Celebrated in the UK every October since 1987, Black History Month promotes African and Caribbean culture and fosters a better understanding of Black history more widely. Here’s an overview of this month’s events, organised by LSE and in London more generally, so you can learn more about and uplift Black culture and history.

EmbRace events

EmbRace is the LSE BAME staff network, raising awareness for issues of diversity and providing opportunities for development. This month, they’re hosting a number of events in line with “Reclaiming Narratives” – the theme for Black History Month 2024.

Wednesday 16th October – Polyglot Café

This is a unique opportunity for language enthusiasts to learn more about and celebrate African languages through interactive activities and games, hosted jointly by the LSE Language Centre.

Wednesday 16th October – Race equity: employer panel and networking

Hosted by LSE Careers for students from Black heritage backgrounds, this is a great opportunity to network with various employers including BCG and EY, to name a few, as well as learn more about how they have committed to championing diversity in the workplace.

Thursday 17th October – Ubuntu Café

First established in 2022, the Ubuntu Café is a space for African students and others to debate and connect. Don’t miss out on this year’s theme of ‘Amplifying Voices of the African Diaspora in the UK’, complete with inter-university debates and art exhibitions. It will be an incredible showcase of African thought and culture.

Thursday 24th October – Archive drop-in session

Have a look at the LSE Library Gallery’s archives and special collections related to Black History, with a friendly team of curators and archivists available to answer any questions you might have about the material on display.

LSESU events

The Student Union is celebrating Black leaders this year with a number of different socials and events to raise awareness and promote education.

Wednesday 23rd October – LSESU African Caribbean Society (ACS) x SWAY

Join ACS in The Three Tuns for official pre-drinks in collaboration with SWAY nightclub, complete with student-friendly drink prices and a live DJ!

Thursday 24th October – LSESU ACS Movie Screening

Celebrate Black excellence in film with ACS, including producers, costume designers, actors and directors in a selection of movies.

Friday 25th October – Celebrating Black Leaders formal

Don’t miss the flagship event of Black History Month and come together to celebrate Black leadership excellence.

Click here for more information about these events and what else LSE has to offer for Black History Month.

Other events across London

Outside of LSE, there’s several events celebrating Black communities, their culture and their history throughout October across London. From Alex Isley’s headline show at the Jazz Café in Camden to the London Literature Festival’s line-up of performances from Black artists in Southbank Centre, there’s something for everyone. The Visit London website includes many more events – so enjoy promoting and uplifting Black history this October!

For most first-year students, LSE100 can initially feel both confusing and exciting. As LSE’s flagship interdisciplinary programme, it offers a unique opportunity to step outside your primary field of study and engage with peers from different disciplines. This creates a rich exchange of ideas, as students from various backgrounds come together to discuss and debate thought-provoking topics.

In my first year, I chose the theme “How Can We Create a Fair Society”? This module explored the concept of fairness in-depth, and what stood out to me was the diversity of perspectives in the classroom. My peers came from different countries and educational backgrounds, which influenced how they approached the idea of fairness. This diversity of thought was one of the most engaging aspects of the course. It wasn’t just about learning facts or theories, but about understanding how different life experiences shape views on fairness. To me, this reflects the essence of LSE’s motto, “to know the causes of things”. LSE100 provides an interdisciplinary and intercultural platform where there are no right or wrong answers—only the confidence to express and defend your views.

I selected the theme “How Can We Create a Fair Society”? because growing up, I witnessed inequality first-hand. In my home country, I saw how different ethnicities were treated unequally despite their hard work and I wanted to understand why such injustices persist in the 21st century. Through LSE100, I gained insights into the political, social, and economic structures that sustain inequality, which helped me make sense of these issues.

LSE100 also equipped me with valuable transferable skills that I now use in many areas of my life. From presentation and interpersonal skills to critical thinking and conflict resolution, the course helped me navigate discussions with people who hold vastly different views. These skills proved particularly useful in job interviews, where I applied what I had learned to reconcile diverse perspectives and present coherent solutions. The ability to integrate differing viewpoints while remaining focused on a common goal has been essential in both my academic and professional journey.

LSE100 inspired me to delve deeper into local issues and society through an internship in journalism. I applied the curiosity and research methods I developed in the course to explore and answer the questions I had about inequality, bringing my understanding full circle in a professional context.

In conclusion, LSE100 is an invaluable experience unique to LSE students. It broadens your horizons beyond your chosen field of study and nurtures a curiosity about the world around you. The skills I gained during the course will stay with me as I continue my academic and professional journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of it.

London is known for being a very expensive city to live in, but one of the advantages of being a student is all of the various student discounts that are available to you both on and off campus. I’m going to share some of my favourite student discounts and offers to help you make the most out of living in London and studying at LSE.

Wide variety of student discounts and offers all in one place: UNiDAYS is one of the most popular places to find student discounts. You register with your student email and have access to loads of different offers all in one place. This includes offers for restaurants, delivery services, shoes and clothing, education pricing on technology purchases (such as tablets or laptops for university), streaming services, and much more. If you’re planning on buying something, it’s always worth checking UNiDAYS first to see if there is a code or offer available. StudentBeans is another similar platform that collates a variety of student discounts together – both sites are free to sign-up to.

Art and entertainment: while the majority of museums in London offer free entry, they often charge an entry fee for special exhibits. You can almost always get a student discount on these tickets, which will reduce the cost. You can also sign up for the Student Art Pass, which costs £10 annually and gives you free or discounted entry to museums, galleries, and special exhibitions.

My personal favourites

One of my favourite offers is not exclusive to students – Leon is a coffee and food chain with multiple locations around London, including the Leon Strand location, which is fairly close to campus. Their Roast Rewards programme costs £25 a month and gives you five free drinks per day, plus an additional 20 per cent off any other food and drink purchase. Depending on how much coffee and tea you like to drink, the subscription can easily pay for itself in a week or two!

Another favourite of mine is ClassPass which offers discounted rates for LSE students, allowing you to try out different gyms and fitness classes around London. If you don’t want to pay for it upfront before trying it out, you can start with a free trial to see if it’s a good fit for you.

One final tip: plenty of local restaurants, stores, and coffee shops will offer student discounts without necessarily advertising this. It’s always worth politely asking because often the answer is yes (just make sure you have your LSE student card with you).

