Most Peer Supporters have been given accommodation at halls so that residents at those halls can contact a Peer Supporter easily. The room numbers and e-mail addresses of Peer Supporters in your halls will be on notice boards near reception and around the hall.
Please try to e-mail a Peer Supporter before you knock on their door. However do not worry if you aren’t able to contact them beforehand. If you knock on their door and they’re in and free you might be able to talk to them there and then.
However, it’s more likely that you might need to arrange a time to speak later.
All Peer Supporters are available to all students at the LSE, both undergraduate and postgraduate, including those in private accommodation or halls.
Please contact them either directly by e-mail or on their Facebook page at: tlc.peer.support@lse.ac.uk, or see http://www.facebook.com/LsePeerSupport.
Peer Supporters 2016 - 2017
Luke Atkinson
Email: L.Atkinson3@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Urbanest Westminster
Hi, my name is Luke, a second year Economic History student from Newcastle.
This year I am living at Urbanest Westminster Bridge.LSE is a fantastic place to come to university with so much going on academically and in London there is always something new to explore. With all of these new experiences that London and LSE has to offer, it is not always the easiest city to live in. University is a huge change for many people, whether you are moving from a different city in the country, a different country or indeed a home student; everyone faces challenges. It is thus important to have someone to talk to as you face these challenges.
Peer Supporters are trained to listen in confidence. Feel free to contact me by email, or around on campus and I’ll be happy to meet up wherever you feel comfortable from campus or in halls to even taking a walk or grabbing a coffee (or a tea)!
Chetna Beriwala
Email: C.Beriwala@lse.ac.uk
Hall: High Holborn (living out)
I am a second year undergraduate student, studying International Relations and History. Though I’m living out of halls this year, I was a resident in Bankside Hall last year and know what it feels like to be in a hall with so many people! Top tip: you will see new faces all the time, even till the end of the year. This is perfectly normal, even if you have been social all year round - embrace the idea of even meeting more people!
Any change is not easy, and moving to university can be one of the biggest transitions. I made the move halfway across the world from India, and to this day there are days when I feel like out of my depth. We often forget that while university is rewarding, both academically and personally, the challenges are immense too. From homesickness to hard courses, I’m here to listen!
Benjamin Chua
Email: B.Chua2@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Bankside
Hi! I'm Ben, I'm a second year law student, and I'm really excited to be a peer supporter this year. A (tiny) bit about myself: I've lived all over the world, and experienced a huge range of cultures and people; my faith gives me joy in life; and I've spent time working in a city job as a paralegal - so I understand the pressures of working life - and I've spent half a year at a drug rehabilitation centre, where I helped people with decade-long addictions through their struggles.
I've learnt that nothing is too big or too small to talk about, and that the chance to express yourself and your feelings to another person is immensely valuable. Please do get in touch if you ever need a friendly ear or a shoulder to cry on. I'll do my best to be there, rain or shine.
Gabriel Costello
Email: g.d.costelloe@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Roseberry
Hey! My name is Gabriel, I‘m a second year studying BSc Mathematics with Economics. One of the most important things that I’ve learned in my first year at the LSE is that it is okay to ask for help. University life presents a lot of challenges apart from academic studies and talking about them to someone that you trust can be a great help.
This year I am living in Rosebery Hall so feel free to knock on my door orEmail me if you would like to chat! Keep in mind that we are peer supporters because we want to listen and we want to help - don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Jake Fernandez
Email: J.Fernandez4@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Roseberry Hall
Hey! My name is Jake, I'm a second year Mathematics with Economics student. LSE at some moments can be a very high pressure environment no matter what background you are from and we all go through that intensity but tend to keep it to ourselves.
Besides the academic challenges, as a peer supporter I am all ears to any problems or issues you may have be it personal or work-related and everything you say will be held in the greatest trust. Feel free to reach out to me because I do care about the factors affecting your enjoyment and I want to listen and help out in any way I can! No problem is too small.
Yuanchao (Kevin) Gu
Email: Y.Gu16@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Passfield Hall
Hi there! My name is Kevin. I am a second year BSc Economics student.
