Information for parents and guardians
Find out how you can support your child or dependant with their application
If your child or dependant is thinking about coming to LSE, you may be wondering how you can help them prepare their application. You may also have your own questions about what an LSE education and experience is like. We hope to answer these questions here.
If you would like to receive regular updates about how we can help you and your child or dependant, please register for our mailing list and select "I am a parent/guardian".
An undergraduate education at LSE is designed for students who are keen to engage critically with their chosen discipline and who want to apply their learning to real world situations.
As well as formal contact time, which is made up of lectures and classes, there is a strong emphasis on independent study. More about teaching and assessment at LSE.
For some students, it is possible to study abroad during their undergraduate degree. Find out about our study abroad opportunities.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from all prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit and potential, irrespective of their background.
The entry requirements for each individual programme can be found on relevant programme page. Find an undergraduate programme.
You can also view our general entrance requirements information, and our entry requirements for students studying outside of the UK.
The application process
All students must submit applications via UCAS, the centralised admissions system for UK universities.
The application deadline is 13 January 2027 for students applying to start in September 2027. Applications for September 2026 entry have now closed.
Find out how to apply to LSE, and read our guidance on completing the UCAS form.
Personal statement
The personal statement is an important part of a student's application, particularly as we don't interview applicants. Make sure you read our personal statement guidance when helping your child or dependant to prepare.
What happens when?
Our admissions calendar will give you an indication of the timeframe from the time of application through to decisions and registering.
LSE offers a full range of support services and facilities to help ensure students have the best possible experience during their time at the School.
This includes academic guidance from teachers and academic advisers, academic personal and professional development through LSE LIFE and Language support, as well as advice and pastoral care through services such as the Faith Centre, Disability and Wellbeing Service, Student Counselling Service, LSE Careers, and the Students' Union.
Halls of residence
There are a range of accommodation options, either LSE or University of London intercollegiate halls of residence. Options include single rooms or shared rooms, catered or self-catered. Halls of residence are located within walking distance of LSE's campus.
Residences offer a supportive environment for those living away from home for the first time, providing a pathway to independence and establishing networks of friends that last a lifetime.
A place in accommodation is guaranteed for new undergraduate or General Course students, as long as the accommodation application is submitted by the deadline and they have accepted their offer to study at LSE.
Explore our accommodation options
Private accommodation
If your child/dependant would like to live in private accommodation, we can also help with this. Both the LSE Residential Services Office and the University of London Housing Service offer a comprehensive support service to students seeking housing in the private sector.
Our Peer Support Scheme and Student Academic Mentor programme can also help students feel more connected with the LSE community.
With careful planning and budgeting, it's definitely possible for students in London to take advantage of the amazing opportunities the city offers, while still living within their means.
LSE broadly estimates that students should allow for at least £1,550 per month for all living expenses, including accommodation, travel, food, laundry, study costs, and other personal expenses. This will vary depending on lifestyle and requirements, so it's important for students to do their own research.
When preparing to come to university, it's important to investigate possible sources of funding and income, and make a budget.
LSE students are based in the centre of London, an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. Our compact campus is packed full of facilities and services to make sure our students make the most of their time here, while also giving easy access to all that London has to offer.
Outside of study, there are a lot of extracurricular activities to get involved in, from sports and cultural clubs, to volunteering, arts and music, and public lectures. This can help students feel connected to the LSE community, establish a friendship group, explore new or previous interests and gain new skills.
The campus has a real community feel, and it offers a full range of facilities for studying, sport, wellbeing and more.
We take our students’ safety very seriously. London carries the risks associated with urban areas, for example pickpocketing in busy crowds - but if sensible precautions are taken, students are likely to have a crime-free time in London.
EducationUK from the British Council has lots of advice about safety. LSE’s campus security team makes sure that students are aware of ways to stay safe, and how to protect belongings like laptops and bicycles.
There are a number of opportunities to visit the LSE campus, and find out more about applying to and studying at LSE.
Undergraduate Open Days
We hold two Undergraduate Open Days a year, and each student is able to bring one guest with them to attend.
As part of the Open Days, there is a parents' talk, specifically aimed to address questions and concerns you may have.
Campus tours
We also offer guided campus tours, which include a tour with a current LSE student and a presentation on applying to and studying at LSE. We welcome parents on these tours.
Self-guided campus tours
It is also possible to visit our campus any weekday between 9.30 and 17.00.
You can download the LSExplorer brochure in PDF format. The LSExplorer will enable you to 'explore' the LSE campus for yourself.
Drop-in sessions
If you are a prospective LSE student and have questions that are not answered by our website, you can attend a drop-in consultation with a member of the Student Recruitment and Study Abroad team.
Offer Holders' Day
An Offer Holder Day is held in April for undergraduate applicants with an offer of admission for entry in the same calendar year or deferred for the following year.
Offer Holder Day is designed to ensure that students can obtain all the information they need to make a well-informed choice about whether to accept their offer of a place at LSE.
Each student is able to bring one guest with them to attend the day. As part of the event, there is a parents' talk, specifically aimed to address questions and concerns you may have.
Widening participation
LSE is enriched by a diverse student body. As a specialist social science institution and a leading global university we want to ensure that the widest range of perspectives and experiences are present in our classrooms.
Our widening participation programmes provide free activities for secondary school and sixth form students to experience campus and gain a greater understanding of the university application process.
Representatives from Student Recruitment and Study Abroad regularly visit schools and colleges to talk to students about the study opportunities at LSE, our entry requirements and the application process. We also offer a virtual webinar service for schools. Please contact your school directly if you have further questions about this.
We also regularly attend UCAS fairs and other higher education events around the UK and the world. Find out when we'll be in a city near you.