Is LSHTM worth It? Mwaria's reality check

23 March 2026

Medical doctor Mwaria came to London from Kenya and now studies MSc Health Policy, Planning & Financing at LSHTM and the London School of Economics & Political Science. We asked him a very direct question: Is LSHTM worth it?

I came to London with a clear purpose: to gain the knowledge, tools and networks required to address some of the world’s most pressing health‑system challenges. I wanted to understand global best practices and learn how to adapt them to local contexts, especially in settings where the need for transformative healthcare solutions is greatest.

I am a medical doctor and a Kenyan citizen with a global outlook, but I remain especially invested in equity‑driven improvements for countries in the Global South. These are places with tremendous opportunity for impact: from strengthening health financing systems to creating seamless patient journeys. Pursuing an MSc Health Policy, Planning and Financing was the natural path toward contributing meaningfully to this work.

My expectations vs reality in London

Diversity and classroom experience

Expectation: To study in a highly diverse environment.

Reality: This came true the moment my plane landed.

London is the most diverse city I have visited so far, even compared with places like Nairobi, Berlin, Kigali, São Paulo, Istanbul and Johannesburg. That diversity extends into the classroom: our cohort has an overwhelming majority of international students, bringing a wide range of experiences and perspectives that enrich every discussion.

An amusing reality I learned along the way: international students like me typically pay high tuition fees, which indirectly support access to higher education for more students at home & overseas, some of those who might not be able to do so without financial support, all while contributing to a richer and more globally minded academic community.

Social Life

Expectation: Have a vibrant student life with plans every night.

Reality: It's a bit complicated.

While London certainly offers endless opportunities, the programme’s academic rigour means that evenings often involve prepping for lectures or seminars. Socialising does happen, mostly on weekends or after classes, and this balance is ultimately healthy and rewarding.

My biggest advice? Find your people early. These are the friends you will explore the city (and continent!) with, navigate challenging coursework alongside, and share countless moments of laughter with.

The learning environment

Expectation: Spend a year of unbounded intellectual curiosity.

Reality: I have the classic policy answer: “It depends.”

What I found instead was curiosity paired with structure. In MSc Health Policy, Planning & Financing, questions about health systems, policy and financing require systematic approaches. Far from limiting, these frameworks sharpen your thinking: helping you filter out noise and focus on what truly matters.

Food in London

Expectation: You know the reputation and all the jokes around British food.

Reality: Despite the jokes I’d heard beforehand, I actually found London’s food scene wonderfully delicious and varied (a pleasant surprise!).

My biggest takeaway

The friendships I’ve built are the greatest takeaway. Shared struggles, shared triumphs, and the kind of connection you can only form during a transformative, demanding year like this one. This is what makes studying in person truly special.

Academically, I will leave with a deeply systematic way of analysing problems: always asking for the why beyond the what. I’ve learned to consider the commercial, social and political determinants of health, and to recognise the many ways power shapes health systems. From Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage story to the successes and challenges of the NHS, the global case studies have given me a grounded understanding of what works and what doesn’t.

So... is LSHTM worth it?

Absolutely! A resounding yes.

The student experience is exceptional, the academic journey is challenging but meaningful, and the environment encourages growth. While important work continues on decolonising the school curriculum, the direction of travel is positive.

Most importantly, you will leave with knowledge, friendships and a renewed sense of purpose that will shape your future for years to come. I would highly recommend it.

By the way...

London is expensive! Far more than anywhere else I’ve lived. A beer that costs £1 in Nairobi costs £7 in London. If I could go back, I would have stocked up on toiletries at home and made full use of my baggage allowance!