Bitesize New Students Guide 2018 - Practical advice and special features to sink your teeth into - LSHTM
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Bitesize
New Students
Guide 2018
Practical advice and special
features to sink your teeth into.
Passionate about LSHTM? Share your
experiences and encourage future students to
join us by becoming one of our
Student
Ambassadors
Role includes connecting with prospective
students; assisting at open days; and
contributing to our website, publications and
social media.
Contents
Find out more and apply: The tick crawling through this magazine is one of the eight gilded vectors
lshtm.ac.uk/study/ambassadors of disease that adorn our Keppel Street building. It has gathered vital
information from our website and is now transmitting it to you in bitesize
form...
4 Offer received! ...but what happens 16 Talk of trials, TB and surviving
next? your PhD
Steps to take now you’ve earned your offer PhD student Titus shares his story and advice
6 Accommodation 18 The steps along the journey
While waiting for your studies to begin, why not sign How to search for the perfect place to live Key moments of the year as described by our
up for one of our free online courses? They cover students
important topics linked to global health and give an 8 Moving to London
introductory overview at postgraduate level. Advice on transport, banking, healthcare and safety 20 What our students did next
Updates from our recent graduates
10 Applying for a student visa
Top tips to guide you through the process 22 Students’ Representative Council
What it is, what it does and how you can get
Free Online
12 Keppel Street involved
Discover the history and quirks of our main building
23 Other ways you can get involved
14 Bloomsbury: your guide to the More ideas for making the most of your time at
Courses
local area LSHTM
Where to study, eat and relax near LSHTM
24 A (very brief) London travel guide
15 Read all about it Advice from our students on the best places to visit
Research and news highlights from LSHTM over the in the city
past year
Don’t forget to join our LSHTM Students
View latest courses and register: 2018/19 Facebook group, where you can get
lshtm.ac.uk/study/freeonlinecourses to know your future classmates, share tips
and get advice from current students:
iStock
facebook.com/groups/LSHTMstudents2018
When will I receive my
Key dates
unconditional offer? International Students Welcome
When you have met all the conditions set out in your 20 and 21 September
offer letter, such as English language test results
or evidence of funding, your offer will be updated
to ‘unconditional’ confirming your place at LSHTM.
Term 1
Students applying for a Tier 4 student visa will need 24 September - 14 December
to hold an unconditional offer before we can issue a • Orientation week: 24 - 28 September
CAS.
• Teaching begins: 1 October
Can I defer my offer? • Reading week: 5 - 9 November
If your circumstances change and you are unable
to take up your offer, you can request to defer for
up to one academic year only. You will need to Winter break
email admissions@lshtm.ac.uk by 1 October 2018 15 December - 13 January*
confirming your wish to defer and your reasons for
Offer received!
doing so. Term 2
14 January - 29 March
Can I start my course if I have
not achieved the required English • Reading week: 18 - 22 February
language test score?
Unfortunately you will not be permitted to register Spring break
unless you have provided original evidence that you 30 March - 22 April
...but what happens next? have achieved LSHTM’s required English language
test score.
Term 3
How do I pay my tuition fees? 23 April - 23 September
Gaining your offer of admission Do I need to send original Tuition fees must be paid in full before you can • May bank holidays: 6 & 27 May
from LSHTM is a tremendous documents? register for your programme. Information about
• End of teaching: late May
paying tuition fees can be found at
achievement, so congratulations to We do require original evidence of your
lshtm.ac.uk/study/feepayment • Exams: early June
qualifications as stated in your offer of admission;
you! Now you’ll want to make sure this should be either your original award certificate • Summer project: June - September
you are fully prepared for the start of or original final transcript. If your certificate or Where do I find my reading list and
timetable? • Summer project deadline: mid-
your programme, so you can use this transcript are not in English, you must also provide
September
original award certified translations. We are unable Reading lists and Term 1 timetables will be added
guide to keep track of everything. to accept certified copies. to lshtm.ac.uk/study/newstudents/london when • End of MSc studies 23 September
available. Generally, you will not need to do much
When do I need to send my reading in advance, but your programme directors
documents by? will recommend any key texts you should read. *Term 2 starts on 7 January for students studying
What do I need to We advise you send your documents to Registry by Students won’t be required to buy many books as
you’ll have access to everything in our Library and
MSc Immunology of Infectious Diseases; MSc
Medical Entomology for Disease Control; MSc
register?
the deadline in your offer letter to ensure a smooth Medical Microbiology; MSc Medical Parasitology;
registration process. You will not be able to enrol online, but you may wish to purchase a few key texts
MSc Tropical Medicine & International Health
on your programme until the requested documents if suggested by your programme director.
Online registration will take place from have been received. Students applying for a Tier 4
student visa will need to submit original documents What happens during the first week
September onwards. You will need to bring
well in advance of their programme start date to at LSHTM?
the following items with you to complete ensure sufficient time is available to complete the The first week of the programme includes a
registration when you arrive at LSHTM: visa process. Students requiring a Confirmation of compulsory orientation programme for all students
Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for their visa should to introduce them to LSHTM and their degree
Your passport(s) as we need to check send their financial evidence with the CAS request programme. Lectures and classes will begin the
your full legal name, date of birth and form (deadline 24 August). following week.
nationality / immigration status
When will my documents
Any outstanding documentation as
requested by the Admissions team
be returned?
Students requiring a Tier 4 Student visa will have
Flshtm.ac.uk/study/newstudents/london
their documents returned by courier as quickly as
International students only - your possible. For other students, documents will be kept Essential app: Well, not strictly an
current visa or leave to remain (non-EEA safely by Registry for collection upon registration app, but it’s worth saving the LSHTM
nationals) unless otherwise requested. Mobile Page (m.lshtm.ac.uk) for quick
shortcuts to our network
4 5
Where do our
75 students live?
