More Than Just a Summer School

My name is Harigovind, I’m from Bangalore, India, and I studied FM250: Finance at LSE Summer School. I wanted to share a bit about my Summer School journey, from choosing the course to arriving in London, and everything I learned along the way. If you’re considering LSE Summer School, I hope this gives you an honest insight into what the experience can look like, both inside and outside the classroom.

The application process

When I first decided I wanted to attend a summer school, I spent hours scrolling through different university websites trying to understand the courses on offer and which city would be the right for me. I knew that I wanted to study finance, but I wasn’t sure where.

That’s when I came across the LSE Summer School website. With limited prior knowledge in finance, it was important for me to find a course that matched my level and would challenge me in the right way. What stood out was how clearly each course was outlined, including the prerequisites and learning outcomes. It made the decision process much easier and gave me the confidence that I was applying for a course that suited my background and goals.

The journey to London

Once my place was confirmed, everything suddenly felt real. Bags packed and tickets booked, I arrived in London expecting an intensive academic experience. What I didn’t expect was how much more it would become.

When you think about spending 18 days at a university, you might assume it’s just lectures and coursework. But for me, it felt like a condensed version of student life at LSE. Staying in LSE halls, figuring out the quickest routes to campus, attending lectures, studying in between classes, and building friendships with people from around the world made the experience incredibly immersive.

Self-growth

It was also my first time living away from family in an entirely new country. Managing my time, budgeting expenses, and navigating the city felt overwhelming at first. But, this new-found independence became one of the most valuable parts of the experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I hadn’t expected.

Looking back, LSE Summer School was more than just an academic programme for me. It was a chance to explore a new city, meet inspiring people, and discover a new level of confidence in myself. If you ever have the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone like this, I would say take it. For me, it’s an experience I’ll always carry with me.