Your university experience is much more than getting a degree. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, gain new experiences and expand your perspectives. As a first-year undergraduate student, I’ve come to appreciate so much of what it means to be a student at LSE. Here are five things that you can do to make the most of your LSE experience:

1. Meet new people  

Your peers will likely be your first and most memorable part of your time here at LSE. Upon arriving on campus, the first thing I noticed is how intelligent and diverse everyone is. Whether it’s reaching out to your cohort or making dinner with your hall friends (accordingly with COVID-19 safety guidelines), meeting new people early will help you discover opportunities and make your learning experience productive and rewarding.

2. Join societies 

LSE students enjoy so many different things, and chances are, you’ll be able to meet like-minded people by joining societies. Whether you’re interested in running, economics or fashion, LSE societies have it all. In fact, you might even discover something completely unexpected: beekeeping, or opera ballet, for example. Societies are a great way to have fun and meet new people in the process.

3. Know your professors

As intimidating as they may appear, I’ve grown to appreciate the incredible faculty at LSE. Chances are, your professor is a leading expert in their field and contributes to cutting-edge research. Find out about your professor’s area of interest early on, book office hours with them and take advantage of their incredible knowledge of your discipline – don’t worry, they won’t bite!

4. Explore London 

I know it’s not the most feasible of things to do now during a pandemic. But once you are able and have the chance to, and you will, exploring London is a must. Enjoying its restaurants, museums and culture is a great way to take a break from your studies and spend time with your friends. I’ve found traveling by foot and bike to be the best way to get around. Remember to bring an umbrella though; London’s weather might take some getting used to!

5. Take on opportunities  

One of the most surprising things about LSE for me was the number of things happening every day. Whether it’s an event featuring a world-renowned figure, or the chance to explore your career options, you’ll quickly discover that LSE and its location in Central London provides you with more than you can imagine. At times, it can even be overwhelming. Ultimately, what you get out of your LSE experience depends on the initiative you’re willing to take for your own education and development. Things happen fast here, so make the most of it by taking on opportunities!

Please consult the UK government website for the latest coronavirus guidance. Find out more about LSE’s response to coronavirus.

Thumbnail image taken by Hanzhi Lu, winner of the 2020 LSE Photo Prize People’s Choice Award.