NYU vs LSE

Hey, my friend got accepted to LSE (London School of Economics) and NYU for international relations. She knows that both these schools are great and is aware about the differences between the 2. She lives in the UK but is also half American so culture doesn’t bother her much.

Rankings wise, LSE tops NYU (3rd vs 21st respectively). Worldwide, LSE is maybe more prestigious/ respected (her parents really care about the name btw). However, she would like to know more about the course at both unis -she would be applying for the International Relations Honours Programme at NYU. Also, is the student/ teacher ratio similar for both unis? And is NYU as big on careers fairs/ internships/ research opportunities as LSE? Any info on any of this would really help.

However, the one downside of LSE is the student satisfaction/ lifestyle. There are many rumours about LSE being really really work-intensive so much so that people end up hating it. Does anyone know if it is really THAT bad at LSE. She knows that the American uni experience is a completely different story to UK uni experience, let alone LSE. But is there a lot of difference (lifestyle wise) between the 2?

She’s told me she prioritises academics, especially because her parents prefer she went to a “big name” school. Right now shes leaning towards LSE, purely because of the prestige, but if shes really gonna have a bad time at LSE is it worth going over NYU.

By the way, I am not saying NYU is more fun than LSE - it might well be the other way round. But if anyone has anything they know about any of the 2 unis it would be a great help. Thanks!!!

If I understand correctly, isn’t the undergraduate program at LSE just three (3) years, while NYU is four (4) years ?

If so, then consider LSE for undergraduate work & then pursuing a one year master’s degree elsewhere.