Close

Research Degree Orientation Timetable

LSHTM Welcome Week - 22-26 September 2025

All times UK time (BST). All sessions will take place in person at LSHTM's Keppel Street building (KS) unless otherwise specified. The Research Degree Orientation Day is taking place both in person and online.

Access our Welcome Week Digital Guide (pdf) for an overview of optional School-wide sessions and activities, and find your full programme timetable below. Specific sessions for research degree students are indicated in bold. DrPH students should note additional programme-specific sessions. Please check back at the start of each day of Welcome Week in case of any updates to the schedule.

*Mobile users, please scroll right to see session locations.

Optional School-wide sessions & support

International Students’ Welcome

An optional opportunity for international students and those new to London to visit LSHTM and make connections ahead of Welcome Week. The event will feature in-person Life in London and Student Visa Responsibilities sessions, Q&A with past international students, Keppel Street building tours and a wellbeing social.

  • Thursday 18 September, 11:00-16:30 | Keppel Street

Life in London

If you are new to the UK or London and want to find out more about opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, additional housing costs/taxes and transport around London, join us for our webinar and Q&A, with an in-person option during International Students' Welcome.

  • Thursday 4 September, 14:00-15:00 | Zoom
  • Thursday 18 September, 11:00-12:00 | KS-John Snow Lecture Theatre / Zoom

Student Visa Responsibilities

This presentation will cover Student visa holders’ responsibilities, updating contact details, attendance and engagement, working in the UK, travelling outside the UK, summer project, graduate route visa and travelling after your course has completed.

  • Thursday 4 September, 15:00-15:30 | Zoom
  • Thursday 18 September, 12:00-12:30 | KS-John Snow Lecture Theatre / Zoom

Student Representation at LSHTM

Learn about the Students' Representative Council (SRC) and its Executive roles ahead of the upcoming elections, as well as other opportunities to represent your programme and student interests at LSHTM including Student & Digital Content Ambassadors and Centres Student Liaison Officers.

  • Monday 22 September, 11:30-12:30, 14:00-15:00 | KS-G41
  • Tuesday 23 September, 13:00-14:00 | KS-John Snow Lecture Theatre

Using AI Responsibly to Support Your Learning

Artificial Intelligence tools can enhance your learning when used responsibly. This session provides a brief overview of how AI can serve as a supportive companion to learning, rather than replace your own critical and creative thinking. The session explores some practical uses of AI, approaches to maintaining academic integrity, and outlines additional support for using AI at LSHTM.

  • Wednesday 24 September, 10:00-11:00 | KS-John Snow Lecture Theatre

IT - Getting Started

Optional sessions for technical information and support with logging in and accessing LSHTM email, software, wifi and other IT systems and services. Please ensure you join from the start to benefit from the presentation, which will cover the answers to many frequently asked questions.

  • Monday 22 – Thursday 25 September, 11:00-12:00, 12:00-13:00, 14:00-15:00, 15:00-16:00 daily | KS-LG2

Introduction to Moodle

In this interactive session, you will be shown how to navigate and make the most of our Moodle online learning environment. Moodle is your go to platform for accessing programme and module information, assessment guidelines, and a wealth of resources. Whether you need to download documents, watch videos, or participate in forum discussions, Moodle has you covered. We’ll guide you through the steps to log in and find your way around the platform, how to effectively use key tools within Moodle to enhance your learning experience and be on hand to answer your questions.

  • Tuesday 23 September, 13:00-14:00, 15:00-16:00 | KS-LG24
  • Wednesday 24 September, 13:00-14:00, 14:00-15:00 | KS-LG24

Welcome Fair

Our Welcome Fair is the equivalent of a "freshers' fair", where you can find out more about the student services available to you and opportunities to get involved at LSHTM. Stands will be open throughout the event so drop in as your timetable allows, visit as many of the stands as you like and ask your questions. Full details of all the stands can be found on our Welcome Fair page.

Welcome Week Helpdesk

Get help from LSHTM staff & student ambassadors to check your timetable, locate your next session or answer any questions you have about Welcome Week.

  • Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 September, 09:00-17:00 | KS-Pumphandle Social

Accommodation Helpdesk

The Accommodation Helpdesk is a drop-in service for students still looking for a place to live in London during their studies. Our team of former LSHTM students will be on hand to offer guidance in your search.

