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Daniel

October 4th, 2023

Mastering the journey: 5 tips for navigating life at the LSE European Institute

0 comments | 3 shares

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Daniel

October 4th, 2023

Mastering the journey: 5 tips for navigating life at the LSE European Institute

0 comments | 3 shares

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Adapting to a new academic environment

I understand that initially adjusting to a new educational system and diving into a postgraduate programme, with its heightened sense of independence, can be a bit challenging. And let’s not forget, this all happens while you’re navigating life in a foreign country! But trust me, the LSE European Institute is here to make this transition smoother for you. My top tip? Talk with your Academic Mentor – they’re your go-to person. They’re not just there to help you with academics; they’ve got your back for your overall well-being too. So, reach out without hesitation. And if you’re not entirely convinced, remember that the rest of the EI Academic Staff are incredible too – they’ll always find a way to support you whenever you need it!

Balancing act

Studying at the EI means that you will dive into a sea of knowledge, which can be overwhelming. I recommend that you organise your time well so you can keep up with your classes and also have time for yourself. It’s important to take care of your health and wellbeing! Here’s the kicker: tech’s got your back. There’s a boatload of online scheduling tools out there and they’re like your time-organising sidekicks. It’s a trick that’s gonna stick with you even beyond your master’s journey. Oh, and let’s not forget – London’s your playground! When those study vibes start to stress you out, just remember: this city’s got your back. Loads of cool stuff to do, and tons of spots to explore. Need a personal fave? Hampstead Heath’s the ticket. Not too far from campus and it’s like a nature oasis. Perfect for those well-deserved breaks!

Exploring the social life

The EI life is not limited to academics. Your classmates form a cluster of young people with big dreams and common passions. This adds an incredible networking element to your experience and makes it a breeze to connect with your fellow students. Yep, you’ll have new friends in no time! And, hey, get ready to mix and mingle with people from all over the globe. Think about it: different cultures, different perspectives of the world – that’s like an instant mind-expanding experience right there! It’s a total game-changer for your personal growth, trust me. I met some amazing people in the EI, so I’m sure you will too. My advice? Dive into the social events organised by the institute throughout the year to meet your colleagues, professors, alumni and other members of the EI community. Don’t miss out!

Beyond the classroom

Life at EI isn’t just about classes – there’s a whole bunch more waiting for you to explore. One of the coolest parts about being in this department and at LSE is the awesome academic events they roll out all year round. You will have the unique opportunity to attend talks with big-shot speakers from all over the world, like last year’s visit by the WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Trust me, it’s a must-not-miss experience. And while we’re at it, the LSESU’s got this rad variety of societies too! They’re like hubs where you can meet people who are interested in the same stuff as you. Plus, you can team up and throw events that’ll totally level up your skills. The options are endless – just follow your vibe, and I bet you’ll find something that totally piques your interest.

The way to make sure you don’t miss a thing

Read every bit of the weekly email the awesome EI staff sends out. Seriously, it’s like your go-to treasure chest for updates. It’s packed with all the good stuff you need to know – from social hangouts to academic events, and even important class dates. They might even toss in some post-master’s chances too! So here’s the deal: spend 10 minutes digging into those emails. It’s like a quick investment that’ll pay off big time. You’ll get the scoop on all the opportunities waiting for you, and trust me, your time at EI will be nothing short of amazing.

About the author

Daniel

Daniel is a MSc Candidate in Political Economy of Europe programme (2022/23) at the European Institute of LSE. Originally from Ecuador, he's passionate about trade facilitation for development and exploring the relations between Europe and Latin America. When he's not cooking up economic theories, you'll find him lost in video game realms, historical novels or literally just lost while skateboarding.

Posted In: Study: Masters

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