LSE - Student View

Not a typical british university. Some 60% of the student population is non-UK, and over half postgraduate - very different demographically to most other institutions. Buildings centred around pedestrianised Houghton Street, perhaps not the most attractive. Some say the cramped maze of corridors gives the place art esprit de corps.

Academically LSE is world class and consistently rates in the top three in the country. Possible but not easy to change course in first term (competition for places is fierce). Nearly all assessment is exam based and little chance to re-sit. Each student is appointed a tutor who is responsible for overseeing their education and welfare; for some, this works exceptionally well.

Students' union is active and vociferous, a leading player in student politics. The Union general meeting tends to attract a crowd of 200-300 politically charged students each week and is the most cherished institution; diversity of beliefs, backgrounds and cultures of the student body leads to varied and ferocious debate.

International reputation means that key figures regularly speak at the LSE (Bill Clinton, Kofi Annan recently). Social life based around the SU bars, over 100 societies, SU politics and the whole of the city.

Life in London is expensive but manageable; on graduation, many LSE students give up their left-wing credentials and switch them for a platinum American Express card.