Accommodation 70
N4, N5,
N7, N19
34
This map shows the number of students
living in the most popular postcode areas
in London for 2017-18 students
85
NW1 N1
Considering the size of London, finding somewhere to live may seem
overwhelming, but we have plenty of advice and resources to help make
NW2, NW3,
NW5, NW6 44
your search easier. Student accommodation in London falls into two main 13 137 E1, E2, E3
categories: private accommodation and halls of residence
19 WC1
W1W
W2
Private accommodation
Tips for private accommodation:
Many students choose private accommodation as it
is widely available. Prices vary depending on the
area, transport zone and size of the property/
• Unless the property is managed by
University of London Housing Services
56 53SE1
WC1: Bloomsbury, Holborn, Russell Square (LSHTM is in WC1)
SW1
room. As a basic guide, the further out you live, the (ULHS), make sure you visit before NW2, NW3, NW5, NW6: Kilburn, Hampstead, Kentish Town
cheaper it will be and a 30-45 minute commute is signing a contract or transferring money N4, N5, N7, N19: Finsbury Park, Highbury, Holloway, Archway
considered very normal in London. We recommend NW1: King’s Cross, Camden, Regent’s Park
• Visit the area both during the day and at
you view any private accommodation in person
before signing a contract, to make sure it is night to confirm you like it and feel safe 18 SW1: Westminster, Victoria
SE1: Waterloo, London Bridge, Elephant & Castle
SE5, SW9
everything promised in the advert and that you like • Do not pay the deposit before seeing E1, E2, E3: Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Mile End
the area. the contract. If you are asked to pay a
N1: Canonbury, Islington, Shoreditch
‘holding deposit’ to reserve a room, get
Another option to consider is University of London proof of receipt in writing W2: Paddington, Bayswater
Student Homes. These are individual rooms in Other popular areas further away: N3: Finchley (16); E17: Walthamstow (15); SE2: Abbey Wood (14);
SE5, SW9: Camberwell, Denmark Hill, Brixton
properties managed by University of London
• Get an appointment with ULHS to W12: Shepherd’s Bush (11); E14: Limehouse, Canary Wharf (10); E15: West Ham, Stratford (10) W1W: Fitzrovia
Housing Services (ULHS) and are ideal for students
have your contract checked by trained
advisers
looking for a reasonably priced house share. The Halls of residence
properties are within easy commuting distance • If you can’t get a UK guarantor, see if a
of LSHTM, do not require a UK-based financial landlord will accept a few months’ rent LSHTM has 45 rooms in University of London
guarantor and can be applied to from overseas. in advance (Intercollegiate) Halls, which are student halls
shared by the different institutions that make up
• Make sure you have access to at least the University of London. These are well worth
two months’ rent (one month’s rent is
F lshtm.ac.uk/study/accommodation usual for a deposit)
considering as you can apply in advance and
have the peace of mind that your accommodation
is sorted before you arrive in London. The halls
are close to LSHTM, have a ready-made student
community and prices are very reasonable,
especially for their location in central London. After
Halls of residence
the application deadline, a waiting list opens in early
September each year, so you still have a chance of
getting a room if you did not the first time around.
There are also private halls of residence located all
Tips for halls of residence:
Some helpful resources:
over London, which are another convenient option • Use our accommodation pages and the ULHS
• ULHS have a housing database, a you can arrange before you arrive. Private halls website for a list of halls, including those which
list of registered letting agents, ‘find range from basic, no-frills type accommodation, allow couples and families
a flatmate’ message board and run often at very reasonable cost; to modern luxury
house-hunting events student halls, which are more like a high-end hotel • Consider looking at halls beyond travel Zone 2
(and this is reflected in the price). as these are cheaper and have good transport
• Popular flat-sharing websites links
include SpareRoom, MoveFlat and
EasyRoommate • Ask about being allocated a room close to other
postgraduate students
• Our Accommodation Helpdesk will be
open during orientation, with former • Check your payment plan as you may have to
students on hand to guide you on pay for several months up front
ways to find accommodation, areas of • If a hall is full, ask about waiting lists and keep
London and transport in contact as spaces do become available
6 International Hall 7
Typical University of London Student Home
Healthcare Thinking about wellbeing
Moving to London
Most students are eligible for healthcare under the You probably don’t need us to tell you, but a
National Health Service (NHS). NHS treatment is postgraduate degree can be an intense experience.
free but you will need to pay for most prescribed That’s why it’s so important to take care of your own
medication at a standard charge, currently £8.80. wellbeing. The tips below may seem obvious, but
The most important thing to do once you know they can be easy to forget, and can really make a
where you will be living is to register with a local difference to the enjoyment of your studies.
doctor/general practitioner (commonly referred to
as a GP) to enable you access to NHS healthcare. 1. Sleep well. Try to avoid looking at screens an hour
Transport Staying safe before bed, don’t drink caffeine in the afternoon
Dentists operate separately from GPs and you can and develop a regular routine for going to bed and
London can seem big and confusing, but it has London is generally safe and we very rarely hear of
register with a dentist anywhere. Eye tests are waking up.
good transport links so is easy to get around once students having problems. The most likely crime you
provided by optometrists based within optician
you get the hang of it. might fall victim to is pickpocketing, but taking
stores. 2. Ditch sugar. As tempting as it is, a diet high in
some basic precautions can reduce the risk of this
processed sugar causes energy spikes then a fast
Start to familiarise yourself with the London happening to you. Make sure your bag is not a target
EEA students will need to obtain an EHIC (European crash. If you fancy a snack, go for fruit or proteins
Underground (Tube) map as this will help you figure in public places like transport, bars or on the street
Health Insurance Card) from their home country from the Refectory instead.
out where everything is. The closest stations to by keeping it close to you. Likewise, do not leave
before coming to the UK.
LSHTM are Goodge Street, Russell Square, Warren valuable items like laptops unattended. If you can
3. Exercise. Aim for 30 minutes’ moderate exercise
Street, Euston Square and Tottenham Court Road. resist the temptation, don’t have your smartphone
on show when you are out and about, or thieves may Mental health daily. Achieve this by taking the stairs instead of
the lift, cycling to class or taking a lunchtime walk
We recommend you get an Oyster card as soon as take the chance to grab it.
