Information for parents and guardians

An undergraduate education at LSE is designed for students who are keen to engage critically with their chosen discipline and who want to apply their learning to real world situations.

As well as formal contact time, which is made up of lectures and classes, there is a strong emphasis on independent study. More about teaching and assessment at LSE.

For some students, it is possible to study abroad during their undergraduate degree. Find out about our study abroad opportunities.

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from all prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit and potential, irrespective of their background.

The entry requirements for each individual programme can be found on relevant programme page. Find an undergraduate programme. 

You can also view our general entrance requirements information, and our entry requirements for students studying outside of the UK.

The application process

All students must submit applications via UCAS, the centralised admissions system for UK universities. 

The application deadline is the last wednesday of January in the year of study (for example, 25 January 2023, for students applying to start in September 2023.)

Find out how to apply to LSE, and read our guidance on completing the UCAS form.

Personal statement

The personal statement is an important part of a student's application, particularly as we don't interview applicants. Make sure you read our personal statement guidance when helping your child or dependant to prepare.

What happens when?

Our admissions calendar will give you an indication of the timeframe from the time of application through to decisions and registering.

LSE offers a full range of support services and facilities to help ensure students have the best possible experience during their time at the School.

This includes academic guidance from teachers and academic advisers, academic personal and professional development through LSE LIFE and Language support, as well as advice and pastoral care through services such as the Faith Centre, Disability and Wellbeing Service, Student Counselling Service, LSE Careers, and the Students' Union.

Read more about support available for LSE students.

Halls of residence

There are a range of accommodation options, either LSE or University of London intercollegiate halls of residence. Options include single rooms or shared rooms, catered or self-catered. Halls of residence are located within walking distance of LSE's campus.

Residences offer a supportive environment for those living away from home for the first time, providing a pathway to independence and establishing networks of friends that last a lifetime.

A place in accommodation is guaranteed for new undergraduate or General Course students, as long as the accommodation application is submitted by the deadline and they have accepted their offer to study at LSE.

Explore our accommodation options

Private accommodation

If your child/dependant would like to live in private accommodation, we can also help with this. Both the LSE Residential Services Office and the University of London Housing Service offer a comprehensive support service to students seeking housing in the private sector.

The Off Campus Support Scheme supports incoming undergraduate students who don't live in LSE-owned halls of residence. 

More about support in finding private accommodation.

With careful planning and budgeting, it's definitely possible for students in London to take advantage of the amazing opportunities the city offers, while still living within their means.

LSE broadly estimates that students should allow £1,100-£1,300 per month for all living expenses, including accommodation, travel, food, laundry, study costs, and other personal expenses. This will vary depending on lifestyle and requirements, so it's important for students to do their own research.

When preparing to come to university, it's important to investigate possible sources of funding and income, and make a budget.

More about living in London on a budget.

LSE students are based in the centre of London, an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. Our compact campus is packed full of facilities and services to make sure our students make the most of their time here, while also giving easy access to all that London has to offer.

Outside of study, there are a lot of extracurricular activities to get involved in, from sports and cultural clubs, to volunteering, arts and music, and public lectures. This can help students feel connected to the LSE community, establish a friendship group, explore new or previous interests and gain new skills.

The campus has a real community feel, and it offers a full range of facilities for studying, sport, wellbeing and more. 

There are a number of opportunities to visit the LSE campus, and find out more about applying to and studying at LSE.

Undergraduate Open Days

We hold two Undergraduate Open Days a year, and each student is able to bring one guest with them to attend.

As part of the Open Days, there is a parents' talk, specifically aimed to address questions and concerns you may have.

Campus tours

We also offer guided campus tours, which include a tour with a current LSE student and a presentation on applying to and studying at LSE. We welcome parents on these tours.

Self-guided campus tours

It is also possible to visit our campus any weekday between 9.30 and 17.00.

You can download the LSExplorer brochure in PDF format. The LSExplorer will enable you to 'explore' the LSE campus for yourself.

Drop-in sessions

If you are a prospective LSE student and have questions that are not answered by our website, you can request an in-person appointment with a member of the Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad team.

Student Shadowing

Student Shadowing provides a unique opportunity for Year 12 & 13 students from schools and colleges in the UK to gain an insight into studying at LSE. Students spend half a day at LSE shadowing one of our undergraduate students. They experience an undergraduate lecture, a tour of the campus and get the chance to quiz students on their university life.

Offer Holders' Day

An Offer Holders' Day is held in April for undergraduate applicants with an offer of admission for entry in the same calendar year or deferred for the following year.

Offer Holders' Day is designed to ensure that students can obtain all the information they need to make a well-informed choice about whether to accept their offer of a place at LSE.

Each student is able to bring one guest with them to attend the day. As part of the event, there is a parents' talk, specifically aimed to address questions and concerns you may have.

Widening participation

LSE is enriched by a diverse student body. As a specialist social science institution and a leading global university we want to ensure that the widest range of perspectives and experiences are present in our classrooms.

Our pre-entry outreach programme provides free activities for students in London, helping them progress to higher education.

Representatives from Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad regularly visit schools and colleges to talk to students about the study opportunities at LSE, our entry requirements and the application process. We also offer a virtual webinar service for schools. Please contact your school directly if you have further questions about this.

We also regularly attend UCAS fairs and other higher education events around the UK and the world. Find out when we'll be in a city near you.

Destination LSE Events

Each summer, the School's alumni around the world organise Destination LSE Events for students joining LSE for the first time. Find a Destination LSE Event near you.

These events provide an opportunity to network with others who are about to embark on the same adventure and to meet with alumni and current LSE students. Offer holders will be able to find out what studying at the School is really like and can learn more about living in London, careers and employment after LSE, and their particular LSE programme.