Working at the LSE Library, Daniel Payne is trained in a number of skills to support students ranging from “going beyond Google” to finding and accessing official government publications and official statistics. With particularly close links to the Government department, and the European Institute, Mr Payne may well be someone you meet this year if you study within these departments.
We asked him what insider tips he can give about the Library for this year’s new students.
What is the library like to work in? Is there much desk space?
There is increasingly more desk space – some of which is bookable. The Library has increased the number of study spaces in response to student feedback. There are now over 2,000 study spaces in the library.
You can also book group study spaces if you find it easier to work with others. There is no getting away from the fact that during exam time the library does get very busy and it’s a very popular place to study.
Can you take anything out from the library?
Yes! There are also lots of online resources so sometimes you may not even have to come to the library. There’s a course collection area which will have the reading required for your course and the books are available to borrow for three days at a time. Then there’s the main collection which you can borrow for up to three months.
Where can I get help if I have a query about using the library?
Staff roam the library so just grab them if you need help. During 10am – 5pm you can also email [email protected] and we can come and find you. There’s also staff based on the ground floor.
What is the LSE’s Women’s Library?
It’s a large collection of material focusing on the lives of women in the UK and the great political, economic and social changes of the past 150 years. Anyone can consult it – you just need to let the library know first and they can fetch the material in advance for you. It’s archival so you can’t take it out but there are some books belonging to the collection on the third floor as well which are easier to access.
If you’ve been unable to return your books within the three day limit, what will happen to you?
You can renew a book as many times as you like, unless someone else wants it. In that case, you’ll receive an email asking you to return it. If you don’t bring the book back within three days then we’ll put a temporary block on your account so you can’t take any more out.
What’s your favourite book?
I think my favourite book would be Gormenghast which the library does not have but it’s the book that got me into reading when I was little.
In addition, if you’re at LSE and you just want to read a good book, instead of studying, then you can go to the George Bernard Shaw library on the sixth floor of the Old Building.
The library may take some time to get used to whilst you learn about the services it provides. However, by exam time it’s always packed…even at 11pm. Start using it early and come exam time you will be seriously glad you’ve got it sussed.
Taking part in sport at LSE is one of the best ways to have fun here.
We have over 40 sports clubs with more than 3,000 LSE students as members, who play to have fun, to compete and to represent LSE both locally and nationally. All sports clubs at LSE are part of the Athletics Union, which is affiliated with LSE Students’ Union.
Seasoned pro or total beginner, there’s a club for everyone. You can meet members of the clubs in person at our Welcome Fair (10am-3pm on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September) and try them out for free through the Give It A Go programme.
In preparation, you can peruse a full list at lsesu.com/join-in/sports/clubs - or see below.
Societies are the heart and soul of student life at LSE - they’re groups of students who share a common interest. Becoming a member is hands down the best way to get more out of your time at university.
All societies at LSE are affiliated to LSE Students’ Union - we have more than 200+ of them, with thousands of members.
You can meet members of the societies in person at our Welcome Fair (10am-3pm on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September) and try them out for free through the Give It A Go programme. In preparation, you can peruse a full list online at lsesu.com/join-in/societies - or see below.
180' Consulting
ABACUS
Accounting
Accounting and Finance
Accounting Organisations and Institutions
Actuarial
Advertising, Marketing & PR
African-Caribbean Society (ACS)
Agape
AIESEC
Albanian
Album
Alternative Investments
Amnesty International
Animal Rights
Anime and Manga
Applicable Maths
Arab
Argentinian
Artichoke
Asia Careers
Atheist and Humanist
Austrian
Bacchus Friends Wine Appreciation
Baking
Baltic
Beekeeping
Benelux
Board Games
Brazilian
Bridge
Bulgarian
Business and Finance Group
Catalan
Catholic
CEMS
Central American
Champagne
Chess
Chile
China Development
Chinese
Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA)
Chocolate
Christian Union
Cider Appreciation
Colombian
Conservative
Consultancy
CSR and Ethical Business
Cypriot
Czech and Slovak
Debate
DESTIN
Development
Digital Arts
Divest
Drama
Economic History
Economics
Ecuadorian
Emerging Markets
Emerging Peacebuilders
ENACTUS
Energy
Entrepreneurs
European
Fashion
Feminist
Film
Finnish
FoodCycle
French
Gaming
Geography
German
Global Brigades
Global Right to Education
Graduate Investment
Graduate Management
Green Party
Grimshaw Club
Hayek
Head Space
Health
Hedge Fund
Hellenic
Hillsong
Hindu
History
Home Students
Hong Kong Public Affairs & Social Service (HKPASS)
If you’re new at LSE and wondering what ‘UGM’ or ‘Union General Meeting’ means, wonder no more! We asked the LSESU Democracy Committee to explain it all.