GPs can advise on medication for mental health around Russell Square.
possible when you arrive in London as this is far
conditions, with referral to a psychiatrist if
cheaper than buying cash tickets for the Tube. In the UK you are not required to carry around any
necessary. If you think it’s likely you will need 4. Consider your diet. Making simple changes
London buses do not accept cash, so if you want to form of ID. Leave your passport safely at home, but
ongoing mental health support, we advise you to like cooking from scratch, reducing your meat
travel by bus, an Oyster card is essential. make a copy of it (and your visa if you have one) just
contact the Student Advice & Counselling Service. consumption and eating more vegetables can be
in case, or take a photo and keep it on your phone.
LSHTM also subscribes to Nightline, a confidential both healthier and cheaper.
Alternatively, if you have a UK-issued contactless
student-run phone line offering emotional support
bank card this can be used instead and you will be
charged the same as an Oyster card. Banking and practical information. 5. Watch what you drink. If you enjoy socialising
with alcohol, make sure you have a glass of water
F lshtm.ac.uk/study/transport
There are plenty of banks to choose from and we
have compiled information on each bank to help
F lshtm.ac.uk/study/healthcare between each drink. This will keep you hydrated and
stop you from feeling bad the next day.
you choose and make the process as smooth
as possible. Banking letters will be provided by
the Registry once you have registered on your
Full-time students get 30% off programme.
weekly, monthly and annual
We are a charity dedicated
London travel cards once It’s a good idea to make sure you have access to
to British and International
registered at LSHTM funds to pay for the first few weeks’ living expenses,
including accommodation start-up costs, as Students in London. We
opening a bank account can take up to a month. provide a vibrant student
centre that is used by
F lshtm.ac.uk/study/banking thousands of students.
We organise trips to the UK & Europe with
up to 60% discount. Learn about British culture in a real
Typical documents required to open British home. HOST arranges for
a UK bank account:
We organise FREE events: fun parties and international students to spend a day,
• Photo ID (e.g. passport) insightful workshops. weekend or Christmas in the homes
• Letter issued by LSHTM stating that you of people living in the UK. Learn about
are registered British culture, explore unknown places,
We want to create an open community
• Proof of a UK address (e.g a letter from around our accommodation to promote make new friends and speak about your
the landlord or a utility bill) friendship and understanding for our own culture and country.
International and British students.
Find out more:
www.hostuk.org
/InternationalStudents House @ISHLondon_229
Essential app: Citymapper is a must-have to
help plan the fastest and most convenient
journey by public transport, cycling or walking @ISHLondon ish.org.uk
8
Applying for a student New to London?
Need to know more about living in the UK?
visa: top 5 tips Want to meet fellow students before term starts?
Applying for a student visa can feel stressful, but it’s important you pay close
International
attention to your specific immigration requirements and follow procedure. Our
tips helps break down the process:
Students Welcome
1 Do you need a visa? 4 Check what documents you
Each country has different visa requirements, and need
depending on your country of origin you might need All visa applications require you to provide additional
a visa to enter the UK. So while EU students do documents, which will vary according to the type of
not require a visa to study in the UK, most non-EU student visa you’re applying for. Documents you may Thursday 20 and Friday 21 September
students will have to apply for one. This is why we’ve need to provide include:
developed a useful tool to help you see whether you
need a visa: lshtm.ac.uk/study/visacheck • A valid passport (must be the same passport Although the event is aimed at students new to the UK, there will be plenty of useful
you used when applying to LSHTM)
sessions for all new students and it’s a great opportunity to get to know each other.
2 What type of visa do you • Original evidence of qualification(s)
need? • Visa application fee
• Two recent passport photographs
There are different types of visa for studying in the • Photocopies (for the visa application centre) of Register now: lshtm.ac.uk/study/studentwelcome
UK. These vary according to the type and length of all documents used for your visa application
your programme; most MSc students will need a • Financial evidence - you will need to show
Tier 4 (General) student visa. For research degree that you can pay for your tuition fees and living
students, the type of visa needed will depend on the costs. We strongly recommend our tool to
length of time spent in the UK and the Visa Enquiries check whether your financial evidence meets
Team will provide you with further guidance. If your the requirements for a visa application before
study plans change, please let the Visa Enquiries sending it to the Visa Enquiries Team:
Team know as soon as possible as this may help you lshtm.ac.uk/study/visafinancecheck
to avoid visa problems later on. Support, information and specialist services to
5 Knowledge of English help you make the most of your time at LSHTM.
3 Apply early
If English language is a condition of your offer, you
Student Advice
It can take some time for your visa application to be should arrange to take an English test. Test centres
processed, and the number of appointments may be can get very busy during the summer so you should
limited, so it is important that you apply early. If your book as quickly as possible. If you are unsure of
visa isn’t ready in time, you simply won’t be able to
& Counselling
which tests are accepted by LSHTM, please check
enter the UK in time to start your programme. Double- lshtm.ac.uk/study/englishfaqs
checking you have the right documents and planning
early will give you more time to get ready and make
the whole process infinitely less stressful.
Service
Extra advice: make sure you contact the Visa
Enquiries Team straight away if there are any delays
F lshtm.ac.uk/study/immigration to your arrival into the UK or if your plans change.
Key information Supporting students with:
• Disabilities and dyslexia
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
applications will be open 25 June - 24 August • Accommodation advice
• Counselling and mindfulness
Contacts:
• General queries on visa applications: If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything with us, contact
visa-enquiries@lshtm.ac.uk
• All CAS-related enquiries: studentadvice@lshtm.ac.uk or studentcounselling@lshtm.ac.uk
casrequests@lshtm.ac.uk
10
“
Keppel Street The vaults under Gower
and Malet Streets
house our insectaries,
including the world’s
A celebration and exploration of our main building
longest-established
mosquito colonies.
