Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics at the LSE are very strong. The professors are truly some of the brightest minds in the world. Also, the resources available to LSE students through class discussions, public lectures, and the library are unparalleled. That said, to be a student at the LSE is not an easy experience as it takes some serious diligence and self-motivation. For example, one of my history courses, HY 235, has over 500 recommended books on the reading list...the academics here can appear exceedingly difficult. However, it is still a rewarding experience. The professors at the LSE are not as accessible as most American professors as they attend conferences throughout Europe and care more about their own independent research. Also, the grading is more difficult than the American system...it's really difficult to get a first.

On-site administration of your program

I never once had a problem, but I knew what resources were available to me at the LSE.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Intercollegiate Halls (Commonwealth Hall) which was 1 mile from LSE but very close to Brunswick (shopping center with supermarket Waitrose) and the University of London. I don't regret living here, though the rooms are very basic and the showers are not great (you have to continually hold a button to get hot water...once you let go it stops emitting water..arghh). It costs 20 pounds per day (this includes 2 meals a day). Felt very safe with CCTV cameras recording my every move.

Food in London can be expensive so the dorm I lived in had a catering service...the food is nothing great and extremely basic. Though I think I saved a lot of money living in a catered hall in the long-run (meals amount to 2-3 pounds per day). At the LSE, at 12:30-1pm a man from Hare Krishna provides a free vegetarian meal for all the students. Something to consider when the bank account becomes empty.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

London is a huge city with cultural events occurring every hour of the day. Though, I wish I had more time to explore London (LSE does not stand for Let's See Europe or London School of Entertainment).

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I always felt safe in London (though I am over 6 feet tall and a man). Also, NHS provides free healthcare to students on a visa...imagine that Americans. You get free, government-run, socialized medicine because people in the UK think this is the right thing to do. I sort of liked having this as a safety net. Boy will I miss the UK.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students