Have you ever look at something on campus and think it could be improved? The Union General Meeting (abbreviated to UGM) is the perfect opportunity to do something about it! Whether it’s about education, welfare, halls, mental health or anything else, the UGM is an open space where students can raise issues that really matter. Getting involved will allow you to literally change LSE from the bottom up, getting the most out of your time here!
This year, they are held every Thursday from 1 - 2pm in the First Floor Cafe of the Saw Swee Hock Student Centre.
At these meetings, the Union gathers together and discusses issues affecting it. As a student body, we use the time to hold our Elected Officers to account, to discuss/debate current issues on campus, and generally to give you a platform to make your LSE experience the absolute best it can be.
UGM Motions
Motions are proposed before the meetings, debated at them and then voted on (lsesu.com/vote). If a motion is passed, it becomes the Union’s policy for the next three years.
UGMs have been responsible for ensuring that the Union lobbies the School to divest from fossil fuels, for establishing the new elected Officer position of BME Students’ Officer and bringing a wider variety of non-meat options to campus catering outlets through the Meat-Free Mondays campaign The variety of motions brought to UGMs by students is as wide and diverse as our student body. If you have a motion which could improve student life then we’d love to hear it.
Democracy Committee
UGMs are facilitated by Democracy Committee - that’s us - five students elected to make sure that democracy procedures run smoothly and are open to everyone.
We’ll have a stall at the Welcome Fair to talk to new students in person, and we’ll be contactable via our Facebook page throughout the year. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions!
UGMs are your chance to make real, tangible changes during your time at university, and also a great place to be sociable and meet like minded people! So what are you waiting for?
Submitting a motion
To submit a motion, you use the form at lsesu.com/yourunion or email [email protected]. More details on how to submit the motion are downloadable in the UGM guide.
Details of previous motions and voting results are on our website too at lsesu.com/yourunion.
What I Wish I'd Known About...the First Weeks in Halls
Moving into halls can be a nerve-inducing experience and often involves a long trip to London, saying good bye to parents, and the pressure to make new friends.
For anyone who's moving up on Sunday, or has just got themselves settled, I've put together a few tips with a little help from LSE friends and parents.
1. Keep your door open.
Whether this is during unpacking, or later on in Welcome Week, keeping the door to your room open can make it easier to get to know people. The problem with many of LSE's halls is that they do not group people into flats. Instead you live in a room on a corridor, and while facilities may be shared, it can feel a little bit isolated while you're on your own.
Only prop the door open when it is safe and make sure you lock it when leaving your room.
Also, packing a few bits of food that can be shared round is a good ice breaker - chocolate is always a winner.
2. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself.
Chatting with people you've never met before, and sustaining a conversation, can be a little tricky but don't shy away from talking about yourself. Whether it's what you've been up to over the summer, what you're studying, or things you want to do in London, these kinds of topics can help you to work out who you will get along with.
A third year government and history student adds, 'be open minded about meeting people from new backgrounds because you're coming to university which is going to be diverse but LSE is especially so'.
3. Be willing to defer to other peoples' suggestions.
You may already have thought about what landmarks or locations you want to visit in London so suggest them if you find you've got spare time in Welcome Week. In addition, if others really want to visit a particular area then join in whether you've never been before or you're a regular to the city. You'll get a different perspective from the people you're with and it will be a good chance to get to know them better. This becomes much harder once the work really gets going because your free time gets taken up by studying.
We've also put together some tips for travelling around London here.
4. Take some time out on your own.
Welcome Week may be the time when you make lots of new friends and do something different every day but it really helps to spend some time alone if you need a break from the frantic pace on campus or in halls.
Whether it's 15 minutes on the phone to family, or a walk to the shops, don't worry about missing out on being around new friends. You'll probably feel better once you've had that confidence boost from a chat with your parent or carer, or you've stocked up on the food you miss from home.
A parent of a second year geography student said, 'I was very relieved to get a phone call in that first week because parents and carers will worry. It's a big thing to leave home for the first time and you're managing things yourself, buying food, making friends etc.'
5. Make the most of this time.
Around halfway through Spring Term you might feel the pressure of coursework as well as the thought of exams looming (a long way off now though!).
Until then, take a little time to relax, enjoy meeting new people from all walks of life, and have fun in London. By getting to know people now, and hopefully making good friends early on, you'll be able to help each other when things get a lot tougher.
