‘Experience in LSE’

Ashmita Chandra talks about living in London and studying at the prestigious London School of Economics

By Ashmita Chandra
New Delhi, January 29: Writing about my experience at LSE in around 1000 words in an extremely difficult task. It is hard to describe the experience in words, let alone with a specific word limit. I suppose that's what writers are expected to do. Since I have never claimed to be one, I hope you will forgive my ineptitude to express myself with the proficiency of a writer.

I studied MSc in Social and Public Communication at the London School of Economics and Political Science from 2007-2008. Now many of you might be raising your brows at the obscure title of my degree. Let me assure you that it is a genuine degree; in fact LSE is renowned for its Social Sciences education, which isn't just limited to Economics, as is popularly believed.

I will not bore you with the details of my course rather tell you about my experience as a whole in LSE. It is an incredibly stimulating academic environment where academics are treated like rock-stars. Students line up hours before the scheduled lecture, where each sentenced uttered is treated more like poetry. It is my personal belief that Alan Greenspan tickets would be grabbed quicker than Coldplay. As a student you will be expected to hone your critical thinking, where academic books are read for pleasure. It might sound intimidating while reading this, but once in the environment, it is amazing how quickly you begin to call it home.

In my class of 35, there wasn't a nationality repeated. It might not be appropriate to generalise for the rest of the classes. However, the multi-cultural experience is a very integral part of your time at LSE. If you talk to any ex-student, most will talk about the lasting friendships that they forged at their time at University. It is comforting to know that each country you travel to from now on would house a familiar face. The multi-cultural aspect of LSE isn't just limited to the students. The professors from LSE are also an eclectic group. The different perspectives provided by the teacher is instrumental to achieving a rounded education.

At the beginning of my time at LSE, I came across a student who had just graduated, having a coffee at the LSE café. At that time I had found it a bit strange that an ex-student is still hanging around the area. However, a year later, I found myself doing the same thing with my classmates, finding one excuse or another to go there. It has become the most 'convenient' place to meet.

Granted, LSE might not have a lush green campus to boast of, however, it more than makes up for it by being in the centre of London. Navigate through a few footpaths and you find yourself in Covent Garden, the magical cobble-street market where artists play music, put on shows in addition to the cute little stalls with interesting knick-knacks which you aren't sure why you keep going through. It is in Covent Garden where you will find each year movie stars line up to attend the BAFTA's in the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. You might not get a front row ticket to the place, however it is an amazing atmosphere around that day.

The famous Leicester square is also nearby where movie-stars from Shah Rukh Khan to Brad Pitt attend the premiers of their movies. Culturally speaking there isn't any other place as stimulating as London. From the museums to the musicals, there is something in it for everyone. I would recommend trying to fit in these things, as you might never get the time or freedom to properly enjoy London as you would as a student.You would be amazed at the concessions students are provided with in London. It might be one of the most-expensive cities in the world to live in, but as a student, almost everything in London is at a discounted rate (with the exception of concert tickets perhaps). And of course there is the riverside, which is breathtaking at night. There isn't a more remarkable sight than the reflection of the London Eye in the river.

If you come to LSE, I can guarantee the fact that you will fall in love with the magical city of London. I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of why I am in love with this melting pot. I suppose even books haven't even been able to describe the true beauty of this place. If you make it to a London based college however, I would recommend walking as much as possible. You never know what you might witness at the corner of a side street.

Almost at the end of my rambling, I would like to go through a few points about actually getting in before building sand-castles of how you would spend your time at the great institution. Do not go through agencies while applying to a University, you will feel a greater satisfaction once you get through on your own steam. I have also found that most agencies are quite de-motivating when it comes to applying to the really 'good' schools, and almost make you question your abilities. Apply, you might not get in, but at least will have the satisfaction of knowing that you tried!

Go through the University websites, as they are extremely comprehensive in the information they provide, from course modules to accommodation questions. Research on the courses available; email the students and professors. You will be surprised by how helpful they are. It might sound a bit stressful to think of all this almost a year before applying, but it is important to do so, to ensure that you get into the university you have been dreaming of.

Most good universities, accept students on a rolling basis ie the sooner you apply, the greater your chances of getting in. The longer you wait means that there will be fewer seats available and more applications. Such is the competitive nature of these institutions, most of the sought after courses are filled in by January for a September intake. A stitch in time, saves nine.