The time for university applications is here. As an international student who was so stressed out about this a few years ago, I’m here to share some tips for excelling in your applications.

Be strategic in your top five choices

For undergraduates, you have five applications to make through UCAS. By five, this could be applying to five different universities, or applying to a university but for different programmes. You can mix both by applying to three universities for five different programmes, for example. The combination is totally up to you. The important point is that you can only submit the same personal statement, which must be 4000 characters long, on why you want to join a given programme across your five choices. In other words, you should be strategic in deciding which programme to apply for, as you can’t tailor and draft five personal statements. 

That’s enough for the theoretical bits, let me walk you through my personal experience. Initially, I was thinking of applying to five International Relations (IR) programmes. Then, as I researched programmes, I realised that there are certain options to study a joint degree, such as IR and Politics, or IR and History. Next, I came up with a list of extracurricular activities that I led throughout my secondary school years. You know what, the majority of my student-led experiences had something to do with history at the end of the day. I chose to study IR because I wanted to understand why international conflict (with violence) occurs in our contemporary world. At this point, I felt that it would be more useful if I could grasp the historical background of IR-related conflicts. That’s how I ended up applying for a BSc in International Relations and History at five different universities, which helped me to tailor my personal statement to match both disciplines. Talking of personal statements…

Personal statement: explore, plan, (re)draft

I found the personal statement to be the most abstract (and confusing) part of the UK university application process. Although there is no magic bullet that will make your personal statement perfect, I would strongly recommend that you use the personal statement as an opportunity to explore yourself and why you want to study a certain programme. You could go back to the extracurricular and academic activities you enjoyed in particular, or even think about experiences where you have done extra, spontaneous research (such as reading books or even academic journals) to explore your interest beyond your school curriculum. 

Once you have figured out specific elements you want to put in your personal statement, plan your organisation. You only have 4000 characters, and you don’t want to be repetitive. If you’re applying for a joint honours degree, as I did, you will want to balance your interests in both subjects equally as you plan, because you will probably have an equal number of modules from both disciplines. 

Finally, draft as many times as you can. Your writing will get more concise, yet packed, through your re-drafting process. If you can get feedback from your teachers on your personal statement, that’s ideal. As you draft again and again, you might feel like it’s perfect because it’s so familiar to you, but your audience might not feel the same way. You’ll need enough time to re-edit your personal statement, which is linked to my next piece of advice.

Time waits for no one, but don’t lose yourself

Time management is key for a successful application. You’ll simultaneously have to juggle your academics, personal statement, getting references, and so on. Although it is daunting, you can plan ahead to keep up with the deadlines and commit to making progress with your application every day.

Of course, don’t forget to take small breaks throughout your journey, get enough sleep, and take care of your health. You’re the only person that represents you. Yes, it’s stressful – I’ve been through all that, but don’t let your application override self-care.

The LSESU is home to over 200 clubs and societies, with everything from Competitive Law and Venture Capital to Fashion and Albums. So much choice can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a new student. Here’s some advice based on my experience of joining the Korean Entertainment Society (KES).

What hobbies or interests do you already have?

As an avid fan of Korean music and TV shows, joining KES made sense so that I could explore my interests in a supportive environment with other fans. There’s plenty of interest and hobby based societies in the SU, so joining one based on your existing hobbies can be a great way to meet new people and make friends in a more familiar setting.

Try putting yourself outside of your comfort zone!

Societies are a great way of trying something completely new – whether it be sports, an instrument or even thinking ahead about future careers and interests. I loved putting myself outside of my comfort zone by being part of the annual KES Dance Showcase. Having no prior dance experience wasn’t an issue as it was incredibly beginner-friendly. Why not consider trying something different when choosing a society? You’ll be able to meet new people and learn skills in a friendly and casual environment.

Manage your time well

Every year at the LSESU Freshers’ Fair, the temptation is to sign up to and buy membership for several societies so you don’t “miss out”. The problem is once classes and lectures start, you don’t have the time to attend every single social event and stay on top of schoolwork. Remember to prioritise balance and learn how to manage your time so you can enjoy taking part in society events without feeling stressed or overwhelmed by other commitments. Although the KES Dance Showcase required weekly commitment for rehearsals and dance practices, other events were a lot more casual and required less time commitment. Societies will have different expectations for the level of involvement from members, so do your research and pick one that aligns with your timetable!

Ultimately, joining societies at LSE is a great way to meet new people outside of your year group and department, as membership is open to all LSE students. You can learn new skills through joining professional or academic groups, put yourself out of your comfort zone by trying out a new hobby, and connect with people over a shared background through national and cultural groups. There’s something here for everyone, so use this guide to help you decide.

Starting university can feel intimidating, especially when it comes to making friends. It’s a bit easier to make friends on your course because you are attending the same lectures and working on the same assignment, so there is a clear shared interest. It can feel harder to start to build out a wider friendship circle, so if you are feeling a bit nervous, keep reading as I walk you through some of my top tips for making friends outside of your course.

Shared interests: One of the easiest ways to develop a friendship is to bond over some kind of shared interest. I would recommend that you start off by looking through the available clubs and societies here at LSE. There are over 200 different clubs and societies and they cover a broad range of interests: from beekeeping, theme parks, and aviation to wakeboarding, golf, and dance – there will definitely be something that speaks to you. It’s a good way to meet new people who are interested in the same activities that you already enjoy.

Just say hi: I know this can feel very intimidating, but at the start of a new academic year, most people are actively looking to make friends and hoping that someone will say hello to them. You never know: that person in line at the coffee shop or sitting next to you in the library might become a really good friend.

Keep it low pressure: When you are first meeting people, try and keep any activities relaxing and low pressure. Invite someone for coffee or ask if you can meet up to study – it’s an easy way to get to know someone a little bit better.

Feeling shy? It’s normal to feel shy when meeting new people and even kind of overwhelmed with all the activities on campus when you first join LSE. My best piece of advice is to remember that there is nothing wrong with feeling this way. To help prepare for these situations, keep two or three questions in the back of your mind to ask new people you meet – this will take some of the stress off trying to think of things to say on the spot.

