London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Starting as an international student at LSHTM can feel overwhelming. From the moment you arrive, everything moves quickly, you are bombarded with information, adjusting to life in London, and navigating the start of an intense academic programme. Having just gone through this experience, I have put together a guide to help new students transition more smoothly and set themselves up for success. Let us dive in!

Prepare, prepare, prepare

Preparation is key and can set the tone for the rest of the term. LSHTM organises pre-arrival webinars which are packed with information on settling into life in London and preparing for academic study. Attend these sessions if you can; they are incredibly helpful. If you are too busy packing, tying up work obligations, or saying goodbye to loved ones, do not worry, recordings are available, and you can listen to them at your convenience.

Before arriving, check LSHTM's Open Study platform for pre-arrival materials. These resources include digital, English, and mathematical skills refreshers. Even if you do not complete the training sessions, simply identifying areas where you might need support is valuable. Do not stress though, LSHTM provides ongoing support throughout the year. Their English for Academic Purposes and Digital Skills Lab sessions are excellent opportunities to refine the skills you will need for assessments and coursework especially for an international student who might find academic writing challenging at first.

A crucial (and often overlooked) step is reflecting on the courses you want to take before you arrive. Your programme directors will likely host pre-course webinars or share materials - take advantage of these! Think about your interests, the skills you want to gain, and how the programme aligns with your career goals.

Here is how to streamline the process:

• Research your options: dive into the programme handbook, watch module videos and review descriptions of each module.
• Connect with alumni and ambassadors: reach out on LinkedIn or through the Student Ambassador platform. They can provide honest insights about course intensity, requirements, and career relevance.

When professors present their modules during Welcome Week, this preparation will help you feel more confident about your choices. It is important to remember that your interests might evolve over the year but LSHTM assigns academic tutors to guide you through these decisions and offer valuable advice.

Meeting new people

This is a vital part of your first week at LSHTM, what I like to call "finding your people". It could be a daunting task, especially because LSHTM is a melting pot of international students from diverse cultures. If you're not extroverted like me or haven't been exposed to such a diverse community before, this can feel particularly challenging. Let me break it down for you.

First, keep an open mind. Try not to get stuck in your own head and be ready to initiate conversations or respond to questions from your peers. While some friendships may seem to happen as if they were written in the stars, we all know it's not always that simple. A good starting point is connecting with people from similar backgrounds who are more outgoing, they can introduce you to others and help you expand your circle.

Joining the School’s research centres, which focus on various public health topics, is another great way to meet people. Find a centre that aligns with your interests and you will find others who share your passion and are eager to discuss public health issues from their unique cultural perspectives. Additionally, the Pentacell programme - LSHTM’s student wellbeing initiative - can be a great resource for connecting with your classmates. Chatting about shared modules and challenges is a natural way to bond.

Study groups are another fantastic avenue to forge connections while learning. Collaborating with classmates who bring different perspectives not only enriches your academic experience but also helps build meaningful relationships. Establishing a strong support network early is important. Being away from home can feel isolating, so try to attend events, participate in activities, and form friendships. The connections you build here will not only support you throughout your time at LSHTM but hopefully last long enough as you go through life and build amazing careers.

Adjusting to life in London

Public transportation: London's public transport system is extensive and can be confusing at first. Make sure to get a student Oyster card and link it to your railcard if you need one - it will help you save on transport costs. Download the CityMapper app; it's the best navigation app, hands down. I never get lost with it. One tip I learned from using the bus is to link the number of the bus station the app shows you with the physical one - this way you never get on the wrong bus.

Grocery shopping: grocery stores here are a bit different from what you might be used to, but they are well-stocked with everything you need. Lidl and Aldi have student-friendly prices, but you will find good options in the other grocery stores too. You will also find international stores. For African students, you can find markets around Brixton, Woolwich and East Street, which have all the ingredients to recreate home specials. They still do not taste quite the same as home, though, I do not know why, I guess the environment contributes to the flavour.

Finally, do not be too hard on yourself. You will make mistakes, but you will learn from them, and you will be so much better for it. Prioritise your mental health and create time to relax. Do not worry too much about visiting all the places in the first month. Once you have made friends and found your way around, London is too captivating to sit inside all the time, and you have a whole year to explore. 

• Discover MSc Health Policy, Planning & Financing.
• Contact Maryam via our contact student & alumni ambassador page.
• Learn more: Moving to London: 5 steps to get yourself settled in London as an international student.