held across generations. The book frames students as a useful litmus test. They reflect changes in youth culture and society.
A New Perspective on London’s News
This new news about London’s past is vital. It offers a fresh perspective. It shows how students shaped the capital. Their lives mirror broader societal shifts. The book is a major outcome of a project. This was ‘Generation UCL: Two Hundred Years of Student Life in London’. The research was a partnership. It involved UCL historians and the Students’ Union. The book is available open access. It can also be purchased as a hard copy. Student London enriches our understanding. It reveals the dynamic role of youth. They have always been key to London’s story. This work ensures their voices are finally heard. It highlights their enduring influence. The culture of student life continues to evolve. This book provides essential context for that evolution.
