We know many students can find the transition from school to university difficult. University requires a whole new way of learning – no one to tell you exactly what to do and more self-directed learning. As well as taking time to find your way around and get to grips with a new way of learning, there’s often a range of other things to think about.
Maybe you’re looking for or have a part-time job? Perhaps volunteering is something you enjoy doing and would like to continue? Or you know it’s a good idea to get involved in a sport or society and want to take on a position of responsibility? You might even want to explore opportunities for work experience or to do an internship to help your career planning. This adds up to lots and is guaranteed to keep you busy.
So to help you, current LSE PhD student and LSE Anthropology undergraduate alum Hannah Cottrell has given her tips for maximising your time and making the most of opportunities whilst you’re here:
1. Join societies
During my undergraduate I was heavily in involved in organising, promoting and running societies. After signing up to everything under the sun at the Fresher’s Fair and attending a few ‘give it a go’ sessions, I decided on the societies I enjoyed the most and stuck at them. Having been president and secretary for a society I can honestly say that it is an incredibly rewarding (if slightly stressful) experience, it’s also a great way to get to know other students and doesn’t hurt your CV. Don’t feel that all your memberships should be subject focused. Branch out and try something new – LSE is one of the most diverse universities in the UK and societies are a great way to get a taste of a new food, country and even language.
2. Sniff out study spaces at LSE
One of THE most useful pieces of advice that was ever given to me was to find a few places on campus that you like to study and don’t always make a beeline for the library. Whilst the LSE Library is a great place to study, we all know that when exam season comes round or deadlines start piling up that it’s hard to find a study space. Take the time to explore campus for those hidden study spaces and when the going gets tough you know you have nice quiet alternative places to study. (Hint: Lincoln’s Inn has lots of empty classrooms for working in)
3. Use LSE Careers and CareerHub
The careers service at LSE is great – efficient, dedicated and definitely a place you want to familiarise yourself with for when those pesky application deadlines roll around. Check out the Careers website and CareerHub – there are hundreds of amazing opportunities targeted towards LSE students. In my personal experience the services that LSE Careers offers have been invaluable in terms of networking opportunities and information about potential employers.
4. All work and no play makes Hannah a dull Anthropology student
In my second year, overwhelmed by deadlines, readings, and what seemed like an endless stream of coursework, I didn’t take as much time to do the things I wanted to do. Relaxing is as important for productive work as using your time efficiently. I felt guilty when I wasn’t working but felt unproductive after sitting in the library after five hours. Working effectively is all about balance and managing your time: take an evening off and watch a movie, see friends, start that book you’ve been meaning to read. Don’t let work take over all your time; ‘me’ time is important for not only for your productivity, but your happiness and wellbeing.
5. Go to public lectures!
Seriously, go. One of the best things about LSE is the sheer number of public lectures the university organises for free. There are amazing lectures each week which offer the chance to see leading figures in politics, academia and business speak about their experiences and debate current affairs. I went to one every week in first year and regret not keeping it up for 2nd and 3rd!
6. Try Saucy at least once!
That’s pretty much it; Saucy is the Marmite of LSE nightlife. Love it or hate it you at least have to try it once to get the full LSE student experience.
7. Don’t forget the lunchtime concerts
If you’re a classical music lover then you’re in luck, every week talented and sometimes well-known classical musicians are invited to perform in the Shaw Library in the Old Building for a lunchtime concert. A great way to take a break from studying and enjoy LSE’s only traditional and cosy library – who doesn’t love free music?
8. Explore University of London spaces
LSE is part of the University of London and as such, means that you have access to all of the facilities that other universities and the University of London Union provide. Benefits include access to UoL libraries all over London such as Senate House, as well as the SOAS, UCL and King’s Libraries. Being part of UoL gives you a lot of freedom to study languages at other institutions that aren’t provided at LSE, borrow specialist books, attend the ULU bar and club nights, and best of all get UoL discount on many services and activities!
9. Be social
It’s a never ending struggle to balance work and play but there are a many ways to be social on campus while keeping on top of work – whether it’s attending society events or organising study groups. Take a break and visit the cafés dotted around campus. One of my favourites is the Fleet River Bakery (discount for LSE students!) a cosy little café for taking a break from the library, hanging out with friends, or studying in a more social environment.
10. Don’t forget you’re in London
Make the most of your LSE undergrad and actually go and SEE London. It’s an amazing city for food, galleries, museums, music, theatre and much more. You are in an enviable location at LSE, close to loads of great things to do so don’t let your time here go to waste – go and explore! Timeout and Londonist are great websites for keeping up to date with events around London and your local area.
