London School of Economics and Political Science — Local services in London

Years ago, I was accepted into this university as a PhD student. Before committing, I had an interview to discuss my anthropological research project. During the interview, they repeatedly assured me that they would fully fund my research, and give me also a stipend. However, just a week before the semester started, I was informed that I would have to fund everything myself, and if I wanted a scholarship, I would either have to wait for the next year or find one on my own. thats what they told me. They provided a few links, and said go and find funds for yourself. They also insisted I do an M/Phil program, which was essentially just a research master’s, which i already took with excellent grades a year before- a waste of time and money in my opinion. Meanwhile i denied the offer of some excellent universities to join them because of the false promises.

I attended the first few weeks of the M/Phil program and got excellent grades—better than even the funded research students—but I felt disrespected. The workload was heavy and unpaid, and I found myself sitting there in the mornings, working alongside students who were paid for the same amount of work while I was not. It felt unfair. The department seemed to prioritize funding for "woke" and feminist projects, while I was left to fend for myself doing research on more important issues such as conflict societies and peacebuilding. Also during one lecture I was asked to close my laptop while taking notes, while a visiting feminist student from NY was allowed to play with her crochet during the same class. The PhD students didn’t even greet one another in the mornings, creating a competitive, negative atmosphere rather than fostering a supportive environment for research. It was a toxic place with academics not keeping their promises.

It felt like they wanted a high-achieving student but were only interested in taking advantage of my work for their own gain. Ultimately, I left and transferred to another university, where things went...

I had the incredible opportunity to attend a Marketing Summer School, and I can honestly say it was one of the most unforgettable learning experiences of my life. From day one, the atmosphere was inspiring and full of energy. The program was extremely well-structured, combining solid academic content with real-world case studies, hands-on workshops, and interactive group work. It wasn’t just about learning theory. It was about understanding how marketing works in the real world, across different industries and international markets. The instructors were outstanding experienced professionals and professors who were not only knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about what they taught. They encouraged questions, open discussions, and creative thinking, which made every session engaging and insightful. What made the experience even more special was the diverse group of students from all over the world. We shared ideas, cultures, perspectives, and even future goals. The networking opportunities were just as valuable as the academic content and I still keep in touch with some of the people I met there. The location, the organization, the people, and the overall quality of the program exceeded all expectations. I left the summer school not only with more knowledge, but also with greater confidence, international friendships, and a clearer vision of where I want to go professionally in the field of marketing. I highly recommend this program to anyone who’s passionate about marketing, curious about global trends, and looking for an inspiring and meaningful summer experience. It truly was...

Prestige over experience – an underwhelming time at LSE.

LSE has the reputation, the name, and the impressive alumni network — but my actual experience as a student didn’t live up to that image.

Academically, the content was intellectually rigorous, but the teaching often felt disconnected from students. Many lectures and seminars were delivered with little engagement or interaction. Feedback on assignments was minimal and delayed, and it often felt like we were expected to succeed despite the teaching, not because of it.

Student support was severely lacking. Academic advisors were difficult to reach, mental health services were overwhelmed, and administrative processes were slow, confusing, and impersonal. For an institution that attracts so many international students, there was surprisingly little guidance or pastoral care.

The social environment was highly competitive and, at times, isolating. There’s an emphasis on career and status, but little focus on building genuine community or well-being. If you’re not already part of certain networks or social circles, it’s easy to feel invisible.

London adds to the appeal, but the high cost of living, combined with limited practical support from the university, made the experience even more stressful.

In the end, LSE delivers on prestige and ambition — but not on the student experience. I expected academic excellence and human connection. Unfortunately, I mostly got bureaucracy...