My personal experience: I found that even though I was really nervous about saying hello to new people, the community at LSE is very friendly and other people are also looking for friends. I have made the majority of my friends so far from doing activities and then chatting with people – for example, going to an exercise class and chatting with someone else who has also gone alone. Usually, they will be really glad that you started talking to them and then you will both feel a little less awkward and shy. If you do an activity like this on a regular basis, you will start to see the same people each time and then it feels a lot less intimidating to ask if someone might want to grab coffee afterwards.

Final reminder: If you feel that you are really struggling and want to talk about it, remember that the LSE Student Wellbeing and Counselling Services are there to support you.

As the newly ranked number one university in the UK (Good University Guide), LSE has clearly demonstrated high standards of academic achievement, and this brilliant work is all conducted within the LSE campus. In this blog, I will count down the five best places to study on campus:

5. Sir Arthur Lewis Building
My number five pick is the Sir Arthur Lewis building. The main draw of this study space for me is its location. It is situated just next to the Royal Courts of Justice and right outside Lincoln’s Inn Fields, in a beautifully secluded part of the campus. Another appeal of this building is that it’s always very quiet and peaceful, with a café on the bottom floor where you can take a break and refuel if you’re studying for a long time. It’s a scenic workspace on campus with an atmosphere that encourages productivity.

4. Marshall Building
Coming in at number four on this list is the Marshall Building. This is the newest building on campus, having opened in 2022, and as such, it has a lovely modern appeal. On each floor there are comfortable, colourful study spaces with sofa-like seating connected to round tables, as well as more traditional benches and tables for quiet working. These study spaces are located around the staircase. The appeal of this space is that it’s very social and there’s plenty of room to work with friends. You can easily pop upstairs to the balcony for a great view of LSE during a study break, or head downstairs for a coffee or a bite to eat from the café.

3. LSE Garrick
Starting out the top three is LSE Garrick. As a foodie, I may be biased on this one, but sometimes there’s nothing better to motivate good work than the promise of a nice meal afterwards, or even during. LSE Garrick has two floors serving food, with many LSE students choosing to set up here for the day and work in this lively establishment, with food on the go or soon to come. The restaurant’s ground-floor menu changes daily, so be sure to plan your visit, but the pizza on the top floor is always a great fuel for productive work!

2. Centre Building
Just missing out on the top spot is the Centre Building. In my first year, I didn’t explore the Centre Building as much as I should have, so be sure to check this out right away! Beyond the first two floors, which are mainly classrooms and lecture theatres, there are several more floors with sections dedicated to specific departments that contain very cool workspaces. Outside of exam time, these areas are often populated yet peaceful, making them great places to work. The reason it ranks so highly on my list, though, is because of the architecture. I love the winding staircase that starts on the third-floor interior and moves sideways as it ascends! More importantly, the views from any window beyond the fourth floor are incredible and unrivalled across campus.

1. LSE Library
Topping the list is the LSE Library. It’s the only official library LSE has, but it’s one that LSE can be very proud of. Its architecture is modern yet charming, colourful yet simple. The reason this is at the top of my list is due to the variety of study options available. You can book study rooms for private meetings, a catch-up with friends, or just to find some peace and quiet. There are silent zones on every floor for students who need a distraction-free environment. Equally, there are many open study spaces where you can work with others and chat while you work. The acoustics are such that you can’t hear a thing in certain sections of the Library, even though, once you reach the staircase, it feels like you’re back in the heart of campus. The Library strikes the perfect balance between vibrancy and productivity.

I hope once you arrive, you’ll agree with my list. Be sure to try these spaces first!

Choosing the right university to advance your studies can be a difficult decision to make, and it can be hard to tell what it could be like before you begin. Fortunately, LSE has an array of options when it comes to discovering what student life on campus is really about. From digital to in-person experiences, there are many ways to get a taste of LSE life. One of the best ways to get a hands-on feel is by visiting campus for an Open Day. This is an opportunity to get a campus tour and explore the buildings and surrounding areas of LSE, as well as discuss any questions you may have with current students. Open Days are held twice a year, in April and July, but there are also great chances throughout the year to find out more about LSE when a physical visit is not an option.

Virtual Open Days enable you to explore your degree options and hear student stories on social aspects of the School. LSE Discovery Sessions are particularly useful as an introduction to studying at LSE, for both undergraduate and graduate courses. They include talks and Q&A sessions to give a good idea of what LSE offers and the application process. Aside from these events, there are ways to have any queries answered with the live chat option on the LSE website. This is an accessible resource which you can use anytime to get specific answers and advice on any questions you may have.

Beyond organised events and personal chats, there are many fun and informal ways you can get information on studying at LSE! Of course, an excellent resource happens to be the one you’re reading right now. Student blogs are a fun way for prospective and current students to gain secrets and stories of other students’ time at LSE, as well as a space to learn practical information and skills for studying. Similarly, vlogs by LSE students can be a great way to get an insight into their daily lives, with some including tours of accommodation, campus and local spots. Hearing from current students and alumni is undoubtedly a crucial part of understanding what joining the LSE community is like before taking the leap.

LSE’s digital voices are expansive, and social media can be a useful tool for exploring LSE life from a distance. Various platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn can be used to explore both academic and social aspects of LSE. Departmental social media pages, such as the Anthropology Department’s Instagram can be a good resource to get to know the kind of events and opportunities that come with the degree. Among the most convenient options for prospective students is the LSE TikTok account, which offers brief, eye-catching clips on departmental events and socials. If you are looking for an insight into the social aspects of LSE and societies, LSESU has lots of announcements to keep an eye on through their Instagram page.

With LSE being such an international community, their online presence is very well equipped with resources for prospective students to learn about LSE before arriving in the UK. Even if you are unable to visit in person, this should not deter you from considering studying in London. With all the diverse media accessible, there is the chance to determine whether taking a degree at LSE is right for you!

The great thing about coming to LSE is that you are right in heart of London, one of the most vibrant, dynamic and fun cities in the world. In London, there is something for everyone. In this blog I will outline some of the must try activities unique to London – there’s bound to be something that captures your interest!

Art

If you are a fan of art, I must point you in the direction of Tate Modern. It is located right outside Bankside, which is the largest LSE accommodation. If you happen to find yourself living there, I would absolutely recommend visiting. Part of the appeal of Tate galleries is free entry with no need for bookings. It is a great place get lost in artistic expression with a wide range of pieces on display that are continuously updated. I also found it to be a relaxing place to just wander around and escape from the bustle of London as well.

