Hello! My name is Khushi and I’m a first year Politics and Philosophy student at LSE.

The Uggla Family Scholars Programme is probably the biggest one on offer at LSE. Worth over £20,000 every year and open to both UK and international students, it covers partial tuition costs and provides a very generous stipend to cover living expenses. But the benefits don’t stop there- you also get guaranteed housing, personalized career coaching, mentorship with the Uggla family and, if you’re an international student like me, a travel stipend to visit home!

As an Uggla Family Scholar, you have access to support even before you arrive on campus. I remember facing issues with my student visa, and Ikenna – the Programme Manager- worked with me to make sure they were sorted in time. He also organised a zoom call where I was able to meet all the other scholars and get some helpful tips on making the most of my first term. Additionally, if you choose to live in halls, you’ll be housed with other Uggla Family scholars which definitely fosters a greater sense of community.

Once term begins, all Uggla scholars have the chance to attend regular Wednesday workshops (and eat free pizza!). These can range from intense discussions on the meaning of inclusion to more practical workshops on CVs and LinkedIn, which I personally found very helpful. There are also events introducing opportunities available to all LSE students. For example, Ikenna organized a workshop with Paul on the CIVICA Engage Track. I applied and will now be travelling to Paris in June-for free!

Mentorship is an important part of the Programme. All first-year scholars are assigned a second-year mentor to help them settle in. It’s very comforting to know that I can text Mahnoor, my mentor, about anything – academics, internships, things to do in London! The Uggla family too are great sources of inspiration. While I was quite nervous when I first met them, I immediately felt at ease as we talked about everything from museums and the London tube to cricket and travelling.

The best part about being a scholarship recipient at LSE is the sense of community. I was able to attend the Scholars Reception and meet the most wonderful people from all departments at LSE. We’re connected via group chats now and I know I can reach out for any help. These seemingly small things can go a long way in making your university experience that extra bit special.

Applying to LSE Scholarships is really easy, and you only need to submit one application to be considered for all scholarships at the School, including the Uggla Family Scholars Programme. My top tip is to not just focus on your academic achievements, but also highlight other activities you’ve engaged in outside of the classroom. Things like school clubs, essay and debate competitions or even creative Instagram accounts can help present a more complete picture of your motivations and interests. It’s also a good strategy to research specific scholarships so that you can tailor your application in line with their requirements or mission statements. Lastly, try to get some feedback from teachers or mentors and don’t forget to proofread!

Good luck, and I hope to see you next year on the Programme!