5 Reasons You Should Pick LSE Summer School

My name is Janine, and I attended LSE Summer School last year – and loved it! I want to share 5 (of the many!) reasons why you should apply to LSE Summer School, and what you will take away from the experience.

Academic

LSE’s faculty is world-renowned for its academic achievements. The Summer School is a shorter version of their full-time programmes – each summer course is based on an undergraduate module, condensed into three weeks. The Summer School courses are intensive but will provide you with high-quality academic experience, no matter the subject or difficulty level. You can dive into specialised subjects that you are interested in and explore complex topics in fields from economics to international relations, from data science to law. Your professors will be experts in their fields, bringing strong academic backgrounds and practical experience to the classroom. They are committed to making complex topics accessible and engaging. Most courses consist of lectures and seminars, giving you the opportunity to learn the theory and then apply it to practical cases. This means you can explore your subject area in greater depth, and focus on developing your own views. The academic staff are always willing to answer whatever questions you have and provide you with useful lifelong tips. The strong commitment to enrich our learning experience made my studies at LSE so impactful and memorable.

Socials

LSE Summer School isn’t just about studying; it's about joining a vibrant, international community. For me, I saw this as a good opportunity to make new friends, as a lot of people attend alone and are open to new connections. My top recommendation when you arrive is to be brave to say hi! Say hi to your classmates, say hi to someone who sits next to you during meals, say hi to your professors. I met people from all around the world with different backgrounds and at different stages of their life, with whom I created memories that extended well beyond the classroom. To make it even easier to meet people, LSE hosts social and professional development programmes. From welcome parties to job searching strategies, from sports events to coding, from UK day trips to Boat Parties, there’s always something to do.

Campus

LSE's campus combines modern architecture with historical buildings. The Marshall Building is the newest and my favourite building here – you’ll find a lot of study spaces and a café, it’s a great place to go over the course materials after lectures. Also, LSE is situated right in the heart of London, so you will get the incredible opportunity to experience London life on your doorstep. Being in central London means that major landmarks, museums, and the city’s culture are just a short walk away. After my daily seminar, my friends and I would walk to Bouchard Garden to have an ice cream, or walk along the River Thames to enjoy the summer weather. On the way back to my LSE accommodation, I'd either explore the fancy Oxford Street or the lively South Bank. This immersive campus environment provides an inspiring setting for focused study and networking, making LSE Summer School a unique experience for students around the globe.

London

Before I arrived in London, I knew it was a global hub for finance, technology and arts, offering endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Three weeks may not be much time, but summer is always a best time to enjoy London. From exploring renowned museums and institutions, like the British Museum and National Gallery, your understanding of history, culture and art will be enriched. London is not just a bustling metropolis; it’s also a city rich in natural beauty that provides a refreshing contrast to its urban character. Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are the best natural areas to enjoy the calm of nature, providing a balance with study. Besides London, there are a lot of wonderful UK spots you can travel to - for example, I went to Cambridge and the White Cliffs of Dover over the weekends by train. They were both so stunningly beautiful! Also, LSE organises trips to UK cities such as Cambridge, Oxford and Windsor that you can attend with other Summer School students.

Diverse connections

London is a city defined by its diversity, and so is LSE Summer School. Joining allows you to meet students, academics, and professionals from various fields and global backgrounds, all with different perspectives and networks. Building connections at Summer School can lead to lasting friendships and new career opportunities. On my course, there were some classmates that had just started their university life, but there were some classmates who had already worked for a while, and had decided to come back to school to improve their knowledge. People came from different fields and industries, such as economics, data analysis, psychology, among many others. These diverse connections enable you to exchange ideas, learn from different viewpoints, and grow within a global community. I met so many interesting people, many of whom I am still in contact with, and I am grateful for everything I learnt from them over the summer.

This blog was written by one of our 2024 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the Summer School experience at LSE.