I left home for overseas living since 15, experienced and overcame many struggles along the way. Many people have helped me in my journey and now I want to pass on that support to my peers at LSE. Life at LSE could be highly stressful, be it from academic expectations, job applications, society involvement or personal circumstances. Last year LSE ranked national bottom for student satisfaction and I want to do my part in changing it. Peer supports are here to listen to you and hopefully help you out. Feel free to email me if you need a listening ear and a cup of good tea. I wish you a very good year at LSE!
Dumisani Gwakuba
Email: D.M.Gwakuba@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Bankside
Hi, my name is Dumisani Gwakuba (D-troy). I am an undergraduate studying Bsc Economics from Botswana.
LSE is arguably one of the best academic institutions in the world. With that, comes a lot of intensive work, and a wide array of societies and sports; one can find it confusing and ending up losing focus. Also being an intentional student, there are a lot of difficulties adjusting to the fast paced lifestyle of not only being a LSE student but also living in London away from home.
I believe it is important to have someone whom you can talk to, especially if it is someone who is currently going through the same adventures LSE has to offer. That is why I joined the Peer Support team, because I believe in the saying that any problem shared, is a problem halved. Feel free to contact me on my LSEEmail, or if you see me around campus. The Peer supporter team are friendly people who are more than happy to listen to anything you have to say.
Vithun Ilankovan
Email: R.V.Illankovan@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Passfield Hall
Hi, I'm Vithun and I’m a 2nd year undergraduate student studying BSc Geography with Economics. I’ve lived in London all my life but living in Central London is very different from living in Greater London. I have had a great time so far at LSE, although my 1styear was one of the most intense years of my life.
At times I felt as if I wouldn’t be able to cope in an environment so different to anything I’d previously experienced, but my friends were always there to support me in these moments. I’m so grateful for all the support my friends provided for me last year and this has motivated me to become a Peer Supporter this year. If you have anything you would like to talk to someone about, please feel free to get in touch and I’ll try to help you the best I can.
Laura Johnson
Email: L.J.Johnson@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Passfield Hall
Hello, I’m Laura. I’m a second year undergraduate anthropology student.
I moved to London in September 2015 from rural UK, and spent my first year living in Connaught Hall (an intercollegiate hall neighbouring Passfield). Immediately before coming to London I spent a year studying art. I’ve experienced a variety of challenges and joys since coming here, and I owe a lot to good listeners, proper cries, and long walks.
If, for any reason, or no reason, you’re not okay, do come and talk to me.
Expressing when we’re not okay isn’t always easy, but it’s so important. Peer Support is a non-judgemental and confidential programme. Although I’m attached to Passfield Hall as a Peer Supporter (living out), anyone’s welcome to contact me – you can email me, or just approach me.
Jasveen Kaur
Email: J.Kaur8@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Passfield Hall
Hi, my name is Jasveen Kaur and I study BSc Economics. I’m a live-in Peer Supporter at Passfield and lived in Rosebery last year. I have loved my time at LSE but it can get quite stressful, especially during exam period, so if anyone needs a chat or wants to vent, I’d love to help out! It is always okay to ask for help no matter how big or small your issues and its important to express your concerns and feelings. Drop by my room or send me an email if you need me!
Pengyin Kong
Email: P.Kong@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Sidney Webb House
Hi! I am Pengyin Kong, in my first year of PhD in Anthropology. From my past experience of doing MA in LSE, I know how hard it is to immerse in such a competitive, past-paced, multi-cultural environment. My identity as a Chinese female and my one-year challenging graduate life enable me to understand many disadvantaged situations, such as language barriers, culture shock, academic pressure, gender problems and so on.
I believe in the healing power of sharing emotional difficulties, so if you feel there’s something to be said or shared, just drop a mail or knock the door!
Ella Langham
Email: E.Langham@lse.ac.uk
Hall: High Holborn
Hey I'm Ella, a third year Philosophy student from Manchester.
The pressures of university, being away from home and social expectations can all be stressful, so it's important to ask for help through these times - you're not alone!
It's ok not to be ok, no matter what difficulties you're facing, big or small, there is always someone to talk to.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, or like something is wrong, please do reach out to me or any other peer supporter. Whatever you say will stay between us - we're a completely confidential service.