A
sk anyone who has ever studied at, worked chariot. This image, now used as the School’s logo,
at or visited the School and they will all
agree: you can’t think of the London School
of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine without picturing
was taken from a Sicilian coin struck in 466 BC to
commemorate the end of a great pestilence. Artemis,
the goddess of hunting and chastity, and comforter
”
our iconic Keppel Street building. We have been on of women in childbirth, is driving while her brother
this site since 1926, but our history begins a further Apollo, the god of prophecy, music and medicine,
quarter of a century earlier. fires arrows symbolising healing rays of sunlight. recent exhibition celebrating women in science students’ common room.
The School was originally founded in 1899, as the The date palm was added to indicate the tropical held at the School, staff and students were asked Another highlight is our beautiful library, which
London School of Tropical Medicine, by Sir Patrick associations of the School. to suggest the names of great women who could was given pride of place at the front of the building.
Manson. Manson was a physician who had worked in The first floor balconies are decorated with gilded adorn the building. In the Manson Foyer, a reimagined The main reading room remains virtually unchanged
the Far East, where he encountered tropical diseases vectors of disease. These include the Tsetse fly, which model of the School displays the top choices, from when it was first built, although the chandeliers
and was frustrated by his lack of knowledge. This transmits sleeping sickness; the tick, which carries including historic names such as Nightingale and hanging from the ceilings are newly-added replicas
being a time when Britain was at the height of its diseases such as Lyme disease; and two species of Marie Curie, alongside modern day figures such as of the originals. Light pours in through the large
empire, Manson believed that doctors should be mosquito: Aedes aegypti, which transmits yellow fever, former WHO Director-General Margaret Chan and the windows and you’ll be able to see leaves rustling in
trained in tropical medicine, since many men sent dengue fever and Zika, and Anopheles, the vector of School’s Deputy Director Dame Anne Mills. the trees of the gardens across the road, making the
to the colonies were dying of tropical diseases they malaria. Inside the building, the eclectic mix of architectural library a very serene place to study. You will also be
knew little about. The original School was established At the top, a frieze surrounding the building styles is striking. The Art Deco staircases and parquet under the watchful gaze of Sir Richard Doll, whose
as part of the Seaman’s Hospital Society in the displays the names of 23 pioneers of public health corridors surround two modern structures in the bust sits opposite the entrance. Along with Sir Austin
hospital ships docked in Greenwich, where tropical and tropical medicine. As well as Manson, the North and South Courtyards. These were opened Bradford Hill, Doll discovered the link between
diseases could be studied in their acute stages. names include Jenner, who developed smallpox in 2004 and 2009 respectively, and constructed smoking and lung cancer at the School in 1951.
After a brief period in the early 1920s based at inoculation; Lister, who introduced antiseptic as a to increase research and teaching space as the In the upper reaches of the building, you will find
Endsleigh Gardens, just up the road from our present technique in surgery; and Ross, who discovered the School has grown both in the scope and reach of the School’s state-of-the-art teaching and research
site, the School moved to Keppel Street thanks to a mosquito transmission of malaria. The School holds its work, and number of its students. The base of laboratories, while the vaults under Gower and Malet
$2m gift from the Rockefeller Foundation to develop a large collection of Ross’s archives, including the each courtyard has social space where you can relax Streets house our insectaries, including the world’s
a London-based institution that would be world- wooden box he used to demonstrate his discovery or work together in groups. The North Courtyard longest-established mosquito colonies.
leading in the promotion of public health and tropical (don’t worry – we use more modern versions in building recalls the School’s maritime origins by There is no denying that Keppel Street is a
medicine. The enlarged School, now named the our insectaries!), a letter in which he recorded his resembling the hull of a ship, looking back at our complicated building, and in the early weeks – maybe
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, was findings and his Nobel prize. rich history while continuing into the future of cutting- even months – of your time at the School you will
granted its Royal Charter in 1924. You will notice that no women appear on the frieze; edge research. find yourself getting lost in the labyrinth of corridors
When you arrive in September, take a moment to apparently it was deemed that Florence Nightingale’s The Keppel Street building houses two of our or taking the wrong lift. However, it is a fascinating
enjoy the art deco features that make the front of name was too long, even though Pettenkofer, who academic faculties: Epidemiology and Population building, so use those times as an opportunity to
building so distinctive. Above the entrance, there is features on the Malet Street side, has exactly the Health, and Infectious and Tropical Diseases. The explore the design features, artworks and references
a carving of Greek gods Apollo and Artemis riding a same number of letters in his name. As part of a third faculty, Public Health and Policy, is located in to great names too many to mention here; to reflect
our Tavistock Place building, opened in 2010 just a on 90 years of rich history in epidemiology, public
few minutes’ walk away. Most of your teaching will health and tropical medicine within a single building;
take place in the lecture theatres, classrooms and and to consider how your studies here can contribute
laboratories in these buildings, though occasionally to the future of improving health worldwide.
we use classrooms at other nearby institutions of the
University of London.
One room at Keppel Street you will definitely visit
is the John Snow lecture theatre. Snow was the
‘father of modern epidemiology’, earning this moniker Arriving early?
through his identification of cholera as a water-borne Come and learn more about
disease by tracing an outbreak in the Soho area of the history of our Keppel Street
London to a local water pump. Snow removed the building as part of Open House
pump’s handle to prevent others from contracting London on 22 & 23 September
cholera from its waters, and a replica pump now sits
outside the theatre. You can raise a glass to Snow’s
legend at the John Snow pub on the original site in
Soho - where another replica is being installed in
July 2018 - or in our own ‘Pumphandle Bar’ in the
12 13
Bloomsbury: your guide
to the local area Read all about it
LSHTM is located in Bloomsbury, an area with a rich academic, Research and news highlights from LSHTM which made headlines
medical and literary history, and characterised by beautfiul buildings around the world over the past year
and garden squares
Sugar, tobacco, and alcohol taxes to Racial inequalities remain in cancer
achieve the Sustainable Development survival in the US (January 2018)
Places to study Free lunch - yes, really Goals (May 2018) Research by LSHTM in partnership with the Centers
As well as our own library and computer rooms, Experts from LSHTM have joined colleagues from for Disease Control and Prevention revealed wide
you will also have access to neighbouring college If you think there’s no such thing as a free lunch, other leading institutions and national global health racial disparities in cancer survival rates, even for
libraries, including Senate House library in the think again! Most days, the Hare Krishna rickshaw leaders in calling for a more integrated approach patients diagnosed at the same stage of disease.
