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Is LSE as bad as everyone says?
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Okay, so I've just been rejected by Oxford and I'm struggling to chose my next uni. It's probably between LSE and Warwick (maybe UCL as well but I didn't really like UCL when I went to the open day). My main concern is that everyone says LSE is really dead and there's almost no social life and the teaching isn't that good either. How true is this?
I'm from London (the outskirts) and I've lived here all my life. I like the city but it does get a bit claustrophobic at times and I'm not a huge fan of the tube. If I go LSE I'll definitely live out fist year and then I'll probably live out 2nd and 3rd year as well but it depends on the cost. I quite like the idea of having friends who are international students especially since my parents were born and brought up in India (my name suggests otherwise). But I've heard all the international students stick to themselves and there aren't that many British students. I just want mates I can go out with and stuff and I can get the work done anyway (lol).
I would also quite like to do a masters so I'm potentially thinking of doing my degree at Warwick and then my masters at LSE, when social wont be as important. Also I have a few friends from the year above who went Warwick and they're really enjoying it but idk if I'll like living in the countryside and only really having a few places to go out to.
Can someone tell me what they thought of LSE and if it is as bad as everyone says it is.
Thank you xx
I'm from London (the outskirts) and I've lived here all my life. I like the city but it does get a bit claustrophobic at times and I'm not a huge fan of the tube. If I go LSE I'll definitely live out fist year and then I'll probably live out 2nd and 3rd year as well but it depends on the cost. I quite like the idea of having friends who are international students especially since my parents were born and brought up in India (my name suggests otherwise). But I've heard all the international students stick to themselves and there aren't that many British students. I just want mates I can go out with and stuff and I can get the work done anyway (lol).
I would also quite like to do a masters so I'm potentially thinking of doing my degree at Warwick and then my masters at LSE, when social wont be as important. Also I have a few friends from the year above who went Warwick and they're really enjoying it but idk if I'll like living in the countryside and only really having a few places to go out to.
Can someone tell me what they thought of LSE and if it is as bad as everyone says it is.
Thank you xx
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#2
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(Original post by Doonesbury)
How many choices do you have left on your UCAS, and for which course?
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How many choices do you have left on your UCAS, and for which course?
Posted from TSR Mobile
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#4
(Original post by james_arthur_1)
I was stupid and applied to unis based on their league table rankings. I applied Oxford(rejected), Warwick (Offer), UCL, Bath (Offer), and LSE. I'm looking to study straight economics.
I was stupid and applied to unis based on their league table rankings. I applied Oxford(rejected), Warwick (Offer), UCL, Bath (Offer), and LSE. I'm looking to study straight economics.
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(Original post by Doonesbury)
So what's your question then. Wait and see which offers you get.
So what's your question then. Wait and see which offers you get.
I want to know a bit more about the uni. I had this crazy overambitious life plan of me getting into Oxford and now everything has just gone down the drain so I'm trying to get a bit more control back and I want a bit more security. Pls help
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#6
(Original post by james_arthur_1)
If I hypothetically got a place at LSE is it as bad as everyone says?
I want to know a bit more about the uni. I had this crazy overambitious life plan of me getting into Oxford and now everything has just gone down the drain so I'm trying to get a bit more control back and I want a bit more security. Pls help
If I hypothetically got a place at LSE is it as bad as everyone says?
I want to know a bit more about the uni. I had this crazy overambitious life plan of me getting into Oxford and now everything has just gone down the drain so I'm trying to get a bit more control back and I want a bit more security. Pls help
It’s widely considered the 3 best uni in the UK along with ICL and UCL.
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#7
Yes, it is every bit as bad and worse re social life. People turn up to class and then leave.
However, this is symptomatic of KCL, QMUL and UCL too. So don't think UCL is the nice, friendly one. Going to any university in London is expensive and a bit of luck of the draw with your social life.
It is true LSE is more of a cattle market than the other universities perhaps. Relatively small with a large proportion of international students and expensive masters courses with overinflated fees. Weight that against its brand name and how targeted it is by FS/banking though - you can't go anywhere better for that.
