The global pandemic in 2020 meant that we were unable to run Summer School last year. However, we are making plans for 2021 that will allow us to bring you a social programme that offers the best experiences available in line with the latest COVID guidance.
Our bespoke social programme will help you make life-long friends and build valuable networks. This will be an essential starting point for those of you keen to discover London – especially if you aren’t sure where to start! We have an exciting array of free and ticketed events and recommendations of things to do around London.
Although events might look a little different in 2021, the social programme remains a key part of Summer School. We will be following government guidelines and will be ready to host Covid-safe and socially distanced events where necessary.
We arrange a variety of events for you to get to know your peers and discover London.This year we have added a number of online activities to allow everyone to take part whether they are in London or learning remotely:
"I would definitely say go to any of the social events put on by LSE, they're so well organised and a really great experience."
Ksenia, Higher School of Economics, Moscow
Professional Skills
Our Professional Skills programme complements your academic programme, and comprises workshops, events and resources to help you develop your job search strategy, understand key industries, grow digital and data skills, and better understand yourself in the context of your future career.
Take a look at our Professional Skills events and resources for summer 2021.
There are plenty of things to do in a city as diverse and energetic as London, and we’ve got a few recommendations so that you can make the most out of your time here:
A great deal of art galleries in London run evenings where you can listen to DJ sets and explore the gallery after hours. These include: Tate Lates, Concrete Lates and V&A Friday Late.
There are a whole load of cinemas in London for you to take a trip to on a rainy day, with the old-school Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square screening re-runs, all nighters and double bills. The BFI on Southbank offers all you could want, with movies old and new, as well as £3 tickets for under-25s!
London is host to numerous day-long music festivals in the summer months, including Field Day, Lovebox and Wireless.
There are food markets all over London, including: Borough Market, Southbank food stalls, Metropolitano Mercato, Boxpark Shoreditch and Broadway Market.
Find more inspiration with the LSE ‘Essential London’ guide.
"One of the things I enjoyed most about London was the range of plays and how vibrant the city is. I've had the amazing opportunity to see about four plays, thanks to lots of cheap tickets and discounts. It’s been incredible to see such culture and talent - especially given that this isn't something I'm exposed to at home."
Taylor Ball, Consumer Behaviour, 2018
"LSE is so central, you will literally be in the middle of everything and completely immersed in London culture. If you want to go out, everything is so close. I think London is the place to be, and LSE gives you the chance to experience that."
Rayyan Misherghi, The Wealth (and Poverty) of Nations: Historical Economic Divergence across the Globe, 2019
If you’re looking for a quiet study space…
Try the library, located in the Lionel Robbins Building.
If you’re looking for some food or drink…
We have plenty of cafés, which are in nearly every campus building. There are also spaces to eat your own food. Water fountains are available too – there are 66 you can use to keep hydrated in the summer months.
Take a look at our Food and Drink guide.
If you’re in need of some exercise…
We have state-of-the-art gyms, netball, tennis and badminton courts for you to enjoy all over campus.
Take a look at our Gym guide.
If you need some fresh air…
We are located right next to Lincoln’s Inn Fields, a favourite for students on a hot summer’s day!
Take a look at our Social and Green Spaces guide.
"I think what I've most enjoyed is just how large London is as a city, everywhere I go there's so much to explore. If you hop on the tube, you can go to places like Greenwich or the Harry Potter platform at King's Cross station. On the way to class I got to see so many new sites and gardens and that was really awesome"
Justin Du, Finance, 2019
Although there are plenty of options for you to choose from on campus, there are also plenty more in Central London.
The Strand, Aldwych/Kingsway and Ludgate Circus are on your doorstep for a quick lunch. If you head ten minutes north, the world-famous Covent Garden has plenty of different cuisines for you to try.
Head a little further and you’ll hit Chinatown and Soho, two metropolitan hubs of culture, good food and exciting nightlife.
Find more inspiration with the LSE ‘Essential London’ guide.
'The amazing thing about London is that there are so many different restaurants and cuisines that are all in walking distance. It's pretty amazing and extremely convenient to have so many different options on your doorstep."
Jessica Lee, International Relations Childhood Across Cultures and Wealth Across Nations, 2019
London has a brilliant transport system, which is quite easy to navigate once you get a hold of the basics. If you’re on campus, or at one of our halls of residence, most of the major central London destinations will be within walking distance.
However, if you’re looking to travel further afield, we recommend purchasing an Oyster card. You can buy these at any underground station for a fee of £5, which is refundable if you return your Oyster card at an underground station at the end of your trip. You can then add money to your Oyster card as you like! Money can be added to your Oyster card at underground, overground and DLR stations as well as at some newsagents.
If you’re looking to travel in style, you can use your Oyster card to hop on a River Bus along the Thames or the Emirates Cable Car between Royal Victoria and Greenwich.
A few things to remember:
- You cannot buy a ticket directly from bus drivers, all London buses are cashless and you will either need a travelcard, an Oyster card with money on it, or a contactless credit/debit debit card.
- Peak hours are the busiest time to travel, and the cost of tube travel is higher at these times. Try and avoid taking the tube between peak hours (Monday to Friday (not on public holidays) between 06:30 and 09:30, and between 16:00 and 19:00).
- At present, under COVID-19 guidelines, everyone travelling on public transport must wear a face mask, unless they have certain health conditions that make them exempt.
Join our mailing list today to be the first to hear all about our 2021 Social Programme.