Museums

On a similar theme, the Natural History Museum is something that should be on the bucket list of any historians or cultural enthusiasts. Again, entry is free for this and there is a regular rotation of themes here, from the Greek period to the Jurassic era and everything in between.

Theatre

If plays and concerts are more your thing, then look no further than Strand, a street located right next to LSE. Strand encompasses a huge collection of theatres for concerts/plays. Back To The Future and The Lion King play all year round and I would highly recommend going to both of these. A benefit of Strand theatres is that they are a stone’s throw away from a splendid selection of restaurants and bars in Covent Garden, so the whole package makes for a great day out.

Sports

But if you are more sports-inclined like me, then this next section may be for you. London is host to many world-renowned sports teams and stadiums across a variety of sports. Though tickets are expensive, getting the opportunity to go to Twickenham, the London Stadium, Lords, The Emirates, Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Stamford Bridge or any of the many others, will be a surreal and unforgettable experience.

If watching does not suffice and you would rather get stuck into sports yourself in your spare time, there are a plethora of things you can get involved in across London or at LSE itself. My best recommendation from my own experience would be to join a Powerleague. London definitely has the best running Powerleagues in the UK. They cost about £10 a game on average and offer a great chance to play regular football each week. But no doubt similar organisations will exist for others sports too.

Green spaces

An underrated facet of London is its green spaces. Hyde Park is my favourite of these since there is so much to do. Firstly, it is located right next to Buckingham Palace. Secondly, it hosts Winter Wonderland at Christmas time, which is a fantastic festival that anyone who hasn’t been, must go to while in London. Thirdly, it is the perfect place for exercise with running and cycling routes, open spaces for football and rounders, and even pedalos for the lake. Additionally, on the rare occasion London is sunny, it is a great place for a picnic or sunbathe.

Nightlife

Lastly, I couldn’t in good faith write about activities to do in London and skip London’s nightlife. While this might not be for everyone, I feel a duty to point incoming students in the right direction. Ministry of Sound is the classic go-to club for LSE students, especially for those in Bankside since its so close. Tickets can range between £5 – £10 and it is fairly accessible since it is located in Elephant and Castle. The UCL equivalent is Scala, which may also be worth visiting to compare. Ultimately a night out is subjective, each to their own, but the general consensus of LSE students, based on my experience, is that Ministry is the best place to go in first year.

Ahead of coming to university, I was told that societies are the hub of social life, and this is true for LSE. During Freshers’ Week, LSE societies set up stalls at the Freshers’ Fair where incoming students can talk to existing societies about the events they run, when they do things, how much they cost, and anything else related to the societies. I found this very helpful when I was a fresher, and it prompted me to select the societies I am still a part of today. If you miss Freshers’ Fair, be sure to check out the Student Union website for a comprehensive list and description of all the societies at LSE, including costs.

Different types of societies at LSE:

Societies at LSE are split into four broad camps. There are business societies that focus on career events and networking; academic societies which connect you with people on your course and in your department; activity societies covering niche hobbies and interests; and sports societies, which tend to be the most popular at LSE. Even if you are not the biggest fan of playing sports, there is the option to buy a social membership, which allows access to sports club events without the expectation to play matches and the membership fee is substantially cheaper. This is beneficial to those who want to enjoy the social side of sports clubs without high levels of commitment.

Each society takes up different amounts of time and runs varying numbers of events. On average, societies tend to hold one event per week, with sports societies sometimes doing up to three. Society memberships are generally very affordable (usually below £20, apart from a few of the larger sports societies). I believe societies give LSE a sense of community and are a great way to make friends. I would implore incoming students to dive into societies and give them a try. Most societies run trial sessions, so there’s no need to commit straight away – it’s worth signing up for mailing lists and giving them a go.

In terms of choosing the best society for you, I would strongly encourage students to join something they are passionate about. I think this gives the best chance of meeting like-minded people and “finding your tribe”. I also encourage incoming students to push themselves to try something new – something they’ve never done before or want to learn more about.

My experience in societies:

I chose to join a few societies in my first year, namely Sports Business Society; Film Society; and I founded Social Football. My only regret was not signing up for an academic society that could have helped me connect with more people on my course, so remember to sign up for one of these too!

I joined the Sports Business Society because I wanted to learn more about this career sector, and I thought it would be a great place to meet like-minded sports fanatics like me. I found this society at Freshers’ Fair after speaking to the people running it, and it has indeed provided great insight, events and networking in the world of sports business.

I also chose to join the Film Society, which I discovered on the Student Union website, having missed them at the Fair. This has been a great society to be involved in too, with screenings once a week featuring films outside mainstream viewing. I have found this a really nice way of escaping any academic and social pressure I encounter.

Lastly, if there are no societies that appeal to you, nothing is stopping you from starting your own or branching out from an existing one. When I joined LSE, I noticed there was no Recreational Football Club, which exists at other universities. I knew there was demand for this, so I decided to set up Social Football at LSE. It was a difficult but rewarding experience, and I’ve now met many of my best friends through it. I can’t imagine my LSE experience without it. I strongly encourage students to set up their own society if they feel there is a gap, as the Student Union will help facilitate this.

Staying organised during your studies can be difficult, especially if you’re dealing with extra curriculars and part-time employment. However, there are many ways to ensure that you give yourself the best chance of staying ahead. Organising your time is essential, and ensuring that you give yourself more time than needed can prevent unexpected delays and stress.

There are a variety of different ways you can organise your time, but something I have found useful is making a weekly checklist of tasks I need to complete. These can be related to your studies, but also include any other errands and work outside of this. By creating a list of things you need to do for the week, you can schedule out your time based around your weekly timetable of lectures and classes, as well as any part-time work you may have to do. Try to stay ahead and start scheduling tasks the week before term starts, as this means you will have extra time to account for anything you may have forgotten about, or didn’t have time to complete.

Some people find it useful to make a time allocated schedule, as this provides structure to your week and means you always have a plan. Personally, I prefer to create a looser plan as it gives me more room for choice about which tasks to complete and when, without feeling like I have neglected my schedule if plans change. Both systems work, but entirely depend on personal preferences and habits. I would recommend getting an academic journal, which can be purchased at a number of stationary shops, as getting your plans out of your head and down on paper can help decrease stress and the risk of forgetting something.

