My tips to get the most out of Summer School

LSE Summer School was a rich experience that boosted my professional skills and academic expertise in my field of interest, and provided me with an opportunity to get acquainted with various cultures and expand my network. In order to maximise your Summer School experience, it is essential to manage time wisely which may turn out to be quite a challenging task. In this article, I will reflect on my own experience and suggest 5 tips that helped me make the most of my time at Summer School!

Tip 1: Set a reminder to register for the events!

Summer School provides a wide range of extracurricular activities ranging from parties and walking tours to the career workshops and business bootcamps. However, the tickets for these events are extremely limited and require early registration, which usually opens 2 weeks in advance. I highly recommend setting a reminder to secure your place, as, for instance, the trip to Cambridge was sold out just in 5 minutes!

Personally, I tried to attend as many activities as possible to socialise with other students, explore London, Oxford and Windsor, try new sports and relax while enjoying theatre. Apart from that, I attended a lot of Spark events, which are designed to help you to strengthen your professional skills, choose your career path and effectively apply to internships and full-time positions. As an example, we had workshops devoted to writing a good CV and dealing with stress during interviews!

Amongst all the activities on offer, I’d highlight the 2-hour walking tour around City of London landmarks, led by an amazing guide. It was a real adventure to dive into historical facts, get a taste of culture and observe impeccable cityscapes. The most surprising discovery for me was the tiny artworks of Ben Wilson, who made art from pieces of chewing gum left on the Millennium Bridge!

Tip 2: It never hurts to check for discounts!

Most LSE accommodation has breakfast included (for Sydney Webb, breakfast is served on campus), however, for other meals during the day, one has to cook or go out. In between classes, I usually walked to “Pret A Manger” to grab some sandwiches and coffee. London is a relatively expensive city, especially for students coming from eastern Europe, so it was a relief to discover that the café has a monthly subscription which includes five free drinks a day as well as other attractive discounts!

If you live far from the campus, another wise idea may be to buy an Oyster card or a bus/tram pass to save on daily commuting. This was the case for me, as I stayed in Sydney Webb House and travelled a lot into the centre of London in my free time.

Tip 3: Exchange contacts with your fellow students!

Within the first day of Summer School, you will realise how inclusive and supportive the student community is. At the Welcome Party, you will meet lots of people with similar academic interests and possibly attending the same course as you are, and relationships will start growing exponentially. I recommend exchanging social media details with the students you interact with. The Summer School comprises like-minded people with strong academic backgrounds, and the social capital you accumulate here may turn into long-lasting friendships as well as be very beneficial for your future career.

Tip 4: Never be shy to ask questions!

The intensity of the courses at LSE Summer School is extremely high, and it may turn out to be quite challenging to keep up with material, especially if you choose a completely new field. The studying process requires a lot of concentration. I’d encourage you to ask clarifying questions during/after the class or search for teacher’s assistance if you need help. This way you will receive advice on which materials to read or refresh, and thus will structure your self-study more efficiently. There are many coworking areas in LSE, but my personal favourites are the 1st and 2nd floor open spaces in CBG which have a spectacular view over the campus.

Tip 5: Book accommodation far in advance!

Although some students prefer to rent private accommodation, LSE halls is by far one of the best opportunities to socialise with other students during Summer School. There are many resources to help you choose the most suitable accommodation – you can watch YouTube room tours from LSE students or Summer School participants, or connect with ambassadors via the UniBuddy platform and ask about their experience. Since the rooms quickly get booked up, I recommend booking the halls as soon as you can. Even though some available spots could appear closer to the start of each session as people cancel, planning beforehand will save your time and nerves.

I personally selected Sydney Webb House, and although it is one of the furthest ones from the campus, to me, it stands out for the atmosphere and sense of community. All the room blocks are connected by the yard, which is a great spot for socialising. Even better, the common areas include table tennis, pool, and even a small room with a home cinema system! Moreover, it is the only accommodation that has a gym, which is convenient if you enjoy morning exercise.

 

To sum up, LSE Summer School provides you with many opportunities, and it is you who decides how many of them to embrace! Enjoy your studies, socialise and explore London freely!

 

This blog was written by one of our 2023 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.