Whether fresh out of school or after a gap year, starting university is an exciting yet nerve-wracking time. Having finished my first year at LSE, here are my top tips for making the most of it!

Making friends

Welcome Week and LSE’s events can be a great way to meet new people and make friends – both within and outside of your degree. My best advice for that week? Take it slow. There’s plenty of events happening in the city and at LSE to welcome first-years, and it can be very overwhelming if you try and do everything. Focus on your passions and interests, and the rest will follow. Take regular breaks in-between and enjoy yourself!

Societies are also a great way to meet new people based on your hobbies – or to try something new and step out of your comfort zone. The Clubs and Societies Fair held by the Student Union in Welcome Week is where you can find out more about societies from the dedicated students who run them.

Going out

London is one of the best cities for an active nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. The LSE Student Union also has a variety of fun events to take part in – sports nights at Sway, Carol in December and much more. Staying safe when you’re out late at night is hugely important – remember to stick together and watch out for people who seem uncomfortable or anxious so that everyone’s having a good time.

Managing university work

It’s very easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of starting university – don’t forget about your degree! LSE LIFE has several workshops and available resources throughout the year to help you balance your workload and approach university work with confidence. These include how to write effective notes, structure your essays, and even LSE100-specific sessions, which I found particularly helpful. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your Academic Mentor or professors in office hours and 1-1 meetings, they’re there to help and are passionate about their subjects.

Time management

This is a key skill LSE will help you develop, so that you can balance socialising with your academic and professional commitments. Maintaining an up-to-date calendar and staying on top of your inbox are small ways to keep track of important deadlines, events and meetings so that you don’t end up overwhelmed. Try not to leave formative work to the last minute – spacing out your work and planning ahead will be great for your mental health and well-being.

Taking care of mental health and wellbeing

University is a big change from school – from having total control over your workload and schedule, to potentially moving abroad and living away from family and friends. Taking care of your mental health in first-year is essential, so that you avoid burn-out and can make the most of all the opportunities available at LSE. LSE has robust services in place to support your well-being – from informal support through Peer Supporters, to specific mental health support through the Student Wellbeing Counselling services where you can speak to advisors. Taking regular breaks and prioritising self-care are small ways to improve your mental health and wellbeing on a personal level, but do reach out if you’re struggling. A problem shared is a problem halved!

My first year at LSE was an incredible experience, and I hope this guide helps some of you have a similarly exciting time at university.