  • Monday 15 – Friday 26 September, 12:00-17:00 (Monday-Friday) | KS-e-Library
Social events & activities

Keppel Street building tours

Find your way around our main building and learn some of the history of LSHTM via a 45-minute tour with our Student Ambassadors. Each tour limited to 30 students, with places offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours will depart from the "Big Steps" in the Pumphandle Social, by the Welcome Week Helpdesk.

  • Monday 22 September tour times: 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30
  • Tuesday 23 September tour times: 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00

Speed Meeting

Get to know your new colleagues in a fun and fast-paced group setting, with spot prizes to be won with our bingo game. Capacity 200 students on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Monday 22 September, 17:00-18:30 | KS-Pumphandle Social

Global Queer Film Club Screening

Join the Global Queer Film Club for a screening of Pride (2014; 1h 59m; in English). This uplifting comedy-drama follows London’s LGBTQ+ activists supporting striking Welsh miners in 1984. The Club, run by LSHTM’s LGBTQ+ Network, screens films weekly on Thursdays during Term 1 and hosts social events year-round.

  • Tuesday 24 September, 17:30-19:30 | KS-Manson Lecture Theatre

Plant Pot Decorating

Come and choose a free succulent to add a touch of green to your accommodation, and brighten it up even more by decorating the pot. Capacity 150 students on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Wednesday 24 September, 17:00-18:30 | KS-North Courtyard

LSHTM Flea Market – Free Finds for Fresh Starts!

Need a kettle? A coat? Some kitchenware to get you through term? Come explore the LSHTM Flea Market, run by our current SRC. This is a one-day pop-up where you can pick up useful, pre-loved items donated by outgoing students. It’s all free, first-come, first-served, and a great way to settle in sustainably. Don’t forget to check back during the Welcome Week Party for any hidden gems.

  • Friday 26 September 12:30-14:00 | KS-G90

Pumphandle Bar

The Pumphandle Bar is a volunteer-run space for students, staff and visitors to come together, with cheap pints and alcoholic and non-alcoholic good times every Thursday and Friday during term time. All proceeds go towards the LSHTM Scholarship Fund, which supports students from low- to middle-income countries in attending LSHTM. Come down for the first night of the bar!

  • Thursday 25 September, 17:00-late | KS-Pumphandle Bar

Welcome Week Party

A chance to celebrate with your new colleagues and friends. The evening will feature snacks, drinks & entertainment, including a photobooth, student world map and performance by the Pumphandle Blues Band (which has several LSHTM professors as members!). Taking place in the Pumphandle Social with G90 as a quieter, alcohol-free party space. This event is for LSHTM students & staff only; no external guests/children will be permitted.

  • Friday 26 September, 17:00-20:00 | KS-Pumphandle Social, KS-G90

Pre-Welcome Week events

  

Thursday 4 September

  • 14:00 - 15:00 - Life in London
  • 15:30 - 15:30 - Student Visa Responsibilities
OptionalZoom webinar*

Monday 15 - Friday 20 September

  • Accommodation Helpdesk
Optional drop-inKS-e-Library

Thursday 18 September - International Students' Welcome

  • 11:00 - 12:30 - Life in London & Student Visa Responsibilities (KS-John Snow Lecture Theatre / Zoom webinar*)
  • 12:30 - 13:30 - Lunch break
  • 13:30 - 15:30 - Keppel Street building tours & Wellbeing social
  • 15:30 - 16:30 - International Students Q&A
Optional 
*Zoom passwords will be emailed to all offer holders ahead of the sessions

Monday 22 September

  
See guideIT - Getting StartedOptionalKS-LG2
See guideKeppel Street building toursOptionalKS-Pumphandle Social
09:00 - 17:00Welcome Week HelpdeskOptional drop-inKS-Pumphandle Social
11:30 - 12:30Student Representation at LSHTMOptionalKS-LG41 (on campus)
Zoom* (online)
12:00 - 17:00Accommodation HelpdeskOptional drop-inKS-e-Library
14:00 - 15:00Student Representation at LSHTMOptionalKS-LG41 (on campus)
Zoom* (online)
17:00 - 18:30Evening social: Speed MeetingOptionalKS-Pumphandle Social