All of the London universities have high %s of international students. Yes, they do absolutely tend to clique. All large groups tend to clique. At London universities, most people usually make friends from their first year halls. I would also say, most of the people you will meet, you will not like. They will be weird. Probably half or more won't drink and you'd feel uncomfortable socialising with them. I remember when I did the LPC, a professional postgrad course for lawyers, we all socialised between classes and had Thursday drinks and it was so unusual and weird to me because that never ever happened at uni. We all had training contracts at American law firms so had been pre-selected to be somewhat friendly and outgoing. People at uni have not been.
People on this forum are usually very protective of their universities - usually because they are still school students and are in excitement of the offers they hold. Or they are insecure first years seeking to justify the sum of their achievements to date. People aren't great with honesty here.
However, this is symptomatic of KCL, QMUL and UCL too. So don't think UCL is the nice, friendly one. Going to any university in London is expensive and a bit of luck of the draw with your social life.
It is true LSE is more of a cattle market than the other universities perhaps. Relatively small with a large proportion of international students and expensive masters courses with overinflated fees. Weight that against its brand name and how targeted it is by FS/banking though - you can't go anywhere better for that.
All of the London universities have high %s of international students. Yes, they do absolutely tend to clique. All large groups tend to clique. At London universities, most people usually make friends from their first year halls. I would also say, most of the people you will meet, you will not like. They will be weird. Probably half or more won't drink and you'd feel uncomfortable socialising with them. I remember when I did the LPC, a professional postgrad course for lawyers, we all socialised between classes and had Thursday drinks and it was so unusual and weird to me because that never ever happened at uni. We all had training contracts at American law firms so had been pre-selected to be somewhat friendly and outgoing. People at uni have not been.
People on this forum are usually very protective of their universities - usually because they are still school students and are in excitement of the offers they hold. Or they are insecure first years seeking to justify the sum of their achievements to date. People aren't great with honesty here.
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#8
(Original post by flatlined)
Yes, it is every bit as bad and worse re social life. People turn up to class and then leave.
However, this is symptomatic of KCL, QMUL and UCL too. So don't think UCL is the nice, friendly one. Going to any university in London is expensive and a bit of luck of the draw with your social life.
It is true LSE is more of a cattle market than the other universities perhaps. Relatively small with a large proportion of international students and expensive masters courses with overinflated fees. Weight that against its brand name and how targeted it is by FS/banking though - you can't go anywhere better for that.
All of the London universities have high %s of international students. Yes, they do absolutely tend to clique. All large groups tend to clique. At London universities, most people usually make friends from their first year halls. I would also say, most of the people you will meet, you will not like. They will be weird. Probably half or more won't drink and you'd feel uncomfortable socialising with them. I remember when I did the LPC, a professional postgrad course for lawyers, we all socialised between classes and had Thursday drinks and it was so unusual and weird to me because that never ever happened at uni. We all had training contracts at American law firms so had been pre-selected to be somewhat friendly and outgoing. People at uni have not been.
People on this forum are usually very protective of their universities - usually because they are still school students and are in excitement of the offers they hold. Or they are insecure first years seeking to justify the sum of their achievements to date. People aren't great with honesty here.
Yes, it is every bit as bad and worse re social life. People turn up to class and then leave.
However, this is symptomatic of KCL, QMUL and UCL too. So don't think UCL is the nice, friendly one. Going to any university in London is expensive and a bit of luck of the draw with your social life.
It is true LSE is more of a cattle market than the other universities perhaps. Relatively small with a large proportion of international students and expensive masters courses with overinflated fees. Weight that against its brand name and how targeted it is by FS/banking though - you can't go anywhere better for that.
All of the London universities have high %s of international students. Yes, they do absolutely tend to clique. All large groups tend to clique. At London universities, most people usually make friends from their first year halls. I would also say, most of the people you will meet, you will not like. They will be weird. Probably half or more won't drink and you'd feel uncomfortable socialising with them. I remember when I did the LPC, a professional postgrad course for lawyers, we all socialised between classes and had Thursday drinks and it was so unusual and weird to me because that never ever happened at uni. We all had training contracts at American law firms so had been pre-selected to be somewhat friendly and outgoing. People at uni have not been.