imposing 1930s building right next to LSHTM. appears outside SOAS, offering a free, hot and action on sugar, tobacco and alcohol taxes to
During the warmer months, the many garden vegetarian lunch to anyone who doesn’t mind achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Simple treatment could save lives of
squares of the area such as Russell Square, Gordon standing in line for a while. The food is donated by mothers worldwide (November 2017)
Square and the Malet Street Gardens provide an supermarkets and wholesalers, and if you want to ‘Resistance breaking’ mosquito net Globally, severe bleeding in childbirth remains one
ideal setting for studying with a picnic. be even more sustainable you can bring your own provides children with greater protection of the main causes of maternal death. The LSHTM-
plate and cutlery. against malaria (April 2018) led WOMAN Trial showed that tranexamic acid
If you prefer to study with a coffee or slice of cake, A novel class of bed net that neutralises mosquitos’ reduces death due to bleeding by a third when
try Store Street Espresso, Yumchaa, Bea’s of ability to resist pyrethroid insecticide is shown to given within three hours, leading the WHO to update
Bloomsbury, Fork Deli Patisserie or Black Sheep Places to eat significantly reduce malaria infection in children, recommendations on the use of tranexamic acid.
Coffee, all within 10 minutes’ walk of LSHTM. You’ll need a break to relax and refuel after a according to the results of a two-year community
There’s also Seacole Social, our very own café morning of studying. Many students bring a randomised trial in Tanzania. Shaping policies to tackle diet-related non-
located beside our Tavistock Place building. packed lunch or grab something from our excellent communicable diseases (September 2017)
Refectory, but if you want to eat out there are plenty Respiratory infections could increase the The most effective measures to improve diets
of options locally: risk of heart attack and stroke (March 2018) and help reduce obesity, type-2 diabetes and
People who have had flu or pneumonia may be up cardiovascular disease, are to be evaluated in a new
Student Central You Me Sushi and Wasabi for take-out sushi; to six times more likely to suffer from a heart attack research project led by LSHTM.
Icco for cheap and tasty pizzas; Leon for healthy or stroke in the days after infection, according to a
As a student of LSHTM, you will automatically become
fast food; and Pret a Manger for a range of tasty study led by LSHTM. New antibiotic class found to be effective
a member of Student Central, based just around the
sandwiches. Nearby supermarkets such as Co-op, against gonorrhoea in the lab (August 2017)
corner on Malet Street. It is home to the University
Sainsbury’s and Tesco sell lunch too. £4.1m grant to continue world-leading A route towards a much-needed alternative to drugs
of London’s clubs and societies, so whether you
research (February 2018) becoming less effective against ‘superbugs’ is a
are interested in dance, drama, art, sports, music or
Every Thursday, you’ll also find a Farmers’ Market LSHTM was awarded more than £4m by the Medical step closer after a study by LSHTM and Imperial
religious and cultural groups, there will be a society
behind Student Central in Torrington Square, selling Research Council for continued research into College London found that closthiomide was
for you! Student Central also has a café, bar, gym,
a variety of farm produce, cakes, pastries and hot the health problems of low- and middle-income effective against hospital samples of N. gonorrhoeae.
swimming pool and student shop.
food to take away. countries, including emerging infectious diseases,
adolescent health and non-communicable diseases. F lshtm.ac.uk/news
Essential app: use AroundMe to find local
points of interest around LSHTM or wherever
else you go
Senate House
In other news....
A royal visitor!
We were delighted to welcome Prince Harry to LSHTM. After
learning about our work to combat some of the world’s most
pressing health issues, Prince Harry joined a round-table with
Student Central global HIV/AIDS leaders and Sentebale youth advocates,
who discussed the challenges of living with HIV as a young
person in Southern Africa. Along with our partners, LSHTM is
committed to ensuring young people affected by HIV/AIDS Photo: Getty Images for LSHTM
are given a voice when forming future research and policies.
14 15
Talk of trials, TB and “
LSHTM is rich in resources
surviving your PhD for students. Although you
have a lot to do for your
PhD, you have to get out of
your shell and see what else
Titus Divala from Malawi describes his research and shares his advice for a is out there and grab those
successful first year of PhD study opportunities.
”
I
am a medical doctor by training, having graduated Titus presents his prize-winning poster
from medical school in Malawi in 2009. For the
past eight years, I have been in clinical practice,
six of those working in clinical trials. I have a Master’s
in Public Health from the University of Malawi and a in Epidemiology. These, along with the transferable represent the Centre at a United Nations meeting in
Master’s in Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine skills courses, have been a very good way to build up New York in preparation for the upcoming UN High
from the University of Maryland. the specific skills I need for my PhD. Level Meeting on TB to be attended by heads of state.
The goal of my doctoral training at LSHTM is I have had a very good relationship with my In terms of other events, I attended the TB Centre
to strengthen my clinical trials expertise so I can supervisors: Professors Liz Corbett and Katherine retreat where my e-poster earned me a best poster
become a fully independent investigator, conducting Fielding. While they give me a lot of independence award; and recently at LSHTM’s annual research
clinical trials and looking for new interventions in decision-making, they do pay attention to my degree poster day, I won the prize for the best poster
for infectious diseases. We have a high burden of questions, responding rapidly and giving me by a pre-upgrade student. The abstract for one of
infectious diseases in Malawi, the key ones being appropriate advice. I meet them every two weeks. my systematic reviews has been accepted for oral
tuberculosis (TB), malaria and HIV. Katherine is based here at LSHTM and Liz is based in presentation at the 49th Union World Conference on
I registered for my PhD in September 2017 in the Malawi. So when I am here, we sit in Katherine’s office Lung Health, which will take place in The Hague.
Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology. and Liz joins meetings by phone; and when I go to
I am using systematic reviews and a randomised Malawi for fieldwork it will be the other way round. I
controlled trial (RCT) to establish whether the current must say, if a relationship with supervisors is more “The biggest piece of advice
practice of using antibiotic treatments as part of the
diagnostic algorithms for TB has more benefits than
ideal than this, I would be surprised! Learning from
some of the best experts in the world on this subject
I can give to a new PhD
harms. I consider my PhD as one of the global efforts has been wonderful, and I have been able to tap into student is to be flexible.”
towards averting the impact of TB and antimicrobial their broader network of collaborations here in the UK
resistance (AMR), two major problems of this century. and in Malawi. So getting to know your supervisors is My long-term interest is to do as much as possible
During my first year, I have been working on my very important, especially during the first few months. to identify solutions for the current high burden of
systematic reviews, which is what most students start Another support group you may need is your fellow infectious diseases we have in Malawi. So when I
with as a way of developing a broad understanding PhD students. There are three other students under complete my PhD, I will remain in research to look at
of the research area; and then the protocol for my Liz and Katherine’s mentorship who have helped whatever solutions we can find using clinical trials.
RCT, which will be my main research activity. Next, me every step of the way. As they had already been We are working towards establishing a centre for TB
I defended my planned PhD work in the upgrading through the upgrading process, they were the first and HIV research within the University of Malawi, so I
people to see drafts of my reports and presentations, will be part of that centre for most of my career, while
and they helped me polish them. maintaining external collaborations.
process, and now I am in the process of obtaining LSHTM is rich in resources for students. Although The biggest piece of advice I can give to a new PhD
Titus’s Top Tips ethical and regulatory clearance for my RCT. The RCT you have a lot to do for your PhD, you have to get student is to be flexible. In the first year, the research
• Plan well – the goal for your first year will take about twelve to fifteen months in Malawi, out of your shell and see what else is out there and topic you have now will undergo metamorphosis
should be to have a well-formed plan for after which I will return to London to analyse the data, grab those opportunities. There are so many special to become the eventual project you will defend at
your PhD publish papers and write my thesis. lectures here, by the likes of Professor Peter Piot or upgrade and carry forward. So the best thing you can
My first year has involved a lot of writing! But I renowned experts from other institutions. They may do in the first few months is to understand your topic
• Get to know your supervisors and their think the key is to have a clear timeline. This can be not be directly related to your topic, but since you are and get to the point where you have well-formed
collaborations – they will be the people difficult at first as you do not have a clear idea of here, you should take advantage of them. research question, then go through a systematic
supporting you day in, day out what you need to achieve. You can have a plan, but In addition to my studies, I am a member of review as early as possible as it will help you develop
• Look beyond your PhD – see what other your supervisors will keep bringing more ideas, so it’s LSHTM’s TB and AMR Centres. I am a student your main research protocol ready for defending in
special lectures and events are happening good to put those in a proper timeline to get a clear representative for the TB Centre and recently the upgrading seminar. To arrive at that point, plan
at LSHTM, even if they are not directly picture of what is achievable within the timeframe organised a seminar designed to help MSc students your time well, set deadlines with your supervisors
related to your topic of the PhD. I try to segment my time as much as working on TB topics for their summer projects and don’t stress yourself too much! Give yourself time
possible, focusing on one particular activity at a time. prepare for fieldwork. Being a student representative to socialise with the people around you and learn
• Get involved with the Centres – they will It’s important to allow time for breaks to interact with also means I am part of the Centre’s steering from them, and have other things to focus on beyond
be a huge support system for your work other PhD students; and I also have many friends committee, quite an honour for me, as the Centre is your PhD, so that when you come back to it, you are
• Socialise with friends – you even get good from MSc programmes as I have taken optional MSc one of the top scientific bodies in the world looking fresh. Once you are through the first year, everything
ideas when you’re in the Pumphandle Bar! modules in Clinical Trials and Statistical Methods at TB. My recent highlight was the opportunity to should fall into place nicely, but hey, am not there yet!
16 17
Lectures & classes Studying in labs Groups & societies
The steps along “After every lecture there is a
practical where we implement
“Lab sessions are run by clinical/
biomedical scientists so it
“I have been part of the growing
LGBT+ group and am also part
the journey
our learning and work with peers is useful that the diagnostic of the new LSHTM Missing
to solve the problems presented techniques are being taught by Maps group which is a daughter
to us. Overall the experience experts in their fields.” society of the larger project run
has been second to none and Dhruti Devshi, United Kingdom, by MSF and others.”
has allowed me to excel in my MSc Medical Microbiology Scott Tytheridge, United Kingdom,
Let our students guide you along the path you’ll take with their understanding.” MSc Medical Entomology
Jack Elkes, United Kingdom,
memories and advice from key moments at LSHTM MSc Medical Statistics
F For more student stories and advice:
blogs.lshtm.ac.uk/students
Examinations
“LSHTM prepared us with
lectures on how to cope with
>> 24 >>> >> stress and anxiety during exams,
tips on organised reading and
>>>
revision topics including how to
answer questions.”