Beyond degree commitments, managing your time with a part-time job can be challenging. If you are considering getting a part-time job, make sure that the work you choose does not interfere too much with the rest of your engagements. This means taking a job that fits your lifestyle. For example, avoid jobs which may interfere with your sleep schedule or do not have reliable hours. The times that you work can also have an impact on your ability to stay organised. Although weekend jobs are popular among students, it may be useful to avoid working on Sundays so that you’ve always got a day to ensure you are prepared for the week ahead.

Being aware of how busy you are going to be throughout the term is important in order to prevent feeling overwhelmed or behind on studies. Working a job that is flexible makes student life much easier, especially during exam season. However, if this isn’t an option or you have concerns about work, or anything else, LSE LIFE is an excellent resource. You can utilise it for everything from time management to study skills. Booking in to speak to an LSE LIFE advisor can be incredibly helpful, and the earlier it’s done the better. They can help you prepare for your exams and organise your tasks, alongside the help of your academic mentor. Your academic mentor is another person you can go to for help, and they can offer you more specific advice based on your degree subject.

Overall, don’t let the fear of becoming overwhelmed stop you from pursuing your degree or a part-time job. There are many independent and social ways in which you can ensure you stay on top of your workload. LSE has an abundance of support available to those who are seeking to improve their organisation and study skills.

With application season in full swing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the advice and information online on how to stand out when applying. Here’s a quick overview of dos and don’ts when applying to LSE to help you put your best foot forward.

DO – spend enough time on your personal statement

As LSE doesn’t interview for places, the personal statement is your best chance to shine and demonstrate how well you fit the course you’re applying for. There’s plenty of advice online on what to include and how to write it – like the UCAS Personal Statement Builder, which is a great place to start gathering your initial thoughts and write a first draft. Remember to proof-read it multiple times and consider getting a friend or family member to review it too – a fresh pair of eyes always helps!

DON’T – leave things to the last minute

Although deadlines for undergraduate programmes are usually in January, with some postgraduate programmes even recruiting throughout the year, it’s never a good idea to leave your application to the last minute. The UCAS reference, for example, is an incredibly important tool for LSE to see your genuine passion and motivation for the subject from a different perspective. Inform your referee of your application in advance so they have plenty of time to write a well thought-out reference to strengthen your application.

DO – prioritise your mental and physical wellbeing

This can be a stressful time for many students, especially if you’re balancing existing commitments with school or work, so make sure to schedule in regular breaks and time for self-care to prevent burnout. You do your best work when you’re well-rested – don’t neglect physical and mental wellbeing. Do things that make you feel good and you’ll be able to navigate this season even better.

DON’T – miss out on opportunities to visit LSE

LSE holds two Open Days a year for prospective undergraduate students in April and July, and these are a great opportunity to visit the campus, speak to current students and learn more about your degree programme. Besides this, you can attend a guided campus tour to visit key LSE facilities and learn more about being a student at LSE outside of the Open Days. There’s also virtual events and resources within the Virtual Open Day section of the LSE website if you can’t visit LSE in person. These are all great ways to learn more about LSE and student life, and have your admissions questions answered by students and staff alike.

Good luck with applications!

Essay writing is a common task for LSE students. Every first-year student at LSE will inevitably need to write a 1,000 word essay-based report during the autumn term, regardless of your course. This may sound intimidating, especially if you’re not used to academic writing, but fear not! LSE offers plenty of resources to help you tackle your first essay with confidence.

Academic essays are quite different from the essays many of us wrote in our A-level exams. An academic essay is a more formal piece of writing that presents an argument or analysis on a topic using evidence, reasoning, and interpretation. If, like me, you haven’t had much experience writing essays — perhaps you didn’t complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) at school — this can seem daunting. But with the right approach, you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Here are my tips on how to get started:

Planning and structure

When you receive your essay question, the first thing to do is break it down and think about how to develop your response. Take your time to consider the examiner’s requirements—what are they expecting from your essay? Once you understand the question, identify a few key concepts you’ve learnt on your course and think about how you can expand on them.

It’s crucial to organise your essay logically. A linear structure, where points build on each other, helps create a clear argument. Avoid jumping back and forth between ideas; instead, move from more general points to more specific ones.

A useful way to begin is by making a list of all the information and points you want to include. Group similar points together, then arrange those groups in a logical order. Within each group, organise your points carefully, and check your plan to ensure it meets the task requirements.

As you write, frequently refer back to your outline to ensure you’re staying on track. Don’t wait until you’ve written two pages to check your progress—if you lose track early on, it becomes harder to fix later. If you’re unsure, discuss your essay’s overall structure with your teacher to ensure you’re heading in the right direction.

Lastly, distribute your word count wisely. If you’re over the limit, check whether you’ve over-explained certain points. If you’re under the limit, think about areas where you can elaborate further.

Paragraph structure

Each paragraph should focus on one main point, and everything in that paragraph should support or relate to that idea. So, how do you structure a paragraph?

• 1. Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main point.
• 2. Follow this with details, examples, and evidence to support your point.
• 3. Then, add critical analysis that explains how your evidence relates to the point you’re making.
• 4. Finally, wrap up the paragraph by linking it to your overall argument and preparing the reader for the next paragraph.

Cohesion

One mistake I made in my first essay was neglecting cohesion. I failed to connect my ideas properly, and as my teacher commented: “It’s a bit hard to follow because you don’t use linkers to tie the essay together”. I soon realised that cohesion— using linking words and phrases — acts like the connective tissue that holds the whole essay together.

Make sure you use referencing words (e.g. “this shows that…”), cause-and-effect words (e.g. “therefore”, “as a result”) and other connectives (e.g. “furthermore”, “however”) to guide the reader through your argument. Without these, your essay can feel disjointed, like a collection of unrelated thoughts.

Reviewing

It’s essential to review your essay before submitting it. Tools like Grammarly can help catch grammar mistakes, but don’t rely solely on them. After finishing your draft, take a break and step away from it for a bit. When you return, you’ll have fresh eyes to spot mistakes or sections that don’t flow as well as you thought. You might also catch places where you’ve accidentally repeated or omitted words.

