Student activities

The LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) is an independent charity run by LSE students for LSE students. You are automatically a member and will be represented within the School by the SU's democractically elected student officers.

LSESU offers many opportunities to get involved in student life; whether through a society or club; or through standing for Student Executive positions, voting, or participating in the Union's campaigning work.

Watch the LSESU's IGTV video with LSESU General Secretary 2021-22, Josie Stephens, to find out more about the LSESU and life at LSE.

Sports

• 40 sports clubs and sports ambassadors (from Athletics, Capoeira and Fustal, to Rowing, Squash and Yoga)
• active LifeStylE programme
• gym, exercise studio, training grounds and classes

Find out more about LSE's sports facilities

Other societies, services and opportunities

• 200+ cultural or interest societies (from African Caribbean and Anime and Manga, to United Nations, and Women Leaders of Tomorrow)
• weekly newspaper and termly journal, radio station, tv show and student film group
• free academic, personal and financial advice
• inexpensive bars and cafés with profits invested into student activities
• charitable fundraising opportunities
• employability and development training programme

LSE students are passionate about a diverse range of causes, from issues affecting their home town to wider concerns about the global community. Many students volunteer their time during their studies in a variety of ways.

LSE Volunteer Centre

If you would like to make a difference in the world, develop skills for your future career, and establish new friendships, consider volunteering. 

Part of LSE Careers, the LSE Volunteer Centre advertises a range of regular and one-off opportunities within charities and not-for-profit organisations based in London and overseas. Students can also book one-to-one discussions for advice on finding a voluntary role.

RAG (Raising and Giving)

LSESU RAG is the fundraising arm of the Students’ Union. RAG organises a full programme of events and challenges, including overseas treks, hitch hikes, balls, extreme sports, pub quizzes, and an annual RAG Week, to raise money for charities that students have voted to give their support to each year.

Charitable societies

LSESU has several societies devoted to charity work and fundraising. From Amnesty International to Student Action for Refugees to Sustainable Futures, these societies enable students to raise the profile of global issues on campus.

A major advantage to being a student at LSE is having the best access to LSE’s famous public lecture series.

LSE hosts the world’s leading thinkers and speakers as they give exclusive talks on their ideas and experiences. The lectures are free to attend, open to the public and happen most nights during term time.

You will see prominent figures from industry, academia and politics. LSE’s world-class lecturers often feature; students will often also have the opportunity to chat to the speakers after the lecture. The public lecture series has recently hosted:

• Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland

• Kaushik Basu, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist of the World Bank, and LSE alumnus

• Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England and founder of LSE’s Financial Markets Group

• Judith Butler, Maxine Elliot Professor in the Department of Comparative Literature at the University of California, Berkeley

Read this post on our student blog about attending public lectures at LSE.

On campus

LSE has a vibrant cultural side and there is a wide range of arts activity to enjoy right here on campus.

You can enjoy free weekly music concerts in the beautiful Shaw Library. The programme includes an impressive range of international musicians, instruments, and classical pieces.

There are also many works of art on campus and in our residences, and we regularly host exhibitions in The Atrium Gallery, on the ground floor of the Old Building.

Throughout London

You're also ideally placed to make the most of London's museums and galleries, theatres, music venues and more - read more in Essential London.

LSE's student body is diverse, welcoming students from over 150 different countries and a wide range of backgrounds each year. Our international student body and outlook is an important part of what makes LSE a special place to study.

The Faith Centre is home to LSE's diverse religious activities, transformational interfaith leadership programmes and a space for prayer, worship and reflection for all staff and students.