Preparing for LSE Summer School

Before starting Summer School, I was as nervous as any other student, as I didn’t quite know what to expect and who I would meet. This motivated me to join a few WhatsApp groups, hoping to connect with fellow students and get answers to my questions. In my blog, I will present some of the most common questions students tend to have and their answers. Hopefully, this will help you prepare for your time at Summer School!

1. What will my schedule look like?

It depends on your course. You can find the general structure on the course page, but for most courses I can say that you will have a lecture and a seminar, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Often, your seminar time will move around, giving you flexibility to explore London or study. You will get your full timetable on your first Monday on campus, and can start planning your extracurriculars around this!

2. Where is a great place to study?

There are plenty of nice, quiet places with great views at LSE, though they can be a bit tricky to find. I recommend heading to the higher floors of building like Chen Kin Ku or Centre for a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. Just make sure to always have your student ID with you, as you’ll need it to enter the buildings. The Marshall Building is particularly worth checking out too.

3. Is the Boat Party worth it?

This was a common question in my year, and the answer is yes! Everyone I spoke to afterwards said it was one of the highlights of their summer experience. You'll have a party on a boat cruising along the River Thames, right in the heart of London, giving you a unique view of the city from the water. They even open up Tower Bridge for the ship to pass under, which is amazing to witness. Plus, you get to enjoy the sunset from the boat and meet people from Summer School — what an incredible experience!

4. What about the Spark Events?

The Spark events are additional professional skills focused events, covering different topics like entrepreneurship, CVs, LinkedIn, and more. Some are interactive, while others are more like lectures. My tip: don’t get too stressed about the exam in the final week, and make sure to attend the Spark events — some of them are fantastic! Also, plan your time carefully. In my year, registration for the events opened two weeks before they started at 12:00 UK time. If there's an event you're really excited about, keep an eye on the time to make sure you don’t miss registering for it.

5. What is the LSE campus like?

The LSE campus is located in the heart of London. I recommend downloading the campus map online before your first day to navigate easily. Teaching room addresses consist of three letters for the building and numbers for the floor and room.

The campus has a small-city vibe, with restaurants, delis, a bookstore, a merchandise shop, and two pubs. Keep an eye out for artwork around campus, including the large upside-down globe and LSE sign, as well as smaller pieces like an elephant and a penguin.

6. Are there gym opportunities?

Yes, the campus has two gyms. One of them is in the SU Building, called the LSE Students' Union Gym. It has a variety of equipment, including machines for strength training, treadmills, bikes, and free weights in a functional training area. There’s a Summer School membership available for the three weeks - it was £35 in 2024.

7. Is there a towel in the accommodation?

While I can’t speak for all accommodations, I stayed in Sidney Webb, and we had two towels provided by the accommodation team, which were changed once a week. Plus, you don’t need to bring sheets either—they are also provided!

8. What about the breakfast?

Some of the LSE student dorms include breakfast, which is served in a dining room at the accommodation.

However, if you stay at Sidney Webb, you'll receive a breakfast voucher. This allows you to have breakfast on campus in the restaurant on the 4th floor of the Old Building. Each day, you can choose between two options: a hot breakfast (the classic British one) with eggs, beans, sausage, and toast, or a continental breakfast with cereals, pastries, and fruit. Just be careful not to mix the options — you will be charged extra!

 

I hope you find this FAQ article helpful! If you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the LSE Summer School team. They’re friendly and always willing to help.

 

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.