Abdullahi Idris, Nigeria,
MSc Public Health for Eye Care
>> >>>
Summer project
First day at LSHTM
Graduation
“Graduating from LSHTM is an
>> “Getting a draft to your
supervisor is crucial, and if done
Accommodation “You should just enjoy the vibrant empowering feeling, considering before the last week, the more
Receiving offer and hectic atmosphere. Don’t the reputation it has amongst the can be done about working on
“Living at Goodenough College
“I was happy to secure a place worry about all the organisation public health community.” these changes.”
has been one of the most
in one of the world’s leading stuff: take it step by step and Mansi Tara, India,
>
wonderful experiences that I Chintan Vora, United Kingdom,
universities. As an international everything will work out.” MSc Public Health MSc Control of Infectious Diseases
could have ever imagined – the
student, LSHTM’s application community here is irreplaceable!” Melanie Krautheimer, Germany,
process was the most satisfying.” MSc Nutrition for Global Health
Carmyn Polk, USA,
Priyanka Shrestha, Nepal, MSc Health Policy, Planning &
MSc Control of Infectious Diseases Financing
18 19What our students Looking for a job while you study?
did next Alumni
From primary care to policy development to further research, our graduates
go on to a variety of distinguished careers. We’ve caught up with a few recent
graduates to find out the first steps they’ve taken since leaving LSHTM
Telephone
“ I jumped straight into working with Implemental
– a non-profit global mental health consultancy
based at King’s – where I work daily on all sorts of
“ With a passion for universal access to improved
sanitation, at LSHTM I was able to immerse
myself in the incredible opportunities to connect
Campaign
projects across the globe, from helping capacity with thought leaders in WASH. The complementary
and service build with developing mental health modules in statistics, epidemiology and health
systems, to writing reports and helping to promote promotion truly positioned me to advance the work • Great pay
wellbeing. This would have been impossible without of my social start up Wish for WASH, and also to • Highly sought-after skills for your CV
the grounding and background the MSc gave me.” earn an incredible job at the Toilet Board Coalition at • Fun, relaxed and rewarding working
Tom Canning, UK, MSc Global Mental Health the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” environment
Jasmine Burton, USA, MSc Public Health • Opportunity to talk to alumni about their
“ Before I’d even handed in my MSc thesis I started
work as a Community Sexual & Reproductive
Health Doctor in Leicester. For my first year I am “ I took a job at IQVIA in their clinical trials
department as a biostatistician, which involves
career achievements and experiences
based in obstetrics & gynaecology department reviewing statistical analysis plans and study Find out more: victoria.bennett@lshtm.ac.uk
within the hospital and have a few days a month protocols; performing the analysis for the primary
in the community sexual health clinic. My MSc has and secondary endpoints; and creating outputs
definitely helped my clinical practice and I now for trial reports. The statistical methods I learnt at
approach my consultations differently.” LSHTM have been so useful, and the detailed course
Annabel Sowemimo, UK material has made it easy to refresh my memory.”
MSc Reproductive & Sexual Health Research Jack Elkes, UK, MSc Medical Statistics
“ After graduating, I continued to work on the
findings of my MSc summer project – measles
syndromic surveillance in the Lao People’s
“ For my summer project I collaborated with the
HERMES Logistics Modeling Team at Johns
Hopkins to explore delivery and access challenges
Tote bags, mugs, stationery and accessories
Democratic Republic, before continuing clinical related to the experimental Ebola vaccine. This will be available at pop-up sales and online
practice in Australia and guest lecturing on experience transitioned into a full-time role where I throughout the year
biological warfare at my alma mater.” coordinate and model studies aimed at developing
Andrew Nguyen, Australia novel, cost-effective approaches to improving
MSc Tropical Medicine & International Health vaccine access in developing settings.”
Liza Mitgang, USA
LSHTM
MSc Control of Infectious Diseases
s
Careers Service
Gift Shop
Our Careers Service is available to you throughout
your studies and for two years after you graduate:
• 1:1 career discussions
• Job applications advice
• Practice interviews
• Lunchtime workshops
• Employer & alumni talks and panel discussions giftstore.lshtm.ac.uk
• Careers fairs
• Alumni/student networking events
20
F lshtm.ac.uk/study/careersStudents’ Representative Other ways you can
Council get involved
By Naomi Walker, 2017-18 VP for Research Degrees Global health lecture series Mentor young scientists
Each week, leading experts from LSHTM present If you want to inspire the next generation of public
If you had asked anyone - including former me - if I SRC roles summaries of a range of global health issues and global health researchers while honing your
was likely to end up in ‘student politics’, I am sure through a series of lectures and panel discussions communication skills for a general audience, then
Obviously I do not do all of this on my own. Let me
they would have responded with a resounding “no”. for students to attend. This series, and the many join our award-winning Young Scientists Programme
briefly introduce you to the rest of the team:
Yet here I am, and it has been quite an experience! other special lectures and events at LSHTM, offer as a mentor, helping students aged 14-18 develop
Let’s start with the basics about what the Students’ potential to expand your network and may lead to and carry out fun and challenging public health
President: the face of the SRC, working with us
Representative Council (SRC) is and what it means summer project or career opportunities. research projects.
to ensure representation at the highest levels,
to be involved.
including LSHTM’s Council and Senate.
What is the SRC? VP, Finance & Operations: navigates the finance
F lshtm.ac.uk/events F lshtm.ac.uk/youngscientists
Essentially, we are five individuals, elected by fellow systems, keeps track of our budget and ensures that Friends of MSF Start your own society!
students, who meet up regularly and have jointly funds are available for the activities we are running.
experienced a whole range of emotions (excitement, Attend conferences, take part in simulation events, From academic discussion forums to language
frustration, achievement… you name it!). Our work host guest speakers and fundraise for a great cause! exchanges to sports clubs – whatever your passion,
VP, Communications & Activities: creates our
falls into two main categories: representation and Do you want to be the next President, Secretary or you’ll find someone to share it with!
regular newsletter and is one of the key players in
activities. Treasurer?
organising events.
