Student Life in London with Diverse Cultures

Interacting with cultures from different countries, even ones that aren’t our parents’, can empower us to better navigate student life. As a Zimbabwean student who was raised in Mongolia and Uganda, and is currently studying in the Netherlands, I have met many amazing people from different cultures. The benefits of this were especially clear when I attended LSE Summer School. Like all life experiences, our encounters are shaped by our environment and LSE provides an open space with students from across the globe.

To begin with, different cultures emphasise different elements of student life. At LSE I came to embrace these differences with other peers from diverse backgrounds. Meeting students from China allowed me to reconnect with lifestyles and foods from Mongolia including ambitious learning and delicious dumplings. Moreover, interacting with Indian peers reminded me of living in Uganda and the spirit of conscientiousness. Furthermore, there are so many opportunities to meet with people from countries you’ve never visited, and learn from them. As students and fellow peers, we can collaboratively learn from each other as we mutually discover that we are not alone! LSE’s diverse student body allows active interaction with people and beneficial cultural exchange and relations.

Relatedly, London offers the perfect space to explore different cuisines with your new global friends. The city has so many options for food due to it’s multicultural environment. As a third culture individual I wasn’t limited in the cuisines I could indulge in. Vietnamese or Chinese food renewed memories of Mongolia while savoury Indian and Italian dishes re-sparked eating in Uganda. Best of all, every meal can be bought at affordable prices without needing to worry too much about emptying the summer budget!

Advantageously as a third culture individual, you are able to draw from varied encounters and provide creative outlooks on issues. In class, contributions are enriched as a concept or theoretical mechanism is brought into a unique light. This stretches across all subjects, whether in conversations on engineering, history, or politics. Having such different perspectives and academic backgrounds in one classroom really opened up the discussion, and helped me to develop wider perspectives of my subject. Personally, studying IR120: Trade, Development and the Environment beneficially shaped and optimised an understanding of my unique background.

Not only does one meet incredible peers from across the globe - but arrangements can also be made to stay in touch for lasting connections. This has complemented the diverse online network of childhood friends from Mongolia and Uganda.

 

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.