Not Just an Excellent Academic Course

Hi everyone, I'm Benedetta, I'm 23 and this summer I chose to attend LSE's Summer School (session 2), studying LL203: International Commercial Litigation and Arbitration. Well, what can I say... it was a fantastic experience both on the academic and the social side. One of the best aspects for me was meeting so many people from all over the world with whom I could make friends, learn about new cultures, and share special moments. Even though we had grown up in different parts of the world, we had so much in common: the desire to be together and get to know each other, the ambition to make our future.

Equally important was the professor-student relationship that had been established since day one, which was very friendly and spontaneous, always based on mutual respect of course. 

On the first day of Summer School, there was a welcome party and at the end of our stay, we enjoyed a farewell party where we all danced and had super tasty food.

LSE organised one-day excursions to Cambridge and Oxford, numerous meetings with experts on college life, CV and a cover letter writing workshops, and also the new skills required by the working world.

There were also lots of opportunities to work out and exercise. I chose to attend free yoga and Pilates classes, both within the university campus. The other alternatives were running, soccer, badminton and walking tours to see the city's most fascinating places.

When you choose your activities remember that you need to book early as the places are limited, a few minutes of delay and you will be on the waiting list. In any case, if you don't make it, no problem because London has so much to offer! At the weekends my classmates and I visited some of the beautiful parks of the city, such as Regent's Park with its flowers and squirrels to feed, and Hyde Park, full of different species of birds. Last but not least, I recommend taking a tour of Hampstead Heath, which pleasantly surprised me because I did not expect at all to find inside it the Hill Garden and Pergola, such a beautiful and magical place, hidden from the crowds.

We also went to various museums among which I remember The British Museum, National Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum.

I recommend Miscusi, not far from the High Holborn accommodation, where I was staying, to all Italians who want to feel at home and also to all those who want to try some delicious Italian pasta.

In short, LSE's summer programme is much more than a great academic course - it is the best way to improve your English, spending a period of time in a fantastic place and teaming up with international students to overcome difficulties together. You will never get bored, will learn something new every day, and above all you will go back home richer and more stimulated.

This blog was written by one of our 2022 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.