University College London: Old Students Association Minute Books

Scope and Content

Minute books of the Old Students Association, covering the years 1903-1921, 1945-1962 and 1962-1978. They contain minutes of meetings, correspondence, printed reports, accounts, and miscellaneous papers, in manuscript, typescript and printed formats.

Administrative / Biographical History

Student bodies existed at University College London (before 1836 known as the University of London) from its inception in 1828. The Men's Union Society was formed in 1893 to promote 'social intercourse and ... the means of recreation, physical and mental, of the students of University College, and the financial success of students' clubs'. The Society was unusual amongst early student unions in that it was formed both for the athletic clubs and for social activities - the first of its kind in Britain.The oldest society of University College London is the Medical Society formed in 1828, which later became part of the Union. However, in 1907 it became detached from the Union due to the separation of the University College London Hospital Medical School from the University. In order to facilitate the Medical Society's continued use of and input into the running of the sports ground, a joint finance committee was formed. The Debating Society, originally named the Literary and Philosophical Society, was started in 1829. On the founding of the Union Society in 1893 the Debating Society subscribed to the Union and in 1909 was incorporated into the Union Society. The Women's Debating Society was formed in 1878 and was absorbed by the Women's Union Society in 1897.The Old Students Association of University College London was founded in 1890.

Access Information

Restricted access

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Acquisition Information

Volume 1 deposited by Dr. A H Harris, 1946. Volumes 2 & 3 deposited by the Old Students Association (A528).

Custodial History

Deposited by the Old Student's Association.