Representation VP, Taught Courses: coordinates with the course F Find out more by contacting the 2017-18
committee: lshtmfomsf@gmail.com
LSHTM has an incredibly diverse student body, with reps for each taught course, ensuring their voice is
individuals from a whole range of different cultures heard at committees and the courses are run well.
and backgrounds, who arrive at the School with Run a major event
different beliefs and attitudes. Representing this VP, Research Degrees: organises events and works In recent years, our students have taken the lead
diversity can be quite a challenge! Yet there are with the Head of the Doctoral College and others to on organising the inaugural London Model WHO
some things we all have in common: we came to ensure student issues are heard and acted upon. Simulation (LonWHO), as well as two TEDx events at
learn, we want a good student experience and we LSHTM, based around the themes of “Emerging...”
want to make an impact. Representation comes at I realise the above makes it sounds like we all and “Contagious Ideas”. By running a major event,
many levels, including committee representation stick to our distinct roles, but in reality, they are you too can create exciting forums for eminent
and as a link between LSHTM’s senior management much more blurred. We work very much as a team, speakers and passionate students to share ideas
and the wider student body. standing in for and supporting each other. I think and inspiration to make a difference in public and
it is this team spirit that has led us to a successful global health.
year and made the experience a positive one. LonWHO 2017
Activities
This side of our role could be considered more fun
and is often what we get the most positive feedback Is it worth being in the SRC?
for. Some highlights for me include the Spring Ball Absolutely! While there have been some challenging
and Research Degree T@3, which has been my moments, on the whole I am very glad I took on School Centres
personal pet project. the role. Not only do you learn a great deal about LSHTM is home to 13 multidisciplinary Centres, each facilitating cross-faculty research in a specialised field. The
LSHTM and the people who run it, but it’s great to Centres also organise seminars and events, and many are keen to have students take on an active role in their work.
get your voice heard and see real changes brought By joining the Centres’ mailing lists, you will be able to access a network of peers with shared interests, a central
about because of it. On top of that, working with and hub of academic excellence and the chance to expand your career skills through active involvement.
getting to know the other SRC members has been
a joy and I have picked up many transferable skills
that I’m sure will come in use in the future. F lshtm.ac.uk/centres
FRead Naomi’s full article and find out more
about the SRC and what it means to be
involved: blogs.lshtm.ac.uk/students
FThinking about standing for the SRC? Email
the current team with your questions:
srcexec@lshtm.ac.uk
SRC 2017-18
(L-R) Katherine Lowe, Naomi Walker, Sameera
22 Hassan, Berenike Obermeyer, Agnes Bangali 23A (very brief) London
travel guide
One of the most exciting things about studying at LSHTM is getting to live in
London. We’ve asked our students to share their favourite places with you, and
there’s certainly no shortage of recommendations!
Sightseeing
St. James’s Park
• The View from the Shard offers spectacular 10 London Must-Sees
views from the tallest building in Western If this is your first time to London, be sure
Europe. The Sky Garden has similar views but to take a look at these landmarks famous
for free; you just have to book a couple of weeks all over the world:
in advance. Early morning yoga classes are also
British Museum
available at the Sky Garden. • Houses of Parliament
• Before moving to Bloomsbury, LSHTM started Parks & walks
life on a hospital ship in Greenwich. This • Buckingham Palace • Green Park, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and
picturesque area is famous for its maritime St. James’s Park are the closest big parks to
history, which you can enjoy by going to see the London Eye LSHTM, but the chances are wherever you live,
Old Royal Naval College and Cutty Sark clipper there will be some green space nearby with its
ship. Greenwich is also known for its prime Tower of London own distintive features.
meridian line at the Royal Observatory, found on
top of the hill in the local park. Piccadilly Circus • To the north, Hampstead Heath has impressive Nights out
views from Parliament Hill; in the east you
• As an alternative day out, book a tour for can play sports or attend a music festival in • Music: From classical at the Royal Albert Hall
Covent Garden
Highgate Cemetery, where philosopher Karl Victoria Park; to the south, Clapham Common to jazz at Ronnie Scott’s; from hip hop at The
Marx, scientist Michael Faraday and author Trafalgar Square hosts regular special events; while in the west, Garage to pop and rock at the O2 Arena –
Douglas Adams are some of the notable names Holland Park is home to urban woodland. whatever your taste in music, there will be plenty
resting among ornate tombs and rich nature. Tower Bridge • Popular walks include following the Thames on offer, so keep an eye on online listings.
along the South Bank from the London Eye • Theatre: London’s theatre scene gives you
St. Paul’s Cathedral to Tower Bridge; wandering by the canals in the chance to see stars of film and television
Essential apps: Visit London Little Venice or Broadway Market; and strolling perform live on stage. The National Theatre
Westminster Abbey offers cheap spare tickets shortly before
has maps, guides and listings for around the marina in St. Katherine Docks.
upcoming events. As this is the UK, we performances; or if you are under 25 you can
sign up to the Entry Pass scheme for access to
also recommend a good weather app! Museums and galleries £5 tickets. In the summer months, you can enjoy
• The British Museum is undoubtedly one of the Shakespeare’s work at The Globe for £5, if you
best museums in the country, housing art and don’t mind standing. For big West End shows,
artefacts from the beginning of civilisation to use comparetheatretickets.com to find the best
the present day. Make sure you take advantage price.
of the fact that it is – literally – just around • Cinema: As well as multiplex theatres, London
the corner from LSHTM. The Natural History has plenty of small independent cinemas often
Museum and V&A also find themselves on the found in beautiful buildings such as the Ritzy
must-visit list. in Brixton and Screen on the Green in Islington.
• Unsurprisingly, science-related museums are The Curzon Renoir close to LSHTM shows a
popular among our students, with the Wellcome range of independent films, while the Prince
Collection, Florence Nightingale Museum and Charles in Leicester Square hosts special
Old Operating Theatre all worth a visit. The events including sing-alongs and all-nighters.
Science Museum is another favourite, especially • Comedy: Famous comedians often bring their
the monthly ‘Lates’ events. tours to big theatres, but there are lots of
• For galleries, you can’t go wrong with the smaller venues to indulge in a night of laughter
permanent collections at the National Gallery, including the Comedy Café in Shoreditch, the
National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Camden Comedy Club and the Soho Theatre.
Britain and Saatchi Gallery. These all host • Other ideas: Dance performances at Sadler’s
temporary exhibitions as well, as do the Royal Wells, daily salsa classes at Bar Salsa, live
Academy in Piccadilly and Hayward Gallery on accompanied silent films at Wilton’s Music Hall,
the South Bank. or a classic pub quiz.
24 London’s skyline 25You can also read
