Welcome to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Hi, I’m Cewkie, a first-year Law student and Uggla Family Scholar. Let me give you an honest insight into life at LSE.

About Us

Hello! I’m Cewkie, a first-year Law student at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), originally from Liverpool, with mixed European and Caribbean heritage. I’m also currently fortunate enough to be part of the Uggla Family Scholars Programme, which provides scholarships worth over £22,000 per year for up to 10 new undergraduate students every year and has supported both my academic journey and personal development at LSE. I’m writing this profile to offer an honest insight into student life at one of the world’s most competitive universities – the sort of information I would have appreciated when starting my own journey into higher education.

LSE enjoys a global reputation for academic excellence, not only in Law but across the social sciences – consistently ranked among the top institutions worldwide. We are currently ranked 1st in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 6th globally for Social Sciences and Management (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). Being based in central London gives us unrivalled access to leading institutions, global networks, and the truly unique experience of living and studying in one of the most vibrant, diverse, and connected cities in the world.

With our longstanding academic reputation and a history of producing influential alumni – including Nobel laureates and heads of state – LSE continues to attract a remarkably international and intellectually rich community, whose perspectives help shape every aspect of university life.

Support at LSE

Mental Health and Wellbeing

• The Disability and Mental Health Service
• The Wellbeing and Counselling Service (including 24/7 support through Spectrum.Life)
• Peer Supporters
• Workshops and group sessions focusing on mental health and personal resilience

Equity and Inclusion

• Race equity support initiatives
• Services for disabled and neurodivergent students
• LGBTQ+ community support
• Programmes promoting social mobility and fair access

Scholarships

Each year, LSE awards a number of scholarships funded by private individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. These vary in value, eligibility criteria, and availability, but most are awarded based on financial need, with academic merit also taken into account.

A huge part of my ability to settle in is owed to the Uggla Family Scholars Programme. Moving to London as a student brings its fair share of stress, but this scholarship has eased that burden immensely. Far more than just financial support, it has given me a sense of belonging - a community of like-minded people who uplift and encourage one another. Through the scholarship, I’ve been able to connect with individuals similar to myself, attend invaluable events and workshops, and gain access to opportunities that I definitely would not have otherwise had. It has provided a sense of security that allows me to fully embrace and maximise the London experience. Having this support system has enabled me to become part of something greater than myself, a community where I feel grounded in a city that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

Courses & Faculties

LSE offers over 40 undergraduate programmes across 18 departments. These include:

• Department of Accounting
• Department of Anthropology
• Department of Economics
• Department of Economic History
• Department of Finance
• Department of Geography and Environment
• Department of Government
• Department of International History
• Department of International Relations
• Language Centre
• LSE Law School
• Department of Management
• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
• Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science
• Department of Social Policy
• Department of Sociology
• Department of Statistics

Testimonials

“Living in London while studying here feels like being at the centre of everything – whether it’s politics, art, or career opportunities, it’s all on your doorstep.”
— Undergraduate student

“LSE can be intense, but being surrounded by so many passionate, driven people pushes you to aim higher.”
— Undergraduate student

“What I’ve appreciated most about LSE is how much the experience encourages independence, while still offering the right support when you need it.”
— Undergraduate student

Student Life

Student life at LSE is as vibrant and varied as the city itself. With over 250 student-led groups. 

– including academic societies, cultural clubs, sports teams, and media outlets – there are endless ways to get involved and meet like-minded people.

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) supports over 200 societies covering academic, political, cultural, creative, and career-based interests. These groups help students find community, explore their interests, and build valuable skills outside the classroom.

As an Uggla Family Scholar, my education extends far beyond lectures. Exclusive workshops and leadership development sessions provide invaluable insights into various industries, equipping us with the skills to navigate the professional world. Mentorship programmes pair us with LSE alumni and experts, ensuring that we are not only learning but also building meaningful career connections. Additionally, LSE provides essential support through the Careers Hub, LSE LIFE, and student services, where we receive guidance on everything from essay writing to career planning

Sport and Wellness
With over 40 active sports clubs, the Athletics Union (AU) offers opportunities in everything from football and rugby to yoga, fencing, and martial arts. Facilities include on-campus gyms and access to external pitches and training grounds.

Arts and Media
LSE supports the arts through student media, concerts, exhibitions, and creative societies. You can write for The Beaver ( LSE’s student newspaper), present for PuLSE Radio, or join the LSE orchestra or choir.

Nightlife and Social Events
Thanks to our central London location, students are never far from theatres, galleries, live music, and iconic nightlife. The Saw Swee Hock Student Centre is the social heart of campus, hosting events, the three turns campus bar and charity fundraisers through the LSESU RAG (Raising and Giving) society.

Local Area

Favourite Memory: Attending the BFI London Film Festival’s Mayor of London Gala premiere of *We Live in Time* in October 2024 – I even walked the red carpet and saw Andrew Garfield with my fellow scholars!

A Must-Do: Visit the top floor of the Centre Building (CBG) for panoramic views of the city – we had a breakfast reception there when we first met our scholarship benefactor, Lance Uggla over sweet treats and coffee!

Accommodation

LSE offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. First-year undergraduates are guaranteed a place in one of LSE’s halls, which include both catered and self-catered options, all are easily walkable distances from campus. For example, Carr-Saunders Hall offers single rooms with shared bathrooms and includes meals, while High Holborn Residence provides self-catered single rooms with shared kitchens, just a short 10 minute walk from campus.

Costs vary depending on the hall and room type. For the 2025/26 academic year, weekly rents range from around £205 to £372. A twin en-suite at High Holborn, for instance, is priced at £205.45 per week, while a single room with a queen-sized bed is £371.70 per week.

After first year, many students move into private housing, live back at home or continue in university-managed accommodation. LSE offers resources and support to help students secure safe, affordable housing in central London and beyond.

As an Uggla Family Scholar, I’ve had the privilege of living in Bankside House – arguably one of the best LSE halls. Located just behind the Tate Modern and a short walk from campus, it offers a vibrant, central location with catered service, large communal areas, and a strong sense of community, I am even fortunate enough to have a breath-taking view of the shard from my room! Other scholars boast views of St. Paul’s Cathedral or the Tate Modern. Most of the Scholars live on the same floor, which means we’ve transformed our modern shared kitchen into a communal hub!

This accommodation was guaranteed to me in my first year, and as part of the Uggla Family Scholars Programme, I’m also guaranteed university-managed accommodation for all three years of my undergraduate degree.