Tips to Prepare You for Summer School

LSE Summer School is one of the best academic experiences you can have during the summer. Whether you're studying economics, law, management, or international relations, attending LSE Summer School is a great way to deepen your knowledge and experience life in London. However, since the sessions are short, and a lot is crammed into them, it's possible to feel overwhelmed. Balancing sightseeing, making new friends, classwork, studying for exams, and enjoying a social life can be challenging for Summer School students. Therefore, on this occasion, I would like to share some simple tips to help you prepare for your time at Summer School, to help you make the most of the experience.

Research Your Course

Before attending LSE Summer School, you must fully understand the course or courses you've registered for. Take the time to read the course syllabus, familiarise yourself with the required reading list, and review the course's scope to ensure it aligns with your personal goals. Many courses at LSE Summer School are intensive, so clearly understanding what to expect can be a significant advantage. It's crucial to comprehend the course content, as nobody wants to study something they're not interested in, especially when you'll be there for at least three weeks. Getting excited about your course can make your stay more memorable.

Tip: Explore articles, textbooks, or academic journals related to your course. You may also want to seek advice from past attendees!

Organise your paperwork, housing, and budget

Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. These include the acceptance letter from LSE, your passport, a student visa (if required for your country), travel insurance, and any other relevant documents.

Additionally, it's crucial to arrange your accommodation. LSE offers student housing, some very close to campus, and some of which include breakfast and provide access to a gym. Wherever you stay, make sure you have the necessary facilities. For example, for me, having included breakfast and being close to campus were essential factors in deciding where to stay.

Another essential aspect for prospective students is funding. LSE Summer School courses are not free, and accommodation/travel expenses should also be considered.

Plan Your London Experience

London offers a lot of places and events to explore and experience. However, depending on the length of your stay, the time available for exploration may be limited. When I knew for sure that I was going to London, I made a bucket list with everything I wanted to do. This included everything from visiting Buckingham Palace to seeing The Shard, an impressive 73-story skyscraper. To make the most of your time, create your list of must-visit places – I recommend including the British Museum, Tate Modern, the National Gallery, and Hyde Park.

Once you've created your list, planning how you'll navigate the city is essential. Familiarise yourself with the London Underground (Tube), the fastest way to get around. Download apps like Google Maps and Citymapper, which will help you plan your routes around the city. Consider investing in an Oyster card - this will give you easy access to public transport and help save money as you explore London’s iconic sights.

Get out of your comfort zone

This tip might seem predictable, but be ready to meet new people and leave your comfort zone. Try to connect with new people daily and participate in the various events organised by LSE Summer School.

Don't hesitate to connect with your professors, TAs, and classmates. Spending time with them for a casual chat or study sessions helped me balance my social and academic life. Some of my closest friends are the ones I met while studying and preparing for exams in the library. One of the best things about the Summer School experience was getting to know students worldwide. I'm grateful that I'm still in touch with many of them to this day.

 

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.