People on this forum are usually very protective of their universities - usually because they are still school students and are in excitement of the offers they hold. Or they are insecure first years seeking to justify the sum of their achievements to date. People aren't great with honesty here.
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#10
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#11
(Original post by GovernmentEarner)
I thought so. You phrased your words as if you were speaking objectively about LSE which is very irresponsible considering you are just 1 person out of the thousands who attend. I know someone who attends who loves it, while you dislike it, you have accept there’s multiple sides.
I thought so. You phrased your words as if you were speaking objectively about LSE which is very irresponsible considering you are just 1 person out of the thousands who attend. I know someone who attends who loves it, while you dislike it, you have accept there’s multiple sides.
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#12
(Original post by flatlined)
I avoid arguing with idiots on the internet, sorry.
I avoid arguing with idiots on the internet, sorry.
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#13
Surely LSE isnt bad because so many people apply.
Do the people who say its bad study at LSE?
Do the people who say its bad study at LSE?
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#14
Many London Unis are 'turn up for class and then just leave' and because everyone lives all over the place, having a social life can be tricky.
If you want all of the delights of a big city but without these drawbacks, then look at places like Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Southampton, Newcastle.
If you want all of the delights of a big city but without these drawbacks, then look at places like Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Southampton, Newcastle.
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#15
Depends on halls - Passfield & Carr-Saunders are the most social (though there are fewer internationals as you can't leave your stuff there during holidays), Rosebery & Bankside are also good; but Urbanest/High Holborn/Northumberland House are rubbish.
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(Original post by GovernmentEarner)
What do you mean by ‘as bad as everyone says’. LSE is what you make of it. Academically, there’s some of the best lecturers in the world. Also it’s only a social science university so you get the best in that field. Socially, it has a poor reputation but if you’re extroverted you’ll obviously still have a great time.
It’s widely considered the 3 best uni in the UK along with ICL and UCL.
What do you mean by ‘as bad as everyone says’. LSE is what you make of it. Academically, there’s some of the best lecturers in the world. Also it’s only a social science university so you get the best in that field. Socially, it has a poor reputation but if you’re extroverted you’ll obviously still have a great time.
It’s widely considered the 3 best uni in the UK along with ICL and UCL.
(Original post by flatlined)
Yes, it is every bit as bad and worse re social life. People turn up to class and then leave.
However, this is symptomatic of KCL, QMUL and UCL too. So don't think UCL is the nice, friendly one. Going to any university in London is expensive and a bit of luck of the draw with your social life.
It is true LSE is more of a cattle market than the other universities perhaps. Relatively small with a large proportion of international students and expensive masters courses with overinflated fees. Weight that against its brand name and how targeted it is by FS/banking though - you can't go anywhere better for that.
All of the London universities have high %s of international students. Yes, they do absolutely tend to clique. All large groups tend to clique. At London universities, most people usually make friends from their first year halls. I would also say, most of the people you will meet, you will not like. They will be weird. Probably half or more won't drink and you'd feel uncomfortable socialising with them. I remember when I did the LPC, a professional postgrad course for lawyers, we all socialised between classes and had Thursday drinks and it was so unusual and weird to me because that never ever happened at uni. We all had training contracts at American law firms so had been pre-selected to be somewhat friendly and outgoing. People at uni have not been.
People on this forum are usually very protective of their universities - usually because they are still school students and are in excitement of the offers they hold. Or they are insecure first years seeking to justify the sum of their achievements to date. People aren't great with honesty here.
Yes, it is every bit as bad and worse re social life. People turn up to class and then leave.
However, this is symptomatic of KCL, QMUL and UCL too. So don't think UCL is the nice, friendly one. Going to any university in London is expensive and a bit of luck of the draw with your social life.
It is true LSE is more of a cattle market than the other universities perhaps. Relatively small with a large proportion of international students and expensive masters courses with overinflated fees. Weight that against its brand name and how targeted it is by FS/banking though - you can't go anywhere better for that.
