University College London

Located in Bloomsbury in the heart of London, University College London (UCL) students can take a quick break from lectures to nip out to see an exhibition at the British Museum or browse through one of the millions of books at the British Library. The university is rightly proud that it was the first to admit students regardless of race, class, religion or gender; fittingly its motto is 'let all come who by merit deserve the most reward'.

But despite this admirable philosophy, the students at UCL are referred to as the "godless Scum of Gower Street", by students at rival Kings College London (KCL). The insult is tongue in cheek and dates back to over a century ago when UCL was founded and incurred the jealousy of KCL which was based on Christian principles. Officials at both universities are keen to stress that the competition between the two unis is mostly friendly, not withstanding the occasional theft of each other's mascot. Famous alumni of UCL include the great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, all four members of the rock band Coldplay and the comedy star of British sitcoms The Office, Extras and When The Whistle Blows, Ricky Gervais.