One final thing...
Have you joined the Facebook group for your designated hall yet?
They are a great way of finding out more about moving in, as well as having your questions about accommodation answered by students who have actually lived there. You may find that some fake pages also exist so make sure you're part of the official ones to get the best advice. These are available in the link above.
We've put together the essential guide to setting yourself up at LSE. Whether you want to choose your modules, access your timetable, or just print something out, here's how...
Before You Arrive...
There isn't a huge pressure to arrive prepped and ready to learn. Decisions on which modules you take, for example, may take a while as you sit in different lectures and try them out. But there are things that can help get you started early.
1. Investigate ISSAs and IEAs.
LSE's Disability and Wellbeing Service can meet with you in the first few weeks of Michaelmas Term to discuss how the School can best help you with your disability. They can put together an Individual Student School Agreement (ISSA) which could help you negotiate coursework extensions, stay in LSE accommodation for the full length of your course, or find other measures to help you in your studies.
It may also be possible for you to have an Individual Exam Arrangement (IEA) created which could provide you with extra time in exams, for example.
Next Step: Email the Disability and Wellbeing Service to discuss your personal needs ([email protected]) or click here for more information.
2. Choose Your Modules
Some modules may be capped so it's a good idea to select them on LSEForYou if you know that you want to do at least a few.
I would also suggest looking at second and third year modules that you may interested in. These may be a long way off but it is not uncommon for these modules to request that you do first year modules beforehand to provide you with foundational knowledge and skills.
Next Step: You can find the full list of modules for every course here. Have a look through and make a note of any that appeal. Once you have created an LSEForYou account, you can begin to select these officially. If you want more guidance then contact your academic adviser (you will find out who this is during your induction in Welcome Week) or speak to the course convener.
3. Buying Textbooks
A lot of modules won't need you to buy textbooks especially as so much of learning is online now. For those that do, you can buy them cheaply from other students.
Next Step: Ask around on the Facebook groups for new LSE students or websites like Abe Books stock loads of second hand textbooks. On campus you can also try Alpha Books which stocks lots of LSE texts at very reasonable prices - you can sell them your book when you've finished with it as well!
During Welcome Week...
Most of Welcome Week is usually spent making new friends or finding out more about your new course. However, taking time to learn about key things early will save time in the long run.
1. Setting up an IT account
This is important because it allows you to view your emails and start accessing the LSE system. All of your reading lists, essay submissions, and subject specific forums will be online so it's important to get everything set up quickly.
Next Step: Full instructions are available here. You can go into any computer room on halls (some halls of residence also have IT facilities) to set up your account.
2. Online Learning Platforms
Most learning resources are now available online.
These are:
LSEForYou - provides personalised details on everything from your exam timetable to your registers. https://lfy.lse.ac.uk/portal/p/
Moodle - lecture slides, lecture recordings, class documents, and other learning materials, are available here. https://moodle.lse.ac.uk/my/
Reading Lists - you can find the correct reading lists for each module, save them and easily refer back to them each time you study. http://readinglists.lse.ac.uk/index.html
Next Step: Create your computer account and use the same log-in details to access these online learning platforms. Familiarise yourself with the different functions before lectures and classes begin.
3. Timetables
By mid-August you'll be able to access your lecture timetable, by mid-September class timetables will also have been published.
By the start of term, they should also be available on LSEForYou.
You can look ahead now, and search by course code: www.lse.ac.uk/admin/provtimetables/provtimetable.htm
Next Step: Have a look now to see if you have any pesky 9am starts!
4. Academic Advisers
These are the people who will be your first point of contact in case you have any concerns or questions with your studying, grades, or work.They are usually lecturers who belong to the same department as you and can help you settle in to LSE life.
Academic advisers are also the people who will write references for your first job so do keep in contact with them.
Next Step: You'll find out who they are during your subject induction sessions. They should email you to arrange a first meeting but if you don't hear from them by the end of Week 2 then send them a message.
First Week of Term...
Work will pick up quickly but there are still things you can do to help your learning.
1. Reading for Lectures and Classes
The start of Michaelmas term in first year is always tricky whilst you get your head round the LSE way of teaching.
Reading lists (see above) are available online so you can start studying whenever you like. Check that they have been updated for 2015/16 before you start, however.
Lecturers and teachers will have different expectations for reading; some will want you to do your work before the lecture, others won't mind if you get your work done later for the following class instead.
Next Step: You won't know what they are looking for until you attend your subject induction in Welcome Week, or even the first lecture in Week 1. If you have any questions beforehand then email the course convener but it really won't be something to worry about in the early stages.
