One of the concerns you might have before coming to LSE is the question of how to make friends. Whether you are coming into your postgraduate degree straight from your undergraduate or from the working world, or whether you are already living in London or just moving here for the first time, it is completely normal to feel nervous about the social aspect.
In a postgraduate degree there will be a wide array of types of students. There is a lot of diversity in nationality, age, interests and experience. Therefore you are bound to find people you share similarities with. Here follows a few tips on how to meet new people and make friends at LSE as a graduate student.
1. Take the initiative
You will meet new people through attending the range of orientation events hosted by LSE for new students, including welcome receptions, fairs and campus tours. These events provide an excellent opportunity to meet other new students and strike up conversations. Another great way to connect with people is through participating in seminars. Through voicing your opinion in class your course mates will get to know you better and you can continue discussions outside the classroom.
Other than merely striking up conversations with new people don’t be afraid to take the initiative to meet up again. Invite new people to have lunch with you, to go for a pint at the Three Tuns after class, or to visit one of the many sights in London. Everyone is in the same boat and will be happy to have new opportunities to socialise.
2. Join a society
The LSE Student Union has over 200 student societies and clubs, covering a wide range of interests, from politics and debate to sports and music. During Welcome Week there will be a societies fair which I encourage you to go to. If you miss it, you can always go to the SU website to browse the options available. Find other people with similar interests, or discover a new hobby! By joining a sport, club or society you will have the opportunity to meet people from outside of your course. Not only does this broaden your network, but it can be a nice break for when you want to talk about something other than this week’s readings and upcoming assignments!
3. Use social media
Anticipating your arrival to LSE, you will receive numerous newsletters. Make sure to read them as they not only contain useful information, but a WhatsApp group chat for your course and department is usually created prior to the start of term. In this way you can already connect with classmates before meeting them and you can organise social gatherings with people from the course. Moreover, asking for people’s social media information after you meet them is a great way to stay connected. If you have people’s social media you can easily share events and activities with new friends or plan meet ups.
4. Don’t get discouraged
Lastly, it’s important to remember that making friends takes time and effort. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t make friends right away. Even if it seems like everyone has made big friend groups already, there is always space for more people. Keep putting yourself out there, and eventually, you’ll find people you connect with. It is also completely normal to speak to someone a lot the first few weeks and then drifting apart as the term goes on. By the end of your degree, you may end up friends with people you had not expected or never even spoken to at the beginning of your degree.
Overall, the social life on campus at LSE is diverse and engaging, with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in attending lectures, joining a society, or simply hanging out with friends, LSE provides a supportive and welcoming environment for students to connect and socialise. By following these tips and making an effort to get involved, you can make the most of your time at LSE and build lasting friendships that will enrich your university experience.
