We all know that our time at LSE is not necessarily one which comes without its challenges. Life as a student can at times be taxing, tiring, and extremely time and energy-consuming. That being said, given our limited amount of time at university, especially within the campus, we only have so many hours that we can spend doing the “typical LSE” things.

As an individual doing a one-year Master’s here, I have truly begun to appreciate and leverage all things LSE has to offer. Or at least, I try. It’s been five months since my course started, and I have just one month to go before we break off for Easter and then proceed to our Summer term, during which time we will have a handful of classes or meet-ups. So essentially, classes end in a month, and I am super confused about where all the time went. Now, the good thing is that I have 0 regrets because I know that I have at least tried to make good use of the year so far. It’s nowhere close to where I would like myself to be ideally, but not bad at all. What helped me the most is the fact that I was able to add in some LSE offerings (in addition to my classes) each week, so that I can craft a rounded week.

This blog focuses on a few aspects of LSE that I leveraged to make the “most” of the LSE experience. LSE provides a bunch of different opportunities to engage with and connect with multiple sectors and opportunities. For those of us who are confused about our short-term and long-term plans, it offers a ton of support to figure that out.

This blog is primarily career and academics-focused, so in order to think about other aspects one can engage with, do check out my other blogs (the ones that have been posted and those that will be soon). This is not an exhaustive list but is a good place to get one started.

Pro tip: I keep the links mentioned below bookmarked on my browser so that I don’t have to remember all the websites and aspects I have to consider as I make my weekly plan at the beginning of the week. Saves me brain space and time!

LSE Events

The LSE Events website gives an updated list of all events that LSE conducts. Events range from city tours to mindfulness, to academic support to networking tips. The events run throughout the year and they differ based on the time of the year. For example, city tours are more common during the beginning of the year, and dissertation-related tips are towards the middle and end.

LSE Career events

The LSE Career Hub website has a section for the Events they conduct throughout the year. This list is up to date and exhaustive and provides one with opportunities to upskill oneself, network, explore different sectors, etc. I usually just look at the most relevant ones each week and sign up for them if possible. Recordings of certain sessions can also be accessed under the section “Materials and Recordings”.

LSE Career hub – jobs and internships

Looking for a full-time or part-time job? The Career Hub “Jobs and opportunities” section is a great go-to depending on the sector. I spent the first few months scouting for part-time jobs and received all of mine through opportunities posted on the Career Hub. For my full-time job after uni, I aim to work in the development sector which doesn’t have as many opportunities posted here as do the more traditionally “popular” sectors, but I still see relevant opportunities time and again.

LSE general events and talks

One of LSE’s primary offerings is the set of excellent external speaker sessions it offers. This website gives you the list of speakers and sessions that you can access each week. When in Rome, be a Roman, eh?

LSE Life

This website gives information about how to access different studies and other aspect-related information and resources, including booking appointments with study advisers. I usually book this if and when I see a need for some advice.

LSE Activities

For a list of activities one can join, visit this website. I recently found this Activity Map that lists out different walks, parks, markets, etc. around London for us to explore at our own time. Super helpful!

Office hours with teachers

I usually balance the above with office hours, if relevant, with professors I want to connect with, clarify doubts with, etc. I do this based on needs and interests, and so do not do this every week. You can book appointments using the Student Hub.

Pro tip: At the start of every week, I check out all the websites mentioned above, book events that I enjoy, and then add that to my weekly plan, to have a nice and rounded out week.