LSE LIFE

If you need more help, don’t hesitate to visit LSE LIFE. They provide excellent advice on academic writing, from structuring your thoughts to citing your sources. Essay writing is a valuable skill to develop, and while it may seem challenging at first, it’s also rewarding. As you work on your essays, you’ll learn more than just the course content — you’ll discover how to construct solid arguments and engage with academic research.

Good luck with your essays, and remember: with practice and the right guidance, you’ll only get better!

Writing a 4000 character personal statement is a daunting task – especially if you’re unsure about how to structure it and what to include. Don’t worry – this post will help you get started and give you some guidance on what makes a good personal statement.

Stage 1 – Content

One of the hardest parts about the personal statement is figuring out what exactly to include. It’s a good rule of thumb to have at least 80% of your statement be about your academic interest – why have you chosen this subject area and how can you demonstrate your passion? The best way to do this is to read widely around your subject and learn more about what specifically interests and motivates you within the field. This could look like attending public lectures, reading books recommended in reading lists or listening to podcasts on topics you find interesting. 

Don’t fall into the trap of giving a laundry list of every book you’ve read or every podcast you’ve listened to – admissions teams want to see how you interact with and interpret academic ideas, not a Wikipedia page! Mentioning your achievements and extra curricular activities can be a way to demonstrate your skills and experience, to set you apart as a unique candidate.

Stage 2 – Planning

When getting started, it’s a good idea to have a list of skills, achievements, ideas and experiences you want to include as a starting point for the personal statement. You should also research different degrees and courses you want to apply to, so that you can decide how to make the content of your statement relevant. Many universities don’t accept additional written statements, so making your statement broad enough to cover all five course choices can be a challenge. 

This can be a time consuming stage within the process, but proper planning and research are essential to writing a clear, concise and convincing personal statement. Writing a couple of draft versions and getting feedback from teachers or friends is a helpful way to refine and improve on your work, and ensures the final version you submit is well thought out and persuasive.

Stage 3 – Structure

Structuring a personal statement doesn’t have to be complicated. Although many other guides emphasise having an “attention-grabbing” starting sentence or paragraph, the pressure of coming up with one can be hugely demotivating. The important thing to prioritise is structuring your thoughts logically and presenting a cohesive statement that emphasises why you want to study a particular course, where your passion lies within that subject area and what skills and experiences make you a strong candidate. A clear and concise introduction; followed by the main body discussing your academic interests and experiences; a brief section on relevant extracurricular activities to show your wider skillset; and a conclusion summarising your interest and motivations is one way to structure your statement. 

Don’t get hung up on writing the “perfect” first sentence – sometimes focusing on the main body first and then coming back to the introduction can be a great way to motivate yourself to write without feeling demotivated.

Stage 4 – Proofreading

It doesn’t matter how great your experiences and skills are, or how passionate you seem about a given topic if your statement is riddled with grammatical and spelling errors. Proofread multiple times, especially with someone else so that they can spot the mistakes you might not have noticed. Staying within the character limits is also important, so put your statement in the personal statement section of the UCAS application to check that it follows those guidelines.

Good luck writing your personal statement and remember to take regular breaks and take care of yourself – this can be a stressful time!

Welcome to London! As an LSE student, you have access to a wealth of transport options to help you commute to and from student accommodation, explore the city and run errands. Thanks to LSE’s central location, the city’s extensive transport network is right at our doorstep. Here’s a breakdown of the best travel modes, along with some insider tips to save time and money.

Walking to campus

If you’re staying in one of the LSE halls, walking to campus is convenient and often scenic. Many LSE accommodations are within a 15 – 55 minute walking distance, making it an excellent way to start the day and explore the area. You might even discover great coffee shops and hidden gems along the way!

Cycling around London

Cycling is a fun and eco-friendly way to travel, and you can either invest in your own bike or use a shared service. Here are two popular options:

• Santander Cycles: Also known as “Boris bikes,” these are the most widely available shared bikes around central London. Students aged 18 and over can save 25% on an annual subscription, enjoying unlimited 60-minute rides for just £90 (around 25p per day).
• Lime Bikes: Lime bikes are convenient for short trips and are accessible via the Lime or Uber app. The cost is £1 to start, plus 27p per minute thereafter, making it a great option for occasional rides.

Taking the bus

For those staying further from campus, London’s bus system is affordable, with excellent coverage across the city. The bus fare is a flat rate of £1.75 per ride, valid for an hour. Just tap in with your contactless card, Oyster card, or mobile device. Plus, the Hopper fare allows you to switch between bus routes within an hour at no extra cost, so you can make the most of your journey. The daily cap for bus rides is £5.25.

Navigating the Tube

The Tube is one of the fastest ways to cover longer distances across the city. The fare for Zones 1-2 has a daily cap of £8.50, covering the Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, and National Rail journeys within these zones. This cap allows you to travel all day without exceeding the limit.

Oyster cards and student discounts

An Oyster card is a must-have for students, as it offers seamless tap-and-go access on public transport. Here’s a quick guide to the options available:

•   16+ Zip Oyster photocard: If you’re aged 16 or 17, this card grants free travel on buses and trams.
• 18+ Student Oyster photocard: Perfect for students aged 18 and over living in a London borough, this card offers a 30% discount on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.
• Railcard discounts: If you have a 16-25 Railcard or a 26-30 Railcard, you can add it to your 18+ Oyster photocard to save an extra 1/3 on off-peak pay-as-you-go fares and daily caps.

Tip: Whenever possible, avoid peak hours — Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 06:30 to 09:30 and 16:00 to 19:00 — as the Tube tends to be more crowded and slightly pricier during these times.

London’s transport network may seem overwhelming at first, but you’ll quickly find your preferred way to get around. Whether you prefer walking, cycling, or taking the bus or Tube, there are plenty of affordable and practical options suited to student life. Enjoy the journey and the city’s endless sights!

Are you considering applying for a postgraduate programme at LSE? If so, I would definitely recommend attending one of the Virtual Graduate Open Events that are taking place this month. The application process for postgraduate studies can feel overwhelming and stressful, but I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about these events to hopefully leave you feeling a bit more prepared and relaxed.

