LSE Family: Coursemates Like Siblings

LSE student Victor with his friends at a restaurant

One of my major concerns while coming to London to study was leaving my family, friends and my comfort zone behind. I did not know what to expect and whether or not I would be able to cope in the new environment. I believe this is the concern of most international students, especially those leaving their home country for the first time. 

But as soon as admission letters were issued, different groups were formed on social media inviting prospective LSE students to share their hopes, concerns and expectation about studying in the school. It was there that I began to make friends and know most of my coursemates even before moving to London. We talked about issues ranging from the weather in London to what to include in our travel bags. We also shared some preliminary reading materials and started discussing the major themes of our course even before our first lecture. 

When the day finally came for us to see face to face, immediately I walked through the glass doors of the LSE Old Building, a coursemate called me by my full name and ushered me to where the others were standing. The ice had already broken and we hugged and shook hands as if we have known each other for years. 

Our bond has grown stronger since then. Whether it is in our reading groups, banters along the corridors, visiting a neighbouring university or our exciting group outings, there is never a dull moment. My coursemates often provide the warmth and support one would expect from siblings and are empathetic comrades in the joys and rigours of academics and living in London. 

To unwind during the weekends, we often roam around London, visiting popular markets, exotic restaurants, malls or social events. Sometimes, we instead choose to do a potluck, displaying our cooking skills and local delicacies. At other times, we decide to visit the residence of one of us with boxes of pizza and soft drinks. The fraternity is undeniable and we daily build strong connections like a family. I have come to realise that attending a school like the LSE is not just about the lectures and readings, but also the wonderful people I meet whose lives are affecting me positively in no small measure.

 

Written by LSE Social Media Ambassador Victor Agboga.