Sport at LSE Summer School

One of the highlights of my LSE Summer School experience was the chance to enjoy sports and stay active while connecting with fellow students. Whether you’re passionate about a particular sport or just want to try something new, there are plenty of opportunities at LSE and across London to make your summer more dynamic.

LSE’s Marshall Building is a fantastic place for students who want to play sports. It features a football pitch, basketball court, a gym, and squash courts, and much more (check the map attached to find out), which I often took advantage of during my stay. To book a slot, I simply went down to the ground floor of the Marshall Building and spoke with the friendly staff at the Student Union desk. They were very helpful in arranging bookings and explaining the different facilities available.

Keep in mind that some activities, such as renting certain sports courts, do come with a cost that isn’t covered by Summer School fees. A tip I learned is that the more people you gather to join, the more affordable it becomes, as the costs can be shared. For those interested in group activities, the Student Union staff can provide all the details and help you get started.

LSE also organises free sports events for Summer School students, such as basketball and football sessions. These activities are set at specific times and days, making it easy to join in and meet other students. The Summer School team will send you information on everything you need to know regarding these events by email: from the type of events, how to sign up, to the where and when's. I attended a few of these events myself and found them a great way to bond with friends while staying active. It’s an enjoyable, no-cost way to enjoy team sports and expand your social network.

One of the best parts about studying in London more generally is having access to a range of events across the city. Since I’m a big fan of bouldering, I was thrilled to discover a North Face bouldering event taking place in London during my stay. This event added a unique and memorable experience to my time abroad and reminded me of how many opportunities London offers. I highly recommend checking out what’s happening in the city as there’s always something exciting on offer.

For those who love spending time outdoors, London’s parks provide an ideal setting for casual sports. A group of friends and I spent an afternoon at Hyde Park, where we enjoyed a casual football game and tried out a new activity: Spike-ball. This game, which is a blend of volleyball and four square, turned out to be a great way to exploit the outdoors and spend time together. London’s parks are open to the public and perfect for spontaneous sports activities, so definitely make the most of them. The parks are public spaces so you can go at almost any time and use most areas you like at no cost.

If you’re planning to attend LSE Summer School, I encourage you to explore the sports facilities on campus and make the most of London’s active scene. Whether you book a football pitch at the Marshall Building or join an outdoor event in the city, these activities will not only help you stay fit but also give you the chance to build friendships and experience London from a new perspective. Make sure to check out what’s available to maximise your summer school experience.

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.