A Program for the Self-Motivated Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

To all students considering a year at the London School of Economics, be aware of the academic commitment you are making. This program is not the typical study abroad experience, but one that requires many hours of dedication to keeping up with your coursework. Notably, there is much less hand-holding than at American universities. Rather than buying a chosen set of books for each course (as is customary at my home university), I frequently found myself at the library, vying with the other students in my class to find a copy of some book we all needed (that is, if it wasn't available electronically). Apart from writing two papers per term for each of my four courses, I was largely graded on my performance on four exams at the end of the year. It is daunting, but putting in the time will prepare you. Those who are not strong test-takers may want to consider another program. NB: I was taking qualitative, reading-based courses, and this review may not apply to quantitative students.

On-site administration of your program

Apart from the orientation run by Arcadia for its students in various programs in the UK, I had little interaction with its London office. Throughout the year, it offers trip packages to its students, but it is ultimately up to the student to decide to what extent he/she wants to interact with Arcadia. More often than not, I worked directly with LSE.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was fortunate to be placed in Rosebery Hall, arguably one of the most sociable at LSE. The friendliness of the students in the building was one of my greatest takeaways. Most students live in single-bed rooms, but there are a number of double-bed rooms. Rooms are basic: bed, desk, closet, sink, and a nightstand. In terms of amenities, my residence hall had a TV room, a small computer lab, a laundry room, and recreation room (table tennis, pool, foosball, and a bar that was closed for the year).

Don't expect the lavish dining experience of the American university. There are no unlimited meal plans, so be prepared to learn how to cook (if you don't know how to already). In my residence hall, dinners were served Monday through Friday night; during the holiday periods, breakfast is served every morning. Apart from these meals, it is the student's responsibility to figure out the rest.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The students that I met and became friends with are some of the brightest (and soon-to-be most successful) people I have ever met. I had no shortage of intellectually stimulating conversations at LSE. Of course, at a school like LSE, there is a very big work-hard/play-hard mentality. When I finally put down the books at the end of the day, London became my (expensive) playground. The clubs and bars are some of the best in the world, and the cultural experiences - concerts, flea markets, free admission to museums, etc. - were all there. And, of course, Europe is only a stone's throw away.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

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

This question is hard to answer objectively, as students come from a wide variety of financial backgrounds. Personally, I found it difficult. London is expensive, as is traveling to and from the European continent. I recommend creating an Excel spreadsheet and using it to keep track of one's finances.

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• Dorm
• Hostel

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• London's nightlife
• LSE's brilliant student body
• Interesting coursework

• Academic preparation
• Course selection guidance

The Academic or Linguist