My summer before attending LSE was one filled with many conflicting emotions. I was overwhelmed with excitement to start finally studying a subject I love full time as well as feelings of anticipation at the prospect of living in London, a city brimming with life, opportunities and fun. However, underpinning these positive emotions was a streak of anxiety at the uncertainties and changes heading my way, feelings that embarrassingly resembled those I felt at the start of secondary school so long ago. I felt flooded by inadequacy and concern that I simply would fail to measure up to my peers in such a prestigious institution such as LSE. No one put more pressure on me than myself, and retrospectively I can say with confidence that I was not alone in these concerns, emotions and pressures.

One of my biggest fears was that I would be alone, so far from home, unable to find a community of peers I could fit in with, whilst others would thrive, self- assured and less socially awkward than myself (at times). Luckily, I very quickly found a community and friends within LSE’s Uggla Family Scholars Programme, with some of my now closest friends on the Programme with me. It struck me very quickly that the Programme, which provides scholarships, focused very heavily on building community and networks between pupils who could rely on each other and grow together.

The Uggla community functions as a group of individuals who genuinely care for each other and want to support each other. It’s scholars from all years and disciplines coming together to share advice, support and life stories. Stories of lives not dissimilar to my own, stories that eased my concerns about finding my footing at university and stories that helped me realise that I wasn’t on my own with my worries and apprehensions about life at university. The scholarship to me is knowing that I have a safety net of peers and mentors who want to see me succeed, not only academically but personally.

For future students considering LSE or university in general, my biggest advice is to not be afraid to reach out and get involved, to remember that every pupil regardless of their outward behaviour is going through huge changes, and with those changes comes naturally concerns and fears- even as adults, it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious.

The transition to university is daunting and overwhelming but programmes similar to the Uggla Family Scholars Programme exist to make it easier and more manageable.

Inevitably, fitting in and finding your place can take time, but a community exists for everyone at LSE, you just have to be active in seeking it out and being unafraid to get involved in societies and opportunities presented to you.

University is not just simply about academics – don’t get me wrong, it’s extremely important. But it’s also about personal development, forming friendships and maturing as an individual. Embrace the opportunities and don’t be afraid to seek out the community that will help you thrive.

LSE’s Uggla Family Scholars Programme provides up to 10 scholarships for new undergraduate students every year worth over £22,000 per year, as well as mentorship, support and opportunities to help you achieve your aspirations.