As the year comes to a close, I’m taking the time to reflect on 2024 at LSE – finishing first year, starting second year and everything in between. There’s a few important lessons I learnt that I’ll be taking forward into 2025.

Lesson 1 – Don’t be afraid to ask for help

University can be overwhelming sometimes, especially if you’re new to the city or already struggling otherwise. LSE has plenty of resources to help, including the Student Wellbeing Service for mental health and wellbeing support as well as LSE LIFE for any academic support. Reach out to your professors and academic mentor – they’re there to help! A problem shared is a problem halved, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you feel stressed or anxious.

Lesson 2 – Manage your time well

Good work is rarely produced the night before the deadline. Manage your time properly to avoid getting stressed and feeling overworked. Read your course syllabuses thoroughly so you know when assignments are due and create a schedule around this to balance your workload well. November and March are usually the busiest times for deadlines and coursework, so be well prepared! Planning ahead also means that no assignment seems too big or overwhelming – just break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks you can complete over a few days or weeks.

Lesson 3 – Give it a go

Being at LSE means being surrounded by new opportunities everywhere you look, so take advantage of this and try new things. The Student Union is home to over 200 student-led clubs and societies, and with some memberships starting at just £2 for the year, they’re a great way to learn a new skill, try a new hobby and make some friends. Downtime away from academics and work is essential for creating a balanced lifestyle. Socials or other activities led by societies are a great way to help unwind and relax.

Lesson 4 – Budget

London is an expensive city and if you don’t keep track of your spending it can easily snowball into a much bigger issue and cause anxiety. There are plenty of resources you can use – from LSE’s own funding and financial support delivered jointly with the Student Union to spreadsheets and tables you can create to track your monthly spending and income. Keeping track of this will help you spend and save money wisely without stress.

Lesson 5 – Have a routine (and stick to it!)

Doing a degree with fewer contact hours compared to most means I get a lot more free time than I expected, and this might also be the case for some of you reading this. Instead of letting all that extra time go to waste, make a list of some healthy habits or goals you want to achieve and allot some extra time to making them happen! Don’t underestimate the power of a routine in ensuring that you use your time well – just be realistic with what you can achieve so that you actually stick to the routine you’ve made.

2024 was a year full of ups and downs, but hopefully this advice will help you make the best of 2025!