Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions. We've got answers.

What’s the difference between LSE LIFE and the Student Services Centre?

LSE LIFE is the School's new centre for academic, personal, and professional development. It is the place to come for all undergraduate and taught master’s students for support, guidance, and ideas about how to succeed in your studies and extend your learning and discovery outside the classroom.


The Student Services Centre (SSC) is the place to go for all undergrduate and master’s students for advice on admissions, registration, fees, financial support, course choice, exams, results and graduation. For further details about SSC, visit their webpage.

Can LSE LIFE help me with my essay?

Yes, but not with the content! You can drop-in to see a study adviser who can help you think about things such as planning your essay, how to structure your argument, how to reference accurately or what ‘being critical’ means. Please come and see us well before your deadline!

We also have LSE LIFE podcasts to get you started with essay writing. For information about proof-reading, please visit the Language Centre website

Can I check out books in LSE LIFE?

No. Any books in LSE LIFE are for reference only. If you want to borrow a book from the Library collection then you need to check it out at one of the library check-out machines.

You can learn more about borrowing books and using the Library on the Library webpages.

Can I book an appointment to see someone?

Yes! LSE LIFE study advisers offer over 100 bookable one-to-one sessions every week throughout the year - even over the summer! Our study advisers have studied and taught at the undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD level at LSE and around the world. We can help with key skills you’ll need at LSE – including critical thinking, academic reading and writing, and managing your time and work. We can also talk through questions that might come up as you’re discovering LSE, exploring London, and facing decisions about your studies and your future.

Find out more and book a session

When can I come for some help?

LSE LIFE is open Monday to Friday, 10:00-18:00.

Information is accessible at all times from our website and Moodle  pages. 

Do I have to pay?

Everything we do is free.

I don't have a specific question, but I want to talk to someone - can I come anyway?

Yes, our study advisers will discuss general questions with you or help you narrow down what it is you would like help with. 

I have a specific learning disability - can you help?

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by dignity and mutual respect and aims to ensure that all individuals are treated equitably. Students are encouraged to make contact with the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service, part of the wider Student Wellbeing Service, which provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students, prospective and current.

The Service can be contacted by telephone on +44 (0)20 7955 7767 or by emailing disability-dyslexia@lse.ac.uk and there is more information on the Disability and Wellbeing Service page.

What kind of thing does LSE LIFE not take care of?

At LSE LIFE we can help with a wide range of questions and issues!  However, some of the things that we are not able to help with include: admissions, registration, fees, financial support, course choice, exams, results, graduation, visas, student ID cards, and halls of residence. If you need help finding where to go with questions about these or other issues, we are happy to point you in the right direction, though!

Has LSE LIFE reduced the number of seats available in the Library?

No. In fact, one of the objectives in creating LSE LIFE was to increase the overall number of study spaces available in the Library, so there are now approximately 70 more spaces than before. In addition, moving the Course Collection to the first floor allowed us to increase the number of spaces dedicated to that collection.

The majority of the LSE LIFE space is accessible to students as study space outside of the advertised support hours.