LSE - Small Logo
LSE - Small Logo

Natallia

January 6th, 2023

Why should you apply to LSE?

0 comments

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Natallia

January 6th, 2023

Why should you apply to LSE?

0 comments

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

The London School of Economics has a unique academic rigour, internationalism and location that makes it distinctive from other universities.

LSE has repeatedly topped global academic league tables in a multitude of degree programmes (2022 QS World Rankings by Subject: Social Sciences and Management). While the opportunity to study at one of the world’s best universities was selling enough for me, I was also drawn in by the fact that all of our degrees are connected. LSE is specialist and small, which creates a tighter academic community that you would not experience elsewhere.

LSE bridges connections across departments through the university’s flagship course, LSE100, which you will undertake in your first year. It engages you in modern day issues, interconnects a number of disciplines and forces you to consider solutions to some of the most pressing world dilemmas. This is unique to LSE and enables you to see the relevance of your own discipline in the modern world. Personally, this has contextualised my degree programme more and added to my love for it.

In terms of the student body, LSE is the most international university in the UK, with over 70% of the student population arriving from out of the country. A melting pot of nationalities and cultures, it presents an opportunity to meet some of the most interesting and vibrant young people. This opportunity, to this extent, is exclusive to LSE. LSE’s reception to international students encourages you to ingrain a fragment of your own culture, hometown or country into London or student life. It allows you to form global connections in both a professional and personal capacity.

For me, one of the best parts of LSE is its location. Studying here will give you the opportunity to live in the very centre of London, which is not something that most will experience again. For me, living so close to the British Museum makes for a magical walk to and from campus every day, as does passing the Royal Courts of Justice to get my lunch. The campus is a 10-minute walk from Covent Garden and a short walk from the most touristic parts of London.

The modernistic, office-like campus is situated right in the heart of Holborn, which stimulates a fast-paced, “working” style education. The rush of the city mobilises you to match the pace of the successful professionals whom we share the area with. As you are constantly surrounded by the workplaces and opportunities that you want for your future, being a student in London is more motivating that anywhere else.

Being around so many other ambitious students at LSE serves as a constant reminder to work even harder. Attending an academically challenging university whilst simultaneously confronting big city life makes LSE students more mature than many places. Unlike small town and live-on campus universities, you must take responsibility for your choices and movements throughout the day, plan ahead and remain cautious and aware. Indeed, you certainly reap the rewards for this, as you will become independent and more world-wise.

Without a doubt, one of the best parts of LSE is the people. The students of LSE may be career driven and independent, but we are sociable and friendly creatures too. I have found the most like-minded people here. Outside the classroom, the Student Union plays a vital role in enabling this side of us to flourish. You are certainly able to take on the academic commitment of your degree and expand and explore hobbies.

LSE feels like a bubble within London. Coming from a small quiet city in Scotland, I feared taking on the largest in the country. However, both the halls and the campus are somewhat microcosmic; it is possible to shut off from the big city life. LSE students are lucky to receive the best of both worlds. You will be a part of a friendly community; a bigger city; and a bigger picture altogether.

About the author

Natallia

I am a first year undergraduate, studying BA History with Spanish. I am involved with many societies, such as the newspaper, netball and yoga. When I am not in the library, I love to explore London and find unusual new places.

Posted In: Applying: Undergraduate

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Bad Behavior has blocked 2269 access attempts in the last 7 days.