What are the Virtual Graduate Open Events? These events are hosted by various departments across LSE and are geared towards prospective postgraduate students. As the name suggests, all of these events are virtual, which makes it easy to attend no matter where you are in the world this autumn. The events will be taking place between Monday 11th November and Friday 22nd November 2024. Attendance is free for all of these events, and just to note – attendance does not factor into LSE’s selection process.

What kinds of events are included? There are a wide range of different events on offer this November. If you are interested in studying a particular programme, then you can attend the Virtual Graduate Open Event for it. These events are designed to give you more information about various programmes, opportunities within specific departments, and a chance for you to submit your own questions. It is important to note that these events are not about the admissions process, but rather about the programmes and departments.

What if I want to know more about the admissions process? The Student Recruitment and Study Abroad team host LSE Discovery Sessions specifically for postgraduate students. These sessions are designed to help you learn more about LSE, student life, and the application process. You can also submit questions in these sessions. The LSE Graduate Admissions team will also host a dedicated session to give you more information about the application and assessment process.

What other events are offered? In addition to LSE Discovery sessions and the programme/department specific events, you can also sign up to attend a variety of different events about study at LSE as a postgraduate student. These include sessions hosted by LSE Careers, LSE LIFE, the PhD Academy, and the Financial Support team.

Student Panels: There will also be two Student Panels offered – one for prospective master’s students and one for prospective PhD students. These events allow you to hear current students at LSE share their experience and to submit your questions to them.

How do I register? You can find the complete list of Virtual Graduate Open Events here. When you find a session that interests you, the page for that specific event will give you more information about how to register for the session. You will then receive a confirmation email which includes a Zoom link for the event.

LSE’s Virtual Graduate Open Events are a very valuable resource for prospective students who are starting to either work on their application or just considering whether LSE might be right for them. I would encourage you to attend as many sessions as you are able to this month!

Are you someone who loves both international relations and history so much that you cannot give up one of them? Well, as a third-year BSc International Relations and History student, I’d like to share my insights on this programme! Let’s take a look at all the positives…

Balanced approach, more opportunities to come

Unlike the straight BSc International Relations (IR) or BSc History at LSE, this joint degree often makes you study a balanced number of IR and history modules each year. Of course, you get to take modules outside of either department (we call this “outside options” at LSE) in your first and third year. But in your second year – it’s mandatory for you to take two history modules and two international relations modules.

So what does this mean for you? Yes, it may sound like you are limiting your options at first, but I found it beneficial to learn how these two disciplines apply different ways of thinking when writing essays or approaching readings. For instance, I learned how to apply different theoretical IR frameworks to what’s going on these days around the world. In my history modules, however, I managed to handle critical thinking, where you analyse not only what happened in a historical context, but also make your arguments based on historical evidence. This process of argument-making also helps you contribute to the historiographical debate on any topic – essentially, historiography is about how other historians have sided on a given issue – and ultimately that should help you engage with other fellow historians as you build your take.

As you can see, your critical thinking skills and theoretical analysis skills will simultaneously be fostered through this programme. In the long term, a wide range of opportunities are waiting for you based on these transferable skill sets. Ranging from policy research and media to academia or even the civil service, you can (technically) apply these skills to any field you want to work in. For me, I wanted to become a historian in my first year, but I’m currently preparing to sit the diplomacy civil service exam. Even with my career plan shift, my programme is solid enough to support me.

Wide range of modules

Although this programme offers relatively fewer opportunities to take outside options, it provides a wide range of departmental modules to choose from. For history, it has a diverse range of thematic and continental courses – any region you name is likely to be on the course list. For IR, it goes by subfields. Although you have to take some compulsory modules in your first year, your second-year IR modules will prepare you by introducing the subfields of IR (I took International Security and Foreign Policy Analysis). In your final year, you get to be more specialised by developing and applying the core modules in specific fields. 

Lots of readings, lots of writings

Here are some realistic experiences of mine. I don’t want to scare you all too much, but yes, the reading and writing workload for this programme is high (no matter which modules you pick). Instead of thoroughly reading everything, you’ll probably end up skimming long readings. If you’re writing an essay for a formative or summative assessment, surprise, your reading load is most likely to double.

If you’re a bit unlucky, the formative assessment deadlines across the two departments may overlap (that means you’ll be writing and editing essays non-stop at some points, like week ten). But you’ll get out of it what you put into it. Except for those IR modules that offer take-home assessments, a lot of history modules often have end-of-year summative exams. If you put effort into a lot of reading and writing throughout the year, all you would be doing over the Spring Break would simply be revision and timed practices.

But as time goes by, your skills and experience will accumulate! You’ll get through all of this smoothly at some point and will know the how-tos. So don’t be too daunted by this sub-section – if you love both disciplines, this programme is worth it.

Student life can be stressful without taking time to relax, and for me, walking around the city is one of the best ways to release tension and discover London’s hidden beauty. The city is full of gems you can explore for free, and here are some of my favourite walking spots:

South Bank (Westminster to Tower Bridge)

For those staying near Bankside, Westminster Bridge, Sidney Webb House, or around Waterloo and Westminster, this pathway along the Thames is ideal. The South Bank walk is lined with iconic sights like the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Tower Bridge.

What keeps me coming back are the vibrant street performances, art installations, and pop-up food stalls along the way. Plus, it’s a fantastic spot for photos with major landmarks in the background! Bear in mind that it’s quite busy, especially on weekends, so early morning or late evening is best for a quieter experience. Also, remember to keep your belongings secure, as it can get crowded.

Regent’s Canal (Little Venice to Camden Market)

If you’re staying at Rosebery Hall, Regent’s Canal is a perfect spot for an evening walk or morning jog. This route, known as Little Venice to Camden Market, winds along a peaceful canal with views of narrow boats, cosy waterside cafés, and garden-lined paths.

I love exploring the little cafés along the way and finishing up with the vibrant Camden Market for some food and shopping. It’s generally uncrowded, although Camden Market itself gets busier on weekends. The best time to go is late morning on weekdays or early evening to avoid the larger crowds.

Greenwich Park and the Thames Path

Greenwich Park is one of my favourite escapes because it offers panoramic views from the Royal Observatory, along with a scenic riverside path near the historic Cutty Sark.

If it’s your first time, I recommend visiting the Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark, and then unwinding at Greenwich Market or having a picnic in the park’s beautiful gardens. It’s mostly peaceful, though weekends see more visitors. For a serene experience, try going in the early afternoon on weekdays or early morning on weekends.

