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Attending ½ûÂþÌìÌà Summer School is a rare and enriching opportunity to immerse oneself in one of the world’s most prestigious academic environments while embracing the chaos and charm of London. Such an experience is bound to be notable. However, sharing it with the right company elevates it to the point of becoming unforgettable.

Why a Friend Makes All the Difference

To be fair, convincing Lorjen – a friend from my home country of Switzerland – to join me wasn’t an easy task. At first, he was sceptical, citing the logistical headaches of spending weeks in London. But my arguments of shared academic interests, the potential for intellectual growth, and yes, the promise of some adventure eventually wore him down.

We decided to attend ½ûÂþÌìÌà Summer School for the potential of intellectual growth, and the promise of some adventure. We also knew that attending with a friend could make the experience even more enriching – having someone with an analytical mindset and shared passion for sustainable development made a great fit for study sessions, lunch breaks, socialising, and walks through London where we dissected everything from lecture topics to global issues.

A Social Snowball: Building a Global Network

On the first day, we met Roberta and Mario, whose engaging personalities set the tone for many more encounters to come. That evening, a rooftop bar gathering organised by friends launched a summer of connections and amicable relationships.

One of the highlights of this multiplying social life was watching the Euro 2024 Final with dozens of newfound friends. England’s loss to Spain might have dampened local spirits, but the atmosphere at Shakespeare’s Head (a favourite pub of ours) was anything but sombre. Some of the friendships forged that night endured to this day, with reunions already planned in Brussels, Rome and Istanbul.

The Academic Backbone: Why Two Minds Are Better Than One

Academics, of course, were the backbone of our ½ûÂþÌìÌà journey. The programme’s reputation for rigour is well-earned, but having a solid study partner such as Lorjen made all the difference. Both of us share a fascination for resilient economic development, which sparked debates, long study sessions, and collaborative projects. Such intellectual synergy is generally invaluable for deepening one’s understanding. In our case, it propelled us to excel by also discussing and summarising the everyday lectures during lunch.

Humour in the Hustle: Finding Joy in the Details

Outside of academics, we found ways to inject humour and lightness into our days. Ranking the various rooftops on campus, for instance, became an unofficial side project. CKK building’s panoramic views earned a well-deserved 8.5/10, while the SSH building’s austere charm capped out at 4/10. The SAW building’s green roof provided a serene retreat at a respectable 7/10, while the Marshal Building’s locked doors earned it a mischievous 0/10.

Reflections: Shared Experiences, Lasting Impact

Looking back, ½ûÂþÌìÌà Summer School was transformative in ways I couldn’t possibly have imagined. It sharpened my intellect, broadened my worldview, and deepened my appreciation for collaboration. Yet, what truly set it apart was experiencing it all with a close friend.

For anyone considering ½ûÂþÌìÌà Summer School, my advice is simple: go with a friend. The programme can at times be demanding, but its rewards are unmatched - especially when shared. We left London not just with academic insights but with a stronger friendship, a global network, and memories that will forever remind us of a summer that was equally chaotic, challenging, and utterly unforgettable.