Making Friends at LSE Summer School

My name is Abigail Thomas, and I attended LSE Summer School in 2024, where I studied MG106: Strategic Management. Before I arrived, I was a little nervous about meeting people and making friends. However, once I got there, I realised that Summer School was not only an exceptional academic experience, but the various social activities provided many opportunities to make new friendships.

After I had been accepted to the programme, I used the Unibuddy Community app to connect with both current and former students – you’ll be sent an invitation email to join once your offer is confirmed. This meant that I already knew some people before getting to campus, and could engage with students from all over the world who had similar interests and goals. Having access to an app which was only open to LSE Summer School Offer Holders was helpful, as it allowed me to gain a better understanding of what to expect. All of the students I talked to were extremely passionate about the programme and very willing to help, and the number one tip I received was to stay in LSE accommodation.

I stayed at High Holborn, one of LSE’s halls, and it was evident from the day I arrived that there would be many opportunities to meet my peers. High Holborn hosted a social event shortly after everyone moved in, where I was able to connect with my neighbours and make friends. The various common rooms and social areas in the dorm became popular places for students to congregate over the course of the session. Additionally, because of the dorm's great location, we were able to take full advantage of the city. High Holborn is in the centre of London, which allowed us to walk to iconic London landmarks, such as the British Museum and Covent Garden, in a matter of minutes.

The course I took, MG106: Strategic Management, consisted of lectures and seminars, the latter of which involved a small group of only about 20 students. Much of the seminar focused on group work and completing various projects as a team. This encouraged me and my peers to get to know each other and fostered many friendships. Not only were we working together in the classroom, but we were meeting up outside the classroom to work on our projects, study, and collaborate.

LSE classes and accommodation are structured in a way that allows students to connect, and on top of that, LSE organises additional social events. From walking tours of London to seeing West End musical performances, the social programme offers experiences for students to learn more about the city and meet peers with similar interests. My personal favourite was the Boat Party, a sunset cruise down the River Thames, which was a fantastic way to meet new friends from all over the world.

Not only does LSE Summer School offer an incredible academic experience, but the numerous social opportunities ensure that students will leave with new perspectives and friendships.

 

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.