These are just a few of London’s many incredible walking routes. With its rich culture and scenic views, the city offers a perfect break from the gym or studies. Next time you’re feeling burnt out, why not head out for a walk, enjoy a picnic with friends, and return with a refreshed mind?

Time flies—I can hardly believe I’m already in my second year studying Environment and Sustainable Development with Economics at LSE. Whenever I tell people about my course, they’re usually intrigued, if not a little surprised—there’s certainly a lot packed into that title! So, what exactly do I study? Why did I choose this degree, and am I enjoying it so far?

What makes this course unique?

For those curious about the course content, it’s a unique blend of both quantitative and qualitative learning. We explore the science behind climate change, covering everything from environmental issues on a global scale to historical environmental changes, and we delve into fields as varied as statistics, geography, and even a bit of chemistry. This well-rounded approach helps us build a comprehensive understanding of how environmental and social systems interact. For example, we examine how industrialisation has historically impacted ecosystems and how policies have both positively and negatively influenced environmental outcomes.

The most fascinating part for me has been learning how to analyse complex scientific reports, particularly those published by the IPCC, which are crucial for understanding climate trends and policies worldwide. With guidance from our lecturers, we learn to interpret and critically evaluate data, using it to produce our research and to support arguments in essays and projects. This skill is invaluable, as it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling us to engage with real-world data.

Another exciting aspect of the course is the field trips. Our department organises annual trips to various locations, such as Juniper Hall, Portland, and even Havana. These field trips provide hands-on learning experiences that go beyond the classroom, allowing us to directly observe environmental issues and understand their social and economic impacts. Seeing these issues first-hand not only reinforces our learning but also emphasises the importance of connecting theory with practice.

Why I chose this degree

Like many, I’ve been struck by the growing urgency of climate change, especially after witnessing flash floods that impacted my hometown multiple times, disrupting lives both socially and economically. This personal experience inspired me to explore what’s going wrong with how we interact with our planet and how we can change our approach. I chose LSE because it’s one of the world’s leading institutions for social sciences, and I believe that understanding the economic and social factors at play is crucial to finding real solutions. Capital and social structures are key drivers in environmental issues, and LSE’s global, interdisciplinary approach to environmental studies was exactly what I was looking for.

What I didn’t initially expect, but have grown to appreciate, is the open-minded and debate-friendly environment fostered by the professors. Rather than simply teaching facts, they encourage us to question ideas, exchange perspectives, and consider new ways of tackling environmental challenges. This has made the experience even more rewarding, as we’re not only building knowledge but also developing critical thinking skills that will be vital in our careers and in making a difference.

Reflecting on my journey so far

Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study here. Not only do we explore the science and social dimensions of climate change, but we also get to engage in discussions with peers from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives to the table. This diversity in thought, combined with the interdisciplinary nature of the course, has deepened my understanding of environmental issues and broadened my approach to solving them. I feel hopeful that solutions are within reach and that, as a community of like-minded individuals, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.

For anyone considering this field, I’d say it’s challenging but incredibly fulfilling. You’ll gain knowledge that’s directly applicable to today’s pressing global issues, along with skills that make you adaptable to various roles. If you’re passionate about the environment, economics, or simply making a positive impact, this degree is a fantastic choice.

Watch my student story video to find out more:

“So why LSE?”

I get that question a lot. It’s a fair question to ask someone who left behind everything they knew to fly across the globe to a completely foreign city. As a first-year student, my rehearsed answer would have been: to open doors. I knew I wanted to graduate with a shiny degree, allowing for more choices in life; a more stable career; more job opportunities. But I honestly never would have imagined during completing my degree, that my time at LSE would shape me and alter my view of the world. So without further ado, here are some of the biggest takeaways from studying at LSE so far.

Learning to think critically

Personally, I think LSE’s secret to producing so many great thinkers over the years has been its emphasis on encouraging students to think up good questions, rather than relying on standardised answers. What’s the basis of your argument? How did you get there? I quickly learnt that behind every good essay is 101 enquiries.

When we talk about education, we often hear the word “critical thinking” being thrown around, hailed as key to academic development. Yet, before LSE, I must admit that I had no idea what it truly meant to approach issues systematically or revel in the nuances and complexity of societal issues.

While it was difficult initially, along with the uncertainty of approaching unsolved world problems comes a lot of freedom. For curious minds, the School’s academic environment opens up an arena wide enough so that any student gets a chance to play. In an LSE classroom, disagreements are always welcome, that is, as long as you’ve been diligent enough to figure out how to back your statement up.

Of course, learning the art of critical thinking is a life-long journey, and I certainly have a long way to go. But the training I’ve received from my professors and teachers has certainly been a catalyst in getting me to think deeply and more broadly about world issues.

Growth by osmosis

Stepping into LSE initially can feel daunting. In my first month as a student here, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the calibre of my classmates. Whether it was internships, academics or extra-curricular activities, it seemed to me that everyone around me was not only doing more, but doing better than I was!

The truth is, LSE is home to a lot of go-getters, genuinely hungry for new experiences and knowledge. While I’d always considered myself a motivated person, my idea of “working hard” had been confined to the academic syllabus. “Working hard” to me was doing the work I’d been given as best as I could, never actively looking for opportunities myself.

However, over time, I’ve found my classmates’ enthusiasm and curiosity rubbing off on me. While it can be hard to avoid comparing myself to my classmates, I’ve gradually grown more and more comfortable with the discomfort of no longer being a big fish in a small pond. Besides, even if it might not seem like it, you’d be hard-pressed to find a single university student who’s actually got everything figured out!

Today, I find it pretty exciting to see my peers take on new challenges I’ve never even thought to try. As I’ve had the privilege of learning, it’s a big world out there, and being in the centre of an international metropolis certainly acts as an amazing starting point to begin exploring it.

University is a lot more than an academic syllabus. It can be a pivotal point of development and self-discovery. No matter your goals after graduation, having the platform to learn new skills, especially alongside others, is an amazing gift before moving on to your next step in life. As a student at LSE, I’ve had the chance to be exposed to so many new experiences and life lessons. I’ve personally felt I’ve grown a lot here, and I’m excited to find out what else my LSE journey has in store for me!