LSE Law School, which I am a part of, is an extremely active and welcoming community. As one of the largest academic departments, it brings together hundreds of law students and academics from various levels of study and backgrounds, creating an inspiring, inclusive, and academically stimulating environment.
From the start of my time at LSE, the Law Department has not failed to provide many events, from introductory lectures and tasters to exciting social get-togethers. Even before my arrival, I received an email presenting a packed calendar of events planned for the first two weeks, to welcome students to the department and to make us feel part of a bigger community. Comparing Welcome week events of my friends from other departments, the Law School made an effort to ensure that the students could enjoy the new educational journey to the fullest, with almost no days without something exciting happening. We could participate in events such as the Legal London walking tour, which for me as an international student was fascinating from the perspective of a tourist and a future lawyer. A social gathering at the Boom Battle Bar with fellow first-year undergraduate students was a perfect opportunity to meet many people doing the same degree and make friends, while at the same time enjoying ourselves with eccentric activities such as axe throwing.
One of the most anticipated events of the Welcome activities was the formal reception at the Law Society for first-year undergraduates and academics, organised by the department. Getting a chance to be in a place filled with impressive legal history and accomplishments, while talking to coursemates and academics in formal attire over a glass of wine, was certainly one of the highlights of the first few weeks at LSE. The department’s commitment to welcoming new students as warmingly and eventfully as possible highlighted its openness and positive energy, which did not end past the start of the term.
The vast number of public lectures, events, and panels about all sorts of legal topics is another aspect that makes LSE Law School an outstanding department. Almost no day goes without an opportunity to listen to some of the sharpest legal brains or engage in discussions with academics and other students. Public events allow the students to get inspired by legal role models or explore their legal interests outside the scope of their degree. The weekly newsletter run by the Law School, informs students of all exciting events happening in the near future, and I would highly recommend attending some of them since it is an incomparable opportunity to expand legal knowledge and take full advantage of what the department and university have to offer.
Another thing that makes the department stand out is the amount of free, interactive social events it offers to the students, creating a friendly and fun setting for socialising, meeting people and spending time with your friends. Every term, the students can attend the Dean’s lunch, where they can interact with the Law School Dean, and catch up with one another over a wide variety of sandwiches and snacks. Some Wednesday mornings lectures are followed by a coffee and cake reception provided by the department. Furthermore, LSE Law School organises game nights, quiz nights and even bowling evenings with pizza and beverages provided. These activities allow students to interact and relax after long study days, and they help to provide a healthy balance between hard academic work and the fun side of university life.
Lastly, the LSE Law School is a unique department thanks to its amazing support system and sense of community. Academic mentorship and Student Advisers foster a safe space, allowing for growth, support, and development. In the topic of building a sense of community, it would be impossible not to mention the recently opened Law Common room, which provides a beautiful and modern space for all members of LSE Law School to study and interact with each other.
