How LSE Summer School Compares to My University Back Home

When I boarded my flight to London this summer, I expected adventure. What I didn’t expect was how much my time at LSE Summer School would change the way I think about learning itself. Coming from university in the US, I thought I had a pretty good handle on lectures, exams, and student life. But LSE surprised me - the courses weren’t just different because they were in London, they reflected a whole other academic culture.

The Structure: Seminars + Lectures

At home, most of my business and analytics classes follow a straightforward format: lecture, homework, and the occasional group project or exam. Seminars are rare, mostly reserved for science labs. At LSE, every course is split into lectures and discussion seminars.

This rhythm was refreshing. In the lectures, professors discussed big ideas, frameworks, and theories. Then in seminars, we unpacked those ideas together as a class. The smaller setting made it easier to challenge the concepts, debate classmates, and hear perspectives from all over the world. It was more demanding in terms of participation, but also far more engaging, and I felt my understanding of the topics deepened.

The Academic Style: Writing and Discussion Over Homework

Back home, my week is usually filled with problem sets, online quizzes, and plenty of homework. At LSE Summer School, it was different. There was little to no daily homework. Instead, the focus was on academic writing and critical discussions. The testing environment was also stricter. There were no online exams and no take-home options - everything felt formal and precise.

It took me a few days to adjust, but I began to appreciate how this structure forced me to think more deeply. Rather than memorising material for a quiz, I had to develop arguments, write clearly, and defend my thinking. It felt less about checking boxes and more about actually understanding.

Grading: A Different Scale, A Different Mindset

Here’s something that shocked me: at LSE, a 70/100 is considered an A. Coming from the U.S. system, where anything less than a 93/100 can feel disappointing, this was a big adjustment. But once I settled in, I realised the grading scale matched the intensity of the courses.

Take my Session 2 course, ME117: Probability and Statistics for Economics and Econometrics. It was easily the hardest course I’ve ever taken - Extremely fast-paced, technical, and relentless. When I earned grades in the 70s, I understood they reflected mastery, not mediocrity. It made the challenge feel fair, and in the end, it was the most fulfilling academic experience I’ve had.

Memorable Courses

In Session 1, I studied ME102: Ethics of Data and AI. The conversations in that class are some I’ll never forget. We debated not just how AI works, but whether it should work the way it does. Talking about algorithms with classmates from Brazil, China, and Nigeria gave me insights I’d never have gained at home. It pushed me to see technology through cultural and ethical lenses I hadn’t considered before.

Then came Session 2’s ME117: Probability and Statistics for Economics and Econometrics. If Session 1 expanded my worldview, Session 2 stretched my limits. Every lecture demanded full focus, and every seminar felt like solving a puzzle at high speed. It was intense, but walking out of the final exam, I felt like I had levelled up academically. It reminded me why I love to be challenged: the harder the climb, the better the view.

Beyond the Classroom: London vs. Minneapolis

Of course, part of the difference wasn’t just LSE, it was London. My home campus in Minneapolis is beautiful and a lot bigger, but LSE’s central location puts you in the middle of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. I could finish a seminar and be at Trafalgar Square in five minutes. My lunch breaks weren’t just about food - they were about discovering hidden cafés, exploring iconic neighbourhoods, or people-watching at beautiful parks.

At home, everything is situated on campus and my entire routine takes place here. At LSE, there is a community on campus, but you’re also in the middle of the city and can take full advantage of that . Every walk to class felt like a reminder that I was studying in a global hub of history and culture.

Final Reflections

Comparing LSE to my home institution isn’t about deciding which is better - both offer completely different experiences that will shape you in unique ways.

Together, they gave me balance: studying in the US has built my foundation, and LSE sharpened my knowledge and skills. The combination left me more confident not just in my academic abilities, but also in my ability to adapt, think critically, and push myself beyond my comfort zone.

If you’re considering LSE Summer School, know this: you won’t just gain credits. You’ll gain a new and deeper perspective on academics, on culture, and on yourself.

 

This blog was written by one of our 2025 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.