Information for taught postgraduate students

August

If you haven't already, you'll get your results and confirm your place at LSE. Get ready by doing any pre-reading you've been assigned, finalising your living arrangements and, if you need to, making sure your Student Finance or visa applications are in progress. Admissions, the International Student Visa Advice Team and your department can help you if anything isn't going to plan, but bear in mind, they'll be extremely busy and may not get back to you immediately.

You may have applied for a place in Halls, but if you're planning on renting in the private sector, The LSESU Advice team, the University of London Housing Services (ULHS) can give you advice and answer any questions you might have. ULHS can do contract checks and have a bank of available properties to search through. 

September

You'll arrive at LSE in Welcome Week. Through the week you'll learn more about your courses, what we expect from an LSE student, your department, LSE's services and the clubs and societies you can join. People experience Welcome Week differently- some love how busy and energetic it is, others find can find it  overwhelming. However you find it, remember, it's not the last chance to meet new people and join societies or volunteering teams so don't worry if you don't quite work out which ones you want to join right away.

You'll start your classes and should now have access to all of LSE's resources. If you haven't already, you can download LSE's app, the Student Hub.

Opportunities for paid work are available all over London. The School and Students' Union will also recruit for student staff in Autumn Term.

If you have a disability and haven't done so already, get in touch with the Disability and Mental Health Service to discuss adjustments and plans for your study.

October, November, December

You should now have a full timetable and understand the deadlines for any work you'll be asked to submit.

You'll meet with your Academic Mentor and can book appointments with any of LSE's services if you're interested in extra support in building your skills. LSE LIFE and  LSE Careers run full programmes and it's likely your department will also have extra curricular activities you can attend and your teachers will also hold Office Hours.

You may decide to run as your course's Course Rep, and if elected, you'll attend training during this period. The first Staff Student Liasion Committee meetings of the year will take place in this period.

If you're taking January exams, you'll receive your timetable as soon as it's ready and can start planning your revision timetable and plans for the break. Even if you have revision or assignments to do during the break, remember to schedule in time to relax, catch up with friends and family and reflect on your first term at LSE. 

If you're doing a dissertation, your department may ask you to start work on it in this period. Pay close attention to departmental communications and ask if you're unsure as policies vary across the School.

January

You may return straight to January exams or due assignments, or you might arrive with the chance to get ahead on your reading for your courses. As in Autumn Term, LSE LIFE, LSE Careers and your department will offer a range of extra curricular activities throughout Winter Term. 

You should receive dates for assignments and know what your timetable for Winter Term will look like. 

You will meet with your Academic Mentor to review your progress and ask any questions you have now you've sat your first LSE exams.

February, March, April

Classes will continue and you'll be busy with reading, assignments and study. You should take time out each week to focus on other areas of your life, as well as making sure you stay on top of your notes. Making good notes as you go will make the revision process a lot easier.

You'll receive feedback and marks from assignments and exams. To make the most of this, you should arrange to meet with your Mentor or the course teacher to clarify what you can do to improve moving fowards.

You'll also get the chance to feedback on your experience through Staff Student Liaison Committees, either as a Course Rep, or by contacting your Course Rep ahead of the meetings.

Most teaching will finish before Spring Break, so you should make sure you understand concepts and attend any Office Hours where you're not sure or want to discuss a topic further.

It's a good time to meet with LSE Careers.

If you're doing a dissertation, your department may ask you to start or continue work on it in this period. Pay close attention to departmental communications and ask if you're unsure as policies vary across the School. Remember, many staff will be away from LSE over the summer period and you should schedule this in to your planning early on. Ask your department for their particular policy.

May and June

You'll need to make a plan for your revision, attending any revision sessions with your department or LSE LIFE that you think will help you. There's plenty of stress-busting activity and support on campus during this period, but you also need to be aware of your stress levels and look after yourself.

Attend and sit your exams. If for any reason you feel you're not fit to sit the exam, speak to the Student Services Centre as soon as possible to understand your options. If you cannot attend an exam, call the Student Services Centre as soon as possible on +44 (0)20 7955 6167.

If you're on a 9-month programme, wait for your results and plan attending graduation. Whatever you decide to do next, you'll remain part of LSE as you become a valued member of our alumni community. LSE Careers remains open to you for five years and there are ongoing events and opportunities to network and contribute.

July and August

If you're on a 12-month programme, the bulk of your work for your dissertation will take place during this period. While many academics may be away from LSE, LSE LIFE remains open during the summer and can help. Your department will have arrangements in place for subject-specific support, so make sure you know what these are.

If you've lived in Halls you'll be thinking about moving out. If you've been living in a private rented home and are staying on in London, you might be happy and able to renew your tenancy. Communicating with your landlord or lettings agent early on will help you to plan. Alternatively, you may be considering moving home or looking for new flatmates. The LSESU Advice team, the University of London Housing Services (ULHS) can give you advice and answer any questions you might have. Remember, many students become eligible for Council Tax as soon as their course finishes so you might need to budget for paying that. Your local council, or either of the services above can help you understand your rights and obligations in this area.

For International students on 12 month programmes, remember to check your visa regulations carefully before accepting a job anytime during the 12 month period, including in July and August. The International Student Visa Advice Team can help if you have any queries.

If you're part time, make sure you know what the arrangements are for course choice for your second year, and do any preparation work you'd planned to complete in this period.

If you're planning on staying at LSE to do a PhD, you can find out more about applying from Graduate Admissions and more about life as a PhD student and the support available from the PhD Academy by visiting their pages.

During my studies I will:

• Gain a good knowledge of key concepts and arguments
• Meet new people and join LSE's academic community
• Complete assignments and exams, including a dissertation
• Receive feedback and plan how to improve work in the future

During my studies I could:

• Attend Office Hours to discuss theories and ideas and raise any questions I have
• Attend LSE LIFE, LSE Careers and departmental extra curricular activities 
• Join clubs, societies or volunteer groups
• Apply for further studies
• Apply for paid work
• Look for private rented accommodation if I'm planning to live there in next year, including moving out of a previous property