Meg Mohanka
Email: M.Mohanka@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Passfield Hall
Hi, I'm Meg, a second year studying Government and Social Policy. I'm from India and I moved to the UK when I was 16. It's been four wonderful years, but being a fresher at the LSE was absolutely extraordinary. Things did get a little overwhelming at times though, and I wasn't always (or ever really) sure what to do, but my friends, teachers and fellow peer supporters were constantly around to pick up the pieces, even if it involved just listening to me scream. I'm so grateful, and I'd love nothing more than to carry that support forward: if there's anything at all that you'd like to talk about, whether you're confused, homesick, anxious or you just want to have a chat, please feel free to get in touch- I promise I'll be happy to do whatever I can to help you!
Grace Natusch
Email: G.Natusch@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Carr–Saunders
Hi, my name is Grace and I’m a second year Politics and Philosophy student from Devon. I lived at Passfield in my first year and am now living out of halls, so I know a bit about the opportunities and challenges of living in and out of halls.
My experience of LSE as a university has been great so far, but it was also a huge adjustment in terms of dealing with working independently and having to get used to living in London. I think it’s important to remember that university is a big step up and it’s entirely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed to begin with.
The best thing to do if you are feeling that way is to come and talk to one of the peer supporters about it.
I’ve chosen to be a peer supporter because I want to help you, so feel free to come to me with any problems that are worrying you, however big or small they may feel. I am attached to Carr Saunders this year so you can come and talk to me if you see me from around the hall or you can send me an email if you want to chat.
Holly-Ann Naegeli
Email: H.J.Naegeli@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Bankside
Hi! My name is Holly and I am a second year BSc International Relations student from South London. I lived in Bankside Halls for my first year and now have a private residence; I wanted to be attached to Bankside house as a peer supporter because I understand what it’s like to be a fresher at LSE’s largest hall. As a Peer Supporter I am always happy to listen to anything anyone has to say since although university is fantastic, we all have our doubts and concerns about the future. Peer Supporters have gone through all of the worries you have, no matter how big or small. So feel free to email me personally or the student counselling service for advice and help.
Preetbir Pasricha
Email: P.K.Pasricha@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Bankside
Hey! I'm Preeti and I'm in my second year studying PPE. Life at university can be hard enough without the added pressure of external issues. Whatever the problem, sharing it will help ease the burden. I want to help make your experience at university as good as possible.I know first-hand how hard it is to make that first step and ask for help, but I want to make that step easier for you. You're not a burden.
If something's bothering you, it’s important to share it. It's not too small. You're not wasting anyone's time. Your well-being is important. We’re here to help and we can get through anything together.If you want to talk about something and need someone to listen to you, I urge you to contact us. You can find me in Bankside, via email or on campus; you are always welcome to get in touch.
We can sit and chat, grab a coffee, or go for a walk.In one of my favourite books, it is eloquently put that “it's okay to feel things. And be who you are about them." - The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Linh Pham
Email: P.Pham@lse.ac.uk
Hall: High Holborn (living out)
Hi, my name is Linh and I am a second year Economics student from Vietnam. I started studying in England since I was 16, and I realise how lucky I am to always have a wonderful support network from my family and friends who are there for me whenever I need them. Peer Supporters are trained to do just that, we will be there to listen to anything you want to say, and we promise to not give you any advice. This might sound strange at first, but sometimes all you might want to do is to talk; and we believe having someone to listen to your thoughts is crucial. Peer Support is also confidential, so feel free to reach out at any time, throughEmail, catching up on campus, etc. We’d love to meet you and be able to be a part of this unique university experience with you.
Patrick Pollard
Email: P.Pollard@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Northumberland House
Hi, my name is Patrick, and I'm a second year Government and Economics student here at LSE. I lived in Connaught Hall last year, which is one of the Intercollegiate Halls around London, so I know first hand some of the added worries facing those who don't live in LSE Halls of Residence.
I also know that this university can be a challenging, stressful and isolating place, and it's all too easy to let those issues detract from all the great opportunities on offer. It's all too easy to bottle up those emotions inside, but talking through any problems can really be a huge help. So if anyone out there fancies a chat and a hot beverage, drop me an email. No issue is too small!
Saskia Roberts
Email: S.A.Roberts1@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Urbanest Kings Cross
Hi, I’m Saskia and I’m a second year history student from Germany and England. Although I’m not living in halls this year, in my first year I lived in High Holborn and know how difficult it is to move to a new city and feel comfortable straight away with so many people.