2. Taking Library Books Out
It is most likely that you'll have to do studying in Week 1 (the week after Welcome Week). Whilst most of it will be online, you will probably still be asked to read books available in the Course Collection section of the Library. This is on the ground floor with the entrance just opposite the lifts.
Taking a book out is easy. When you register at LSE you'll receive an ID card which you can then use to gain entry to buildings (including the Library). Find the books you need and then go to the issue machines close to the exit of the Course Collection. Follow the instructions on screen or ask any of the librarians if you need any help.
Next Step: More information is available online and is worth a read >> http://www.lse.ac.uk/library/usingTheLibrary/accessingMaterials/borrowingLSEUsers.aspx
3. Printing
Most printing facilities at LSE are available either in the Library or in halls. You'll need to log in at a computer and then print your chosen document as you would on any Windows computer.
Once you have clicked print on the computer, you will need to go over to the nearest printer and log on at the computer which is next to it. You do not need to log off at the computer you are working at.
The screen on the second computer will be red and simply display a log on screen. Once you have logged on then you will see your chosen documents listed and you can press print. Your request will then be processed by the printer.
You will need to log on at this second computer within 15 minutes otherwise the printing system will no longer display your document (this does not mean that your document has been deleted from the main computer system, it simply disappears from the printing queue).
Next Step: Once you've arrived at LSE you will need to top up your LSE Wallet to give you money for printing (it's not free). Instructions can be found here: http://www.lse.ac.uk/intranet/LSEServices/IMT/guides/printing/LSEWallet.aspx
If, later on, you have any queries about your course, or your wellbeing, then you can visit student services in the Old Building Atrium at the LSE, or the LSESU Advice Service can provide free and confidential support.
A story emerged last year of Professor Kelly getting trapped in a lift at LSE with some freshers. The story was retold countless times by the ten students caught in the debacle before eventually making headline news in the LSE’s student newspaper, The Beaver.
This interview, Professor Kelly’s latest encounter with freshers, may be far less dramatic but it aims to provide useful hints and tips about the learning that takes place at the School, and how to adjust to the challenges of LSE life.
Having worked at the School since 1995, Paul Kelly has now risen to the high profile position of Pro-Director of Teaching and Learning, and also lectures as a Professor of Government. This places him at the very heart of the LSE as he now works alongside the rest of the Directorate.
What makes studying at LSE so significant?
Studying at the LSE changes lives and students will make relationships here, they will meet people, they will learn things that will transform their lives and that’s the most important thing.
How can new students prepare themselves for the LSE way of teaching?
LSE is very different, certainly from school, it will also be quite different from many other universities. The School is so unique because we are a very international university, we’re a single faculty university so that also makes the experience different.
The biggest adjustment is from being at a school [and then going to] to an institution like the LSE. You are expected to be an adult independent learner and even though lectures have, historically, never been compulsory, you should always go to them.
Can you explain the educational structure at LSE?
Lectures are taught by professors, full time faculty, hopefully some of the most senior in the department will be involved in the teaching of first years. Class teachers are then either faculty or GTAs who are PhD students and they work together with the professor to design the classes which support the lectures.
In some departments such as maths or stats, furthermore, there will also be full-time teachers covering certain kinds of courses.
In later years, classes become known as seminars and the sizes of these move from big to medium to small as you progress from first to second to third year. The amount of choice you have in your degree will also increase over the years.
How will an LSE education change a student’s worldview?
What is distinctive about the LSE is the very high quality departmentally focused education. We specialise and we do this very well.
Students don’t all end up in the City because the reality is that they go a lot more destinations and they are very employable. This training students receive in quantitative and analytical skills is an important part of what the School provides. For example, the Economics department doesn’t teach you Economics, they train you to be an economist.
How can students benefit from the recent restructuring of the academic year?
Departments can now align their lectures and classes, and the opportunity for mid-term assessment to provide students with better feedback during very intense teaching terms where there is enormous amount of work. During the reading week some departments will try to provide their students with breathing space while for others it will genuinely be a reading week so that students can catch up.
As the interview came to an end, I had one final question for Professor Kelly. Was there one piece of advice he would now give to himself as an eighteen-year-old fresher? In a typically calm and self-assured manner, the response was ‘do everything exactly as you did before’. #NoRAGrets
Keep following the updates on the LSESU’s ‘Official Freshers 2015’ group throughout September for more interviews, blog posts, and advice. You can also send a message via the LSESU Facebook page, or Tweet us using the handle @lsesu.