All of the London universities have high %s of international students. Yes, they do absolutely tend to clique. All large groups tend to clique. At London universities, most people usually make friends from their first year halls. I would also say, most of the people you will meet, you will not like. They will be weird. Probably half or more won't drink and you'd feel uncomfortable socialising with them. I remember when I did the LPC, a professional postgrad course for lawyers, we all socialised between classes and had Thursday drinks and it was so unusual and weird to me because that never ever happened at uni. We all had training contracts at American law firms so had been pre-selected to be somewhat friendly and outgoing. People at uni have not been.
People on this forum are usually very protective of their universities - usually because they are still school students and are in excitement of the offers they hold. Or they are insecure first years seeking to justify the sum of their achievements to date. People aren't great with honesty here.
(Original post by SuperHuman98)
Surely LSE isnt bad because so many people apply.
Do the people who say its bad study at LSE?
Surely LSE isnt bad because so many people apply.
Do the people who say its bad study at LSE?
(Original post by returnmigrant)
Many London Unis are 'turn up for class and then just leave' and because everyone lives all over the place, having a social life can be tricky.
If you want all of the delights of a big city but without these drawbacks, then look at places like Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Southampton, Newcastle.
Many London Unis are 'turn up for class and then just leave' and because everyone lives all over the place, having a social life can be tricky.
If you want all of the delights of a big city but without these drawbacks, then look at places like Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Southampton, Newcastle.
(Original post by LeapingLucy)
Depends on halls - Passfield & Carr-Saunders are the most social (though there are fewer internationals as you can't leave your stuff there during holidays), Rosebery & Bankside are also good; but Urbanest/High Holborn/Northumberland House are rubbish.
Depends on halls - Passfield & Carr-Saunders are the most social (though there are fewer internationals as you can't leave your stuff there during holidays), Rosebery & Bankside are also good; but Urbanest/High Holborn/Northumberland House are rubbish.
. Thanks
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#17
(Original post by james_arthur_1)
Okay, so I've just been rejected by Oxford and I'm struggling to chose my next uni. It's probably between LSE and Warwick (maybe UCL as well but I didn't really like UCL when I went to the open day). My main concern is that everyone says LSE is really dead and there's almost no social life and the teaching isn't that good either. How true is this?
I'm from London (the outskirts) and I've lived here all my life. I like the city but it does get a bit claustrophobic at times and I'm not a huge fan of the tube. If I go LSE I'll definitely live out fist year and then I'll probably live out 2nd and 3rd year as well but it depends on the cost. I quite like the idea of having friends who are international students especially since my parents were born and brought up in India (my name suggests otherwise). But I've heard all the international students stick to themselves and there aren't that many British students. I just want mates I can go out with and stuff and I can get the work done anyway (lol).
I would also quite like to do a masters so I'm potentially thinking of doing my degree at Warwick and then my masters at LSE, when social wont be as important. Also I have a few friends from the year above who went Warwick and they're really enjoying it but idk if I'll like living in the countryside and only really having a few places to go out to.
Can someone tell me what they thought of LSE and if it is as bad as everyone says it is.
Thank you xx
Okay, so I've just been rejected by Oxford and I'm struggling to chose my next uni. It's probably between LSE and Warwick (maybe UCL as well but I didn't really like UCL when I went to the open day). My main concern is that everyone says LSE is really dead and there's almost no social life and the teaching isn't that good either. How true is this?
I'm from London (the outskirts) and I've lived here all my life. I like the city but it does get a bit claustrophobic at times and I'm not a huge fan of the tube. If I go LSE I'll definitely live out fist year and then I'll probably live out 2nd and 3rd year as well but it depends on the cost. I quite like the idea of having friends who are international students especially since my parents were born and brought up in India (my name suggests otherwise). But I've heard all the international students stick to themselves and there aren't that many British students. I just want mates I can go out with and stuff and I can get the work done anyway (lol).
I would also quite like to do a masters so I'm potentially thinking of doing my degree at Warwick and then my masters at LSE, when social wont be as important. Also I have a few friends from the year above who went Warwick and they're really enjoying it but idk if I'll like living in the countryside and only really having a few places to go out to.
Can someone tell me what they thought of LSE and if it is as bad as everyone says it is.
