Discover a University Where Your Voice Matters: My Journey at the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS)
Imagine stepping into a university where every student’s voices fill the
learning environment, teaching breaks free from traditional constraints, and pushing boundaries isn’t just encouraged — it’s expected. Welcome to the world of the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS).
I’m Ella, a second-year student at LIS, and I’m sharing my story because my experience here has been transformative. What sets LIS apart isn’t just its innovative approach to education — it’s the way it reimagines what university life can be.
A Different Kind of Support System
Arriving at the LIS Campus on Whitechapel Road, you realise this differs from your typical university. The pastoral care at LIS is unmatched by many educational institutions. LIS adopts a personalised approach to student support. Our coaching sessions throughout the academic year focus on personal and academic progression to encourage students’ growth and development.
Where Every Voice Resonates
Picture yourself in a classroom where you’re not just another face in the crowd. With class sizes ranging from 10 to 30 students and cohort sessions capped at 60, every discussion becomes an opportunity for meaningful conversations. You’re not simply here to absorb information but to contribute, challenge, and grow.
Breaking Down Academic Barriers
At LIS, the traditional academic boundaries between faculty and students dissolve. Need to discuss an idea with a professor? Booking office hours is seamless. When I expressed interest in speaking at the Liberal Education Student Conference in May 2024, my professor, James Everest, didn’t just encourage me — he became my mentor, guiding me through my first conference presentation.
A Campus That Cultivates Community
Our East London campus is small but mighty. The shared common room, where bachelor’s and master’s students mingle, has become more than just a space — it’s where societies meet, friendships form, and ideas come to life. It’s where the LIS community truly takes shape.
Finding Your Place in London
I remember feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of studying in London, an intimidating and chaotic city. However, my experience at LIS has been the opposite — exciting and academically rigorous, as I can learn and be part of a close-knit community with like-minded individuals. Tower Hamlets’ rich Bangladeshi heritage and urban dynamics make it the perfect backdrop for interdisciplinary thinking.
Embracing Growth and Evolution
As a pioneer in interdisciplinary education, LIS continues to evolve. Our alum network is growing, and our problem-focused approach might not align with those seeking a conventional university experience. But for those ready to embrace innovation in education, these “challenges” become opportunities to shape the future of learning.
Your Next Steps
As I progress into my second year, I’m grateful that I dared to try something different: studying real-world problems and interdisciplinary methods. The exceptional care, personalised attention, and vibrant community have created an environment where learning transcends traditional boundaries, and I flourish.
Ready to explore if LIS could be your next chapter? Join us for our upcoming open day:
Date: Saturday 11th January, 2025
Time: 12:00–15:00
Location: LIS Campus, East London
