5 min read
When I first heard about LSE Summer School in the autumn of 2023, I couldn’t have imagined how much I would learn and discover during what would become one of the best experiences of my life.
At that time, I was a first-year university student at the University of St. Gallen, and I felt somewhat familiar with the dynamic environment of university life. What could I learn at LSE that I couldn’t learn through my undergraduate studies? Of course, I wanted to make new friends. For sure, I wanted to be in London, party, and (perhaps?!) study. However, I still wasn’t sure whether LSE Summer School was necessary to do so.
A year later, I’m realising how close I was to missing out on such a great adventure. It is still difficult to describe how amazing this Summer School really is!
What stood out first is the duality between study and social programmes. At LSE Summer School, students complete assignments that can be converted into credits. Alongside lectures led by world-leading faculty, you will also have seminars in which you can practice the theory you learned through group exercises and discussion. This structure ensures that you can apply what you have learned during the lectures, giving you a deeper understanding of the content. I found this very interesting and enjoyed the collaborative environment it created. The lectures give you an insight into what a typical LSE student experiences, and the seminars allow you to meet new people and improve your communication skills.
In addition to your courses, you have access to a wide range of activities — from London walking tours to cricket games — which provide great opportunities to meet people outside of class and experience the richness of London. The biggest highlight of Summer School was the Boat Party, a three-hour trip along the River Thames with plenty of music and food! Of course, you’ll stay busy with lectures and homework, but such social events are crafted to fit perfectly into your schedule. I recommend that you register in advance before the list is full!
Lastly, being in the heart of London is an amazing opportunity to discover more of the city on your own. Once your lectures are over, grab some friends and take a walk to Covent Garden (10-15 minutes away) or Buckingham Palace (no more than a half-hour!). You can also download a bike rental app like Santander Cycles or Lime. Bike lanes in London are incredibly prevalent, especially along the River Thames, and cycling is a great way to see lots of iconic sights quickly!
One last friendly piece of advice: bring a coat and an umbrella, as London can be quite temperamental in 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.
Elie Chevalier
I am a 19-year-old French and Swiss student at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Economics. At Summer School, I studied IR201: Comparative Political Economy: Capitalism, Democracy, and Inequality. I have a profound interest in economics, financial mathematics, and foreign cultures and languages. I am fluent in French and English, and have a B2 level in German and an A1 level in Chinese, and also am a committed pianist in my spare time, with 14 years of experience.