Experience of LSE

[CobwebKate]

My DD is in Year 12 and is interested in studying some combination of History, Philosophy and/or Spanish (possibly!) at university. She really likes the look of the courses at LSE, but she is worried that it is out of her league (she has 1 grade 9, 5 grade 8s, 2 grade 7s and a 6 at GCSE). I am worried that for a shy girl from a small town in the north east, that a university in London might not be the easiest place to make friends. I was just wondering if anyone’s DCs had been there and what their experiences were.

What do you think she will be predicted?

For LSE it really needs to be AAA or higher.

Could you go to their open day during the Easter holidays? It is much quieter and good to get a feel of the place.

I can see they offer History and a language (eg History and French) and there is an opportunity to take a unit from another course but this wouldn’t make the degree History and Philosophy, as far as I can tell.

I always think a language is very useful and that combination would make more sense to me and presumably would involve a year abroad too so the experience of learning is enhanced. Her grades look good to me! LSE has an international slant to the programme but I would think other top universities would also have interesting modules.

Only you (she) will know if she’s going to like studying in London. You need to go to an open day. It’s a fairly expensive option (when compared to Newcastle!) but it’s obviously a vibrant city with so much available. Many students will live in the less expensive areas further out from 2nd year. London also has quite a few students who live at home too. See what you think when you visit.

Has she looked at their new Languages, Culture and Society BSc? Standard offer is currently AAB so a little easier to access.

I have a friend whose DD is in her first year at LSE and I was worried how she'd settle -- she is French and has quite serious MH issues.

I spoke to her (the DD herself) last night and it is all going very well for her. She said first term was hard. Her biggest difficulties were meeting like-minded people (she says many students are competitive and stand-offish, but she has now found her clan), and adapting to the language (not an issue for your DD). She has found very good understanding and support for MH.