Thank you xx
Another thing is because everyone hears LSE and UCL, with their good reputations, immediately everyone expects spoonfeeding to some extent and the reality is somewhat different ; it’s very fast paced in nature.
Social life: uni is what you make of it! I did honestly find internationals very timid and unfriendly at first but that’s everyone , as it takes time to get out of your shell in a new environment. BUT, internationals are paying double the UK fee, so they tend to be a bit more reserved because they have a bit more to lose in some way. Everyone is extremely competitive because everyone around you, even your friends, are competing for internships and jobs so it’s about maintaining that balance; especially at your top unis, I can guarantee not one person is there to just party, yes maybe for a week or so, but then it’s truly heads down and focus on work.
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(Original post by SherlockD)
Firstly good luck with applications! Secondly the MAIN issue with the likes of LSE and UCL are the fact that they are research based universities. The expectation is for you to independently research a LOT and given the lecturers are themselves researchers, they aren’t very good teachers , and that explains why these unis have poor student satisfaction and everyone claims the teaching is rubbish, because it’s one thing to be very knowledgeable and it’s another thing to coherently give u that knowledge .
Another thing is because everyone hears LSE and UCL, with their good reputations, immediately everyone expects spoonfeeding to some extent and the reality is somewhat different ; it’s very fast paced in nature.
Social life: uni is what you make of it! I did honestly find internationals very timid and unfriendly at first but that’s everyone , as it takes time to get out of your shell in a new environment. BUT, internationals are paying double the UK fee, so they tend to be a bit more reserved because they have a bit more to lose in some way. Everyone is extremely competitive because everyone around you, even your friends, are competing for internships and jobs so it’s about maintaining that balance; especially at your top unis, I can guarantee not one person is there to just party, yes maybe for a week or so, but then it’s truly heads down and focus on work.
Firstly good luck with applications! Secondly the MAIN issue with the likes of LSE and UCL are the fact that they are research based universities. The expectation is for you to independently research a LOT and given the lecturers are themselves researchers, they aren’t very good teachers , and that explains why these unis have poor student satisfaction and everyone claims the teaching is rubbish, because it’s one thing to be very knowledgeable and it’s another thing to coherently give u that knowledge .
Another thing is because everyone hears LSE and UCL, with their good reputations, immediately everyone expects spoonfeeding to some extent and the reality is somewhat different ; it’s very fast paced in nature.
Social life: uni is what you make of it! I did honestly find internationals very timid and unfriendly at first but that’s everyone , as it takes time to get out of your shell in a new environment. BUT, internationals are paying double the UK fee, so they tend to be a bit more reserved because they have a bit more to lose in some way. Everyone is extremely competitive because everyone around you, even your friends, are competing for internships and jobs so it’s about maintaining that balance; especially at your top unis, I can guarantee not one person is there to just party, yes maybe for a week or so, but then it’s truly heads down and focus on work.
I also understand what you mean about internationals and I guess with the whole social aspect I just have to appreciate that the whole thing is on luck and whether or not I'm able to make a good set of friends.
My only real concern is that I'm not as career oriented as you imply everyone else is with the constant pursuit of internships etc. I'm not too sure what job I want to do and after a master's I really don't want to be working for some investment bank or something. Hopefully I'll be working in a government department or the BoE or some intergovernmental organisation like the IMF or even for a charity but I'm not too sure yet. I guess I'll just have to see and maybe I might even learn something from all the career focused people there.
Thanks once again!
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#19
University is what you make it to be. You can have as good as an experience as you make it, or the worst experience you can make it.
That being said, I know someone who applied and still is at LSE, while another attended for a semester dropped out and is now at Durham. So as you can see, mixed experiences.
That being said, I know someone who applied and still is at LSE, while another attended for a semester dropped out and is now at Durham. So as you can see, mixed experiences.
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#20
(Original post by james_arthur_1)
I see. That's actually very useful and has somewhat leaned me towards LSE now. Are you a current student and if so would it be okay if I messaged you a few more questions
. Thanks
I see. That's actually very useful and has somewhat leaned me towards LSE now. Are you a current student and if so would it be okay if I messaged you a few more questions
. Thanks
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