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We are one of the largest, most diverse universities in the UK with over 120,000 students in London, and a further 50,000 studying across 180 countries for a University of London degree. World War II began just a few years after the administrative offices moved into their new headquarters, and Senate House was involved from the start as well as the roof's transformation into an observation post for the Royal Observer Corps, the Chairman of the Court of the University, Lord Macmillan, was appointed the first Minister of Information. While situated in the Senate House, they oversaw campaigns such as the Home Publicity campaign production, including the famous 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster. However, it was a controversial office due to its responsibility to censor official news. The Committee of Imperial Defence (CID) justified the new Ministry concerned by arguing: "…the national case to the public at home and abroad in time of war. To achieve this end, it is not only necessary to provide for the preparation and issue of National Propaganda, but also for the issue of 'news' and for such control of information issued to the public as may be demanded by the needs of security." When the Ministry moved into Senate House in September 1939, the Central Administration staff relocated to Royal Holloway College until the War Office occupied the space in 1941. They were moved to Richmond College. While closed to the public, the Ministry used Senate House Library as a reference library during their occupation, which caused some strains between Library staff and those of the Ministry. The Library planned to remain in situ for the war's duration by closing its doors to readers and carrying on as a 'mail-order' service. However, requests by the Ministry to use the Library's Map Room left the University Librarian fearing that his collections were at risk, with complaints sent to Macmillan referring to the guests' stay as an 'annexation' and 'occupation.' Despite the reservations, the Press Room was set up in the Beveridge Hall and was in operation as the war was declared. In a written criticism of the Ministry, Norman Riley described the press room as: "One good big story nearer harsh reality… Day and night, there is a clatter of typewriters and a babel of different tongues. Day and night smoke wreaths towards the ceiling. … On a dais extending right round the room is fifty to sixty telephone boxes, most of them with direct lines to Fleet Street offices." Riley described the second and third floors as: "labyrinthine, (with) carpeted corridors… scores of them, occupied by experts on India, religion, broadcasting, films, public meetings, propaganda, politics or nothing in particular". The University's Assistant Clerk of the Court recorded that: "it was sad to see [Senate House] vandalized by crude improvisations and the scruffiness that seems to prevail in all minor government offices." As the needs of the Ministry were different from that of the University, the strain on Senate House quickly became apparent. The Senate minutes of 11 December 1940 noted a deficit of £506, equivalent to £29,797.04 today. Due to an 'urgent' request of the Ministry to annex the Macmillan Hall for use as a bar and small restaurant for the Press. The Maintenance Officer noted that: "The hot service, where the meals were prepared, was designed for the service of University banquets, with elaborate hot plates, tea boilers, etc. Its running costs were consequently high, the electricity alone costing as much as the 30s every 24 hours, and were not justified by the small number of meals served." Literary descriptions of Senate House while the Ministry was in situ are less than flattering, with Evelyn Waugh's character in Put Out More Flags finding it challenging to enter the building, thinking that 'all the secrets of all the services might have been hidden in that gross mass of masonry.' Graham Greene described 'the Ministry' as a 'high heartless building… where the windows were always open for fear of blast and the cold winds whistled in' (Penguin New Writing). In 1858 we became the birthplace of long-distance learning, allowing students to study for degrees outside of London, spreading higher education worldwide. We also introduced many new subjects into university education, including modern languages and laboratory science. We were the first to allow external students to continue to earn a living while studying and to study privately and take exams without coming to London. Since these beginnings, we have continued to accrue new member institutions, vastly expanding our membership and academic catalog. Each year, our 'Foundation Day' celebrates the anniversary of the foundation stone's laying, and since 1903, honorary degrees have been bestowed to, among others, Prince of Wales and Winston Churchill. The University had a significant impact on those serving during the First and Second World Wars in the Armed Forces or had been prisoners of war. Many continued studying and passed exams, ultimately paving the way for a life after the wars. To the present day, our degree programs can be accessed by prisoners in some countries, allowing for new opportunities or a fresh perspective of the world. View full university