The Godless College

Established in 1826, University College London was the first higher education institution open its door to students for any race or religion, separating it from the two existing university at that time, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, that were open only to members of the Church of England. Its motto: "Cuncti adsint meritaeque expectent praemia palmae" (Let all come who by merit deserve the most reward) epitomises the UCL's ideological view of education for all.

University College London

This view of opening education for all is believed to be inspired largely by Jeremy Bentham's utilitarian principle of "the greatest happiness for the greatest number," and for this secularist view, UCL was once nicknamed as "the godless college" or "the godless scum in Gower street".

Jeremy Bentham's Auto-Icon

However, being secularist does not mean UCL is against any religion. UCL respects and acknowledges that religious faith is important for many of its students.




This is represented with UCL providing a special place for its students to observe their religious rituals, the Contemplation Room located in Hut 34 inside the UCL main campus.

UCL Contemplation Room