LSE can often be a very competitive and stressful environment but with the right support network it really can be an enjoyable experience! Peer support is here for just that, in my first year I realised how important it is to ask for help if you need it and that’s why I joined peer support.
Whatever the problem, big or small, talking it through will help! Don’t hesitate to get in touch through email; I’ll do everything I can to help!
Allan Rogers
Email: A.Rogers2@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Carr-Saunders
Having support from others is an important part of university, as it can be daunting at the best of times! I strive to give others that that necessary support, whatever form that takes on, whether that is reassurance, support, or simply a shoulder to cry on. No matter the difficulty or background of a student, everyone deserves the best standard of care LSE can provide for them.
I'm a third-year student in the History department, having transferred from Government after the end of my first year. I feel this path has given me some insight into how rocky a first year can be at LSE, although many have far more trying experiences.
I can always be contacted at my LSE e-mail address, on campus, or at my halls of residence (Carr-Saunders), and can meet up with anyone at whatever time and location suits them. It is never a bother, your wellbeing is valuable; if we can help improve your experience by even a small amount, it would be our pleasure to.
Chloe Russell
Email: C.J.Russell@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Carr–Saunders
Hi! My name is Chloe Russell and I am an undergraduate Government student. When I first moved to London from Liverpool, I was very excited to meet new friends and begin a brand new chapter of my life at LSE.
However, I realised that LSE is a tough place to be at times. At first, I didn’t feel as though I would ever become the ideal LSE student (which actually doesn’t exist) and this greatly affected my confidence in my studies. Thanks to a great support network, I was able to- and still am- overcoming my feelings of displacement.
I know how easy it is to bottle things up at uni because you think they don’t matter or that they will disappear soon- I’ve been there! That’s why I am an LSE Peer Supporter this year. I am ready to listen to ANY problems that you may have no matter how big or small. Everybody needs listening to at some time or another- it’s totally normal!
Therefore, please contact me via email to arrange a meet-up which suits you whether it be on campus, at Carr-Saunders or at whatever time and location suits you best.
Please get in touch- I am more than happy to help.
Bhargavi Sakthivel
Email: b.sakthivel@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Lillian Knowles Residence
Hi! My name is Bhargavi and I am doing my PhD in Economics at LSE.
I have been living away from home (India) since I was 17 when I studied Mathematics and Economics at NTU, Singapore. Then I did my masters at LSE and have been here ever since. So I have a pretty good idea about the pros and cons of studying at one of the most competitive universities in the world while exploring one of the most popular cities in the world. Apart from feelings of homesickness, I have had to wrestle with effective time management.
Moreover living in student halls can be a very unique experience that comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. I have lived at Grosvenor House and Urbanest Kings Cross in the past and am currently attached to Lilian Knowles House even though I living out.
Most students at LSE have to focus on studying while attempting to choose a career which can be a very difficult position. Having attempted to do the same during my bachelors and masters, I feel like the best way to relieve stress was to share experiences with someone else.
Peer support is a confidential safe place to share and unburden your feelings. If you feel like chatting up about anything that might be troubling you, feel free to drop me an email and we can chat over coffee in LSE for instance. Have a great year and good luck!
Holly Smith
Email: H.R.A.Smith@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Urbanest Kings Cross
Hi I’m Holly, one of the peer supporters for Urbanest King’s Cross this year, and a third year BSc Government student. I grew up in the countryside just north of London, but these days am more likely to be found drinking too much coffee in my flat in Islington.
One of the hardest things about uni for me was choosing what to study - I actually changed my degree programme twice! Something that helped me was having people to talk to about my concerns, and figure out what I wanted to get out of my time at LSE, and that's what I hope to offer as a peer support.
I understand that so many other aspects of university life can be tough, so feel free to get in touch with questions about anything. From homesickness to making friends, no issue is too big or small. You can contact me by email at h.r.a.smith@lse.ac.uk or stop me on campus for a chat.
Tijana Stolic
Email: T.Stolic@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Grosvenor House
Hi, I’m Tijana and I’m doing a PhD in Media and Communications at the LSE.
I lived at Grosvenor House previously, and am attached to that residence although I’m living out.