Tuesday 23 September: Research Degree Orientation Day

KS-Manson Lecture Theatre or join Research Degree Orientation Day online*
See guideIT - Getting StartedOptionalKS-LG2
See guideIntroduction to MoodleOptionalKS-LG24
See guideKeppel Street building toursOptionalKS-Pumphandle Social
09:00 - 17:00Welcome Week HelpdeskOptional drop-inKS-Pumphandle Social
10:00 - 11:00DrPH 'Meet and Greet'DrPH onlyKS-G07
11:00 - 11:10

Welcome and introductions

Catherine Goodman, Dean of Doctoral College

All RD students 
11:10 - 11:30

Research degrees @ LSHTM

Catherine Goodman, Dean of Doctoral College

All RD students 
11:30 - 11:45

Top tips for success

Joanna Schellenberg, Co-Director DrPH Programme

All RD students 
11:45 - 12:00

Integrity, ethics and approvals

Rebecca Carter, Research Governance & Integrity

All RD students 
12:00 - 12:30Discussion in groups: Supervisor vs Supervisee RolesAll RD students 
12:30 - 12:45

Student Support Services

Ian Carter, Head of Student Support Services

All RD students 
12:45 - 13:00

Libraries, information and research

Russell Burke & Kathleen Perris, Library, Archive & Open Research Services

All RD students 
13:00 - 13:45

Lunch break

Lunch will be provided in the KS-Pumphandle Bar

All RD students 
13:45 - 14:00

Introduction to LSHTM

Liam Smeeth, Director of LSHTM

All RD students 
14:00 - 14:15

Community building and Students' Representative Council (SRC)

Anthony Walker-Cook, Access & Student Experience
Preethi Lakshminarayanan, SRC VP for Doctoral Degrees

All RD students 
14:15 - 14:30

LSHTM travel policies

Sarah Sarpong, Overseas Safety

All RD students 
14:30 - 14:45

Introduction to ITS

Ant Creed, IT Services

All RD students 
14:45 - 15:00

Final Q&A on RDs at LSHTM

Catherine Goodman, Dean of Doctoral College

All RD students 
15:00 - 16:00Research Degrees registrationAll RD studentsKS-Library
17:30 - 19:30Evening social: Global Queer Film Club ScreeningOptionalKS-Manson Lecture Theatre

Wednesday 24 September

  
See guideIT - Getting StartedOptionalKS-LG2
See guideIntroduction to MoodleOptionalKS-LG24
09:00 - 10:00Welcome & Studying at LSHTM (repeat for late arrivals)School-wideKS-John Snow Lecture Theatre (on campus)
Zoom* (online)
10:00 - 11:00Using AI Responsibly to Support Your LearningOptionalKS-John Snow Lecture Theatre (on campus)
Zoom* (online)
11:00 - 15:00Welcome FairSchool-wideKS-North Courtyard, KS-G90, KS-Pumphandle Social
12:00 - 17:00Accommodation HelpdeskOptional drop-inKS-e-Library
14:00 - 17:00DrPH Programme inductionDrPH onlyKS-G24 (on campus)
Zoom* (online)
17:00 - 18:30Evening social: Plant Pot DecoratingOptionalKS-North Courtyard

Thursday 25 September

  
See guideIT - Getting StartedOptionalKS-LG2
09:00 - 12:00DrPH: 1-1 meetings with the Programme DirectorsDrPH onlyKS-G32A, KS-G32B
12:00 - 17:00Accommodation HelpdeskOptional drop-inKS-e-Library
14:00 - 16:00DrPH: 1-1 meetings with the Programme DirectorsDrPH onlyKS-G32A, KS-G32B
17:00 - lateEvening social: Pumphandle BarOptionalKS-Pumphandle Bar

Friday 26 September

  
10:00 - 16:00DrPH: 1-1 meetings with the Programme DirectorsDrPH onlyKS-G32A, KS-G21
12:00 - 14:00DrPH: Welcome lunch for students able to attend in personDrPH onlyKS-G05
12:00 - 17:00Accommodation HelpdeskOptional drop-inKS-e-Library
12:30 - 14:30LSHTM Flea Market - Free Finds for Fresh StartsOptional drop-inKS-G90
17:00 - 20:00Welcome Week Party for all new studentsOptionalKS-Pumphandle Social, KS-G90
*Zoom passwords will be emailed to all offer holders ahead of the sessions