10 things you should know be­fore study­ing at Sci­ences Po

Starting your studies at Sciences Po can be overwhelming – I can say that from experience. But I'm sure that sooner or later I'll return to Paris and be happy to see, once again, the striking red doors of Sciences Po. That's because I've learnt a few helpful lessons that I'd like to pass on here…

1. Expect a lot, but not too much!

Sciences Po is an incredible place with great people and courses. But just because the library looks like it's straight out of Harry Potter doesn't mean everything is perfect. The administration can be chaotic and you might not like every lecturer. Nevertheless, the positive experiences will be worth pulling through.

2. You don't have to meet your best friends during induction week.

I went to every bar night, every brunch, as well as all the club nights and park days. As it turned out, though, I didn't meet my closest friends until a few months later. Friendships don't happen right away. Bonus tip: Talk to people who aren't from your country or programme.

3. Find a place to study that suits your personal learning style.

The reading lists are manageable at the beginning, but it's best to find out early on whether you study better in a lively café, a quiet library or in your room. Personally, I think the university library is fantastic!

4. Don't feel obliged to attend every event on campus.

Our Bureau des étudiants (BDE), the Bureau des Arts Sciences Po (BDA) and the Activités sportives(AS) are great at planning events. But it's physically impossible to attend every single one, and you'll only burn yourself out if you try.

5. Still: attend events.

Many interesting speakers come to Sciences Po, and it's worth going from time to time to gain new perspectives. Also attend a few events that are outside your usual interests – you might discover a new passion.

6. Set aside some time for travelling.

You should balance your studies with exploring France. Of course, you absolutely have to get to know "le vrai Paris". Almost everything here has historical significance and there is so much to learn. If the browns and greys of the city depress you, go to the Jardin de Luxembourg or cross the Seine to see some greenery. I can also recommend a trip to Giverny – and a detour to the Sud de France if you get the chance!

7. Visit your teaching assistants and lecturers during their office hours.

Even if it doesn't always seem necessary, the relationships you build are valuable in the long run. Take every opportunity to exchange and network with fellow students and professors – these contacts will be helpful during your studies and in your future career.

8. Participate in extracurriculars.

Don't do it all just for the credits. If you like sports, join a sports team. If you like writing, go check out the university magazine Sundial. Some clubs seem pretty intimidating because they have an application process. Don't be afraid to give it a try!

9. A few bad grades are not the end of the world.

Last semester, I was devastated after failing a term paper. I felt like I didn't belong here and that I had made a terrible decision by coming to Sciences Po. Of course, looking back, I realise that everyone had difficulties and that the bad grades were not representative of the whole semester.

10. Have fun!

This is definitely one of the most clichéd pieces of advice, but it's so important to just take a break and enjoy yourself. Whether it's a day trip, a film night, going to a bar or a basketball game – do things you enjoy! Also take care of your health by getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising regularly. Uni is important, but balance is essential.

I hope that the lessons I have learnt during my semester here will be helpful to some of you. For me, my time in Paris is over for now. I can say that Sciences Po has had a huge impact on my life: I met well over half of my now closest friends at Sciences Po or thanks to it. It is the place where I made the decision to apply to the Foreign Office; it is a place where I have had incredibly deep, meaningful conversations about the world, politics in general, international relations, worldviews, relationships, the future, human nature, history and so much more.

15.07.2024