Student community, inclusion and wellbeing

Drawing on student insight and data, we are working to make Welcome more inclusive and to build a strong foundation for belonging that continues throughout a student’s time at LSE.

This progress is reflected in recent UG Survey results, where the Sense of Belonging category rose 5ppt to 78% this year, with improvements across all questions – including an 8ppt increase in agreement with "I feel supported by this university".  

• Welcome Survey: supporting early connection and belonging
  The Welcome Survey captures students’ early experiences at LSE, highlighting the importance of events and social opportunities in building community and inclusion 
• From feedback to action: shaping an inclusive Welcome 
  The Student Communities team is working with colleagues across the School to use insights to shape changes and plans for Welcome 2026 and beyond
  
• The Big Conversation: what new students tell us
  LSESU spoke with more than 5,000 students on enrolment day to understand what matters most to them and to inform tailored support
  
• Bespoke Welcome for neurodiverse and disabled students 
  Programmes such as Landing at LSE are offering tailored support to help students feel prepared, confident and supported from the outset.

Academic success is closely linked to feeling supported, connected and valued. Across the School, teams are working to widen access and ensure students from all backgrounds benefit from an equitable and inclusive experience. 

• Driving inclusive education through four priority areas  
  Our work is now focused on four priority areas to create a more connected, inclusive, and supportive learning experience across the School​
• Progress in our new Access and Participation Plan
  This year also marked the launch of our new Access and Participation Plan (APP), which is already delivering impact across a range of activity
• Enabling success for our Black students 
  We’re working to improve the experience and outcomes of Black students, and strengthen inclusion and belonging.
• LSE Navigate
  Strong first year of uptake and engagement for our dedicated support group for contextual offer holders. Initiative also recognised in the innovation category at LSE's VIP Awards.  
• Enhancing support for disabled students 
  School‑wide approach to reasonable adjustments is improving consistency, reducing barriers, and supporting fair outcomes for disabled students
• Peer mentoring scheme builds confidence and connection
  Student Academic Mentors (SAMs) and Neurodivergent SAMs have supported over 1,000 students this year, helping them build confidence and feel connected.
  

A great deal of work is underway across LSE to support student mental health and wellbeing, and we are already seeing the impact. In the latest UG Survey, two new questions on departmental and central support both scored 89% – up from 81% last year and 74% two years ago – a strong sign of real progress and the collective efforts of colleagues across LSE.

• University Mental Health Charter (UMHC): our whole-School approach
  The School's work towards University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) accreditation continues, reflecting our commitment to a whole-University approach to mental health and wellbeing.
• Departmental Senior Student Advisers (DSSA): growing Community of Practice
  LSE’s Departmental Senior Student Advisers (DSSA)   have played a vital role in supporting students over the past two years, and now every department either has a DSSA or an existing equivalent role(s).

Student voice is central to building a more inclusive and connected School community. By actively involving students in decisions about learning and community life, we can strengthen belonging and ensure students shape their own experience.

• Student voice and partnership
  New work across LSE is enhancing how student voice is embedded, with a focus on partnership and sharing effective practice across departments.

• School Governor Scheme and network
  This year has seen the highest levels of staff and alumni joining the scheme and making an impact in schools across the country.
• Future Maths programme
  Our Future Maths programme, launched this year in partnership with Imperial, supports secondary school girls in Year 8 to build confidence in maths.

Our work across Education and Student Experience is grounded in insights, analysis, research, and evaluation, drawing on a wide range of data sources including student voice.

• Explore the latest insights and findings in this short summary (PDF)  
• View more ESE data and analysis