Manging Your Time at LSE Summer School

I’m certainly not an expert scheduler – I often find myself submitting assignments two minutes prior to their deadline (say, 11:58 PM) – however, I’d argue I’ve learned a thing or two, particularly about the necessity (yes, necessity) of balancing one’s work life with their social life, post-first year of university – and, of course, post-LSE Summer School. So, here are the tips, tricks, and tools I often employ to schedule my time most efficiently.

I’d first like to note, there is no one equation that produces a perfectly balanced schedule – nor are you expected to be well-balanced every hour of every day (re: my tendency to procrastinate the submission of my assignments) – so please, heed my advice (if you’d like) with a grain of salt.

Plan accordingly

Cliché though it may be, I cannot overstate the usefulness of a planner. You may think, “I’ll be at LSE for less than a full-length term (in most cases), what might I use my planner for?”

Let me tell you: your classroom assignment(s), required readings, exam (or essay) due dates, and the social and Spark events (LSE-sponsored professional development events) you’d like to attend - to name a few.

In the most exciting way, your time at LSE Summer School is designed to be overscheduled; whether you prefer to handwrite your commitments or are a Google Calendar guru, I encourage you to record your most important dates, so as not to confuse an exam for the LSE Boat Party.

Know it’s alright to say “no”

Though I often run on a low social battery, I know, rather well, the difficulties of declining social invitations. When abroad (or off on your own) for a limited duration, it can be incredibly tempting to say “yes” to just about everything – if only to alleviate yourself of the possible “what ifs?”. However, in creating an “emptier” social calendar (perhaps three or so social commitments a week) and allowing time for yourself, you may find you appreciate your social gatherings for their novelty all the more.

Allow for your social and work life to intersect

So, you’ve found yourself in a situation in which you’d like to be both productive and spend time with your (newfound) friends; however, maybe you don’t have time for both? Consider blending the two into a group study session. London, most fortunately, is a hub for cafés, and having been to my fair few, I can attest, each would make for the perfect collaborative study spot.

Again, I’d like to reiterate, there are a number of ways in which one can manage their time – and my notion of balance may not be at all like yours – though I hope my words were able to offer even the smallest kernels of advice.

Enjoy your summer in London; I wish you the very best of luck!

 

Do you have a question for Chloe? Chat to her on Unibuddy

This blog was written by one of our 2023 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.