Living in London certainly has its benefits, it’s possibly one of the most vibrant cities you can find yourself in, but it can also be a lonely and challenging place, especially for a PhD student. This is what peer supporters are here for. If you feel like you need to talk through any issue you might face, know that you’re not alone - and probably not the first one with this experience. Feel free to contact me via e-mail and I’d be happy to meet up for a chat.
Rachel Tjahjadi
Email: R.Tjahjadi@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Urbanest Kings Cross
Hello! My name is Rachel and I'm a second year studying Social Policy with Government. I was born in Indonesia but grew up in Singapore. Coming to London to live and study independently for the first time was both exhilarating and overwhelming. What greatly helped in settling me in was the community I found here, and so I believe strongly in building community and a safe space where everyone could share their struggles comfortably but also learn from one another.
I might not be the most extroverted person around but I would love to be a listening ear to you. Whether it's to talk about any problem you're facing (and remember, no problem is too small!) or just to have someone to hang out with, please feel free to email me!
Eshoe Uwadiae
Email: E.A.Uwadiae@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Northumberland House (living out)
My name is Esohe Uwadiae, (pronounced Essay.)
I am a third year Law undergraduate and one of the Peer Supporters for Northumberland Hall. I’ve lived at home for my entire degree. This made my initial experience with LSE a bit different to students who were living in halls, like having to catch last train and the fact that I couldn’t head home for the gaps between my lectures. But overall it has been an incredible 2 years so far and I looking forward to continuing supporting students at LSE.
If you need anything, like hot chocolate and a friendly face to talk to, just send me a message or grab me on campus, I’m always around. We'll also be having tons of events throughout the year so be sure to attend!
George Vichos
Email: G.Vichos@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Grosvenor House (Graduate Hall)
Hello all, my name is George. I’m in the third year of my PhD programme. I came to London five years ago.
After spending so many years at different levels of an academic institution, I have come to realise how challenging it can be to integrate into a culture as diverse as the LSE and completely different to what I had been used to. This is not just socially but also professionally. I have learned so many things about other cultures, places and people, which is great. However, I have also had to struggle with the difficulties that come with leaving your home and starting a new life on your own in a foreign place.
I am also at the stage of life between high level research and choosing a career. It can be a daunting time, you are independent but you have a lot of important choices to make and life skills to master.
I owe a lot to great mentors, friends and Peer Support. I found the best support was sometimes found in someone you can trust and talk to. Just talking problems through with someone can help a good deal. So please, feel free to reach out whenever you feel like a chat.
Yinghe Zhang
Email: y.zhang147@lse.ac.uk
Hall: Urbanest Westminster
Hi, my name is Ying. I am a second year Actuarial Science student.
Since I have left home early to a distant city for high school and now having moved to this country very different from China, I understand how new environment can be refreshing and exciting and at the same time challenging. The extracurricular in LSE can be just as stressful and tiring as academic studies.
It is very important to pay attention to your difficulties and spend time on your own wellbeing, and accept and support yourself before anyone else.
This year I living in Urbanest Westminster Student Accommodation, you are very welcomed to have a chat with me or talk about anything that concerns you, and I will be there to support.
Peer Supporter list by Halls:
Urbanest Kings Cross:
- Holly Smith – living out
- Saskia Roberts - living out
- Rachel Tjahjadi – living out
Bankside:
- Bame Thokwane – living out
- Benjamin Chua – living out
- Preetbir Pasricha – living in
- Dumisani Gwakuba – living in
- Holly Ann Naegeli – living out
High Holborn:
- Ella Langham – living out
- Linh Pham – living out
- Chetna Beriwala – living out
Urbanest Westminster:
- Luke Atkinson – living in
- Yinghe Zhang – living in
Northumberland House:
- Esohe Uwadiae – living out
- Patrick Pollard – living out
Roseberry Hall:
- Gabriel Costelloe – living in
- Jake Fernandez – living out
Passfield Hall:
- Meghna Mohanka – living in
- Laura Johnson – living out
- Vithun Illankovan - living in
- Jasveen Kaur – living in
- Yuanchao Gu – living in
Carr – Saunders:
- Allan Rogers – living in
- Chloe Russell – living in
- Grace Natusch – living out
Sidney Webb House:
- Roberto Sormani – living in
- Pengyin Kong – living in
Grosvenor House:
- Tijana Stolic – living out
- Georgios Vichos – living in
Lillian Knowles Residence:
- Bhargavi Sakthivel – living out