As a General Course student from a suburban university, I wanted to study at a centrally-located city university. Fortunately, LSE is one of the best-located universities! Below are my top 4 benefits of LSE’s location.
1. At the heart of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan and metropolitan cities
Whether you’re studying in a new city, a new country, or a new continent, you’re bound to feel homesick at some point. But with over 100,000 international students and 300 spoken languages, you’re likely to meet someone from your hometown in London. If you’re craving your local cuisine or dying to celebrate your national festival, you’ll find opportunities to do so in London. This city’s diversity and multiculturalism enables you to have a uniquely international experience while still acknowledging your home roots.
Furthermore, London has several professional opportunities. As an LSE student you’re probably hoping to build a career in economics, politics, law or something related. With London’s numerous think-thanks, businesses, embassies, firms etc, it is easier to secure an internship while studying at LSE and the opportunities to network and build professional relationships are endless.
2. Student-centric
Sometimes a big city like London can feel overwhelming. You may feel rushed, you may feel lost. Fortunately, LSE is located in an extremely student-centric area. This means that everyone around you is around your age and in the same boat as you. Unlike many other universities in London, LSE has just one campus. Since all the academic buildings are within two minutes of each other, students from different disciplines can interact. Additionally, King’s College London is right opposite LSE and University College London is about 20-minutes away. You’ll see students at every other crossroad. I really appreciate having this campus-like environment in the middle of a big city.
Being in a student-centric area means a plethora of available academic resources at your disposal. LSE’s library is one of the largest libraries in the world for social sciences and the British Library is just a 30-minute walk. If you’re doing research and in need of more materials than the internet or library can offer, there are plenty of museums, including the British Museum, that are also walking distance from campus. You’ll never be deprived of academic resources here!
3. Need a break? Just head a doorstep away
Every now and then, you might get exhausted from the academically intense environment of university and require a break from studying. LSE’s campus is located in one of the most vibrant areas of London. Right around the corner is the Strand, a street famous for its taverns, bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. Somerset House is a five minute walk from campus and is an architecturally beautiful arts centre, and in the wintertime, an ice-skating rink is set up in the courtyard area. Covent Garden, a favourite hotspot for both locals and tourists, famous for its shopping, restaurants, and street entertainment, is less than a 10-minute walk. This area is also home to the Royal Opera House and other famous theatres. Whatever your choice of de-stressing – going to restaurants or pubs with friends, watching a movie, seeing a play, attending a concert, shopping, ice-skating etc. – you’ll find an opportunity right outside campus.
4. Easy Commute
If you live far away from campus or simply need to escape the fast-paced city centre, the commute is easy. There are four tube stations within a 10-minute walk from LSE – Holborn, Temple, Covent Garden, and Chancery Lane underground stations. Collectively, these stations run on the Central, Piccadilly, Circle, and District lines. There are also a multiple of bus stops on every corner. The accessibility of public transportation makes your journey to campus and your travels around London affordable and convenient.
With so many things to do and so many places to see, make sure to make the best out of your time at LSE and your stay in London!
