The LSE term dates for 2025/2026 are now available, providing you with all the essential information you need to prepare for your studies at the London School of Economics.
From the official start of the academic year and Welcome Week to holiday breaks and the final exam dates in 2026, this guide covers essential dates, examination periods, and strategic planning information for the 12,000+ students who attend LSE annually.
Get ready to mark your calendar and make the most of your time at one of the world’s leading social science universities.
Table of Contents
LSE Term Dates 2025-2026
Autumn Term 2025
- Teaching Period: Monday, September 29 – Friday, December 12, 2025
- Reading Week: Monday, November 3 – Friday, November 7, 2025
The Autumn 2025 term provides 11 teaching weeks and serves as the primary enrollment period for approximately 85% of new students across LSE’s 200+ degree programs.
Winter Break & January Examinations 2025-2026
- Winter Break: Monday, December 15, 2025 – Friday, January 16, 2026
- January Exams: Wednesday, January 7 – Friday, January 16, 2026
The January examination period runs concurrently with the final week of winter break, providing 10 examination days for Autumn term assessments.
Winter Term 2026
- Teaching Period: Monday, January 19 – Thursday, April 2, 2026
- Reading Week: Monday, February 23 – Friday, February 27, 2026
Note: Winter term ends on Thursday, April 2, 2026, due to Good Friday falling on April 3, 2026
Spring Break & Spring Term 2026
- LSE Spring Break 2026: Friday, April 3 – Monday, May 4, 2026
- Spring Term: Tuesday, May 5 – Friday, June 19, 2026
Spring term begins on Tuesday due to the May Day bank holiday on Monday, May 5, 2026
Extended Spring Term: For 12-month master’s students and Year 2 students in 24-month master’s programs, the Spring term extends until the official program end date.
Complete LSE Term Dates 2025-2031
Master Calendar Table
| Academic Year | Welcome Week | Autumn Term | Winter Term | Spring Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Sept 22-26, 2025 | Sept 29 – Dec 12, 2025 | Jan 19 – Apr 2, 2026 | May 5 – Jun 19, 2026 |
| 2026/27 | Sept 18-25, 2026 | Sept 28 – Dec 11, 2026 | Jan 11 – Mar 25, 2027 | Apr 26 – Jun 11, 2027 |
| 2027/28 | Sept 17-24, 2027 | Sept 27 – Dec 10, 2027 | Jan 17 – Mar 31, 2028 | May 2 – Jun 16, 2028 |
| 2028/29 | Sept 15-22, 2028 | Sept 25 – Dec 8, 2028 | Jan 15 – Mar 30, 2029 | Apr 30 – Jun 15, 2029 |
| 2029/30 | Sept 21-28, 2029 | Oct 1 – Dec 14, 2029 | Jan 21 – Apr 5, 2030 | May 7 – Jun 21, 2030 |
| 2030/31 | Sept 20-27, 2030 | Sept 30 – Dec 13, 2030 | Jan 20 – Apr 4, 2031 | May 6 – Jun 20, 2031 |
Reading Weeks Schedule 2025-2031
| Academic Year | Autumn Reading Week | Winter Reading Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Nov 3-7, 2025 | Feb 23-27, 2026 |
| 2026/27 | Nov 2-6, 2026 | Feb 15-19, 2027 |
| 2027/28 | Nov 1-5, 2027 | Feb 21-25, 2028 |
| 2028/29 | Oct 30 – Nov 3, 2028 | Feb 19-23, 2029 |
| 2029/30 | Nov 5-9, 2029 | Feb 25 – Mar 1, 2030 |
| 2030/31 | Nov 4-8, 2030 | Feb 24-28, 2031 |
Examination Periods and Assessment Windows 2025-2031
January Examination Schedule
The January examination period follows a consistent pattern, typically occurring in the first two weeks of January each year:
| Academic Year | January Exam Period | Duration | Overlap with Winter Break |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Jan 7-16, 2026 | 10 days | Final week overlaps |
| 2026/27 | Jan 4-10, 2027 | 7 days | Weekend start |
| 2027/28 | Jan 5-14, 2028 | 10 days | Standard pattern |
| 2028/29 | Jan 3-12, 2029 | 10 days | Early start |
| 2029/30 | Jan 9-18, 2030 | 10 days | Standard pattern |
| 2030/31 | Jan 8-17, 2031 | 10 days | Standard pattern |
Summer Assessment Periods
Summer assessments occur throughout May and June each academic year, concluding with the end of the Spring term teaching. The assessment window provides flexibility for:
- Traditional written examinations
- Coursework and project submissions
- Practical assessments and presentations
- Dissertation defenses and submissions
Key Statistics:
- Assessment Coverage: 70% of total module assessments occur in January and the summer periods
- Student Participation: 8,000 students participate in January exams annually
- Assessment Formats: Over 50 different assessment types across LSE programs
LSE Break Periods and Public Holiday Impact 2024-2026
Winter Break Patterns
LSE winter breaks consistently span 4-5 weeks, accommodating Christmas and New Year public holidays:
| Academic Year | Winter Break Duration | Total Days |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 16, 2026 | 33 days |
| 2026/27 | Dec 14, 2026 – Jan 8, 2027 | 26 days |
Spring Break Variations
Spring breaks vary based on Easter holiday timing and bank holiday scheduling:
| Academic Year | Spring Break | Easter Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Apr 3 – May 4, 2026 | Good Friday: Apr 3 |
| 2026/27 | Mar 26 – Apr 23, 2027 | Good Friday: Mar 26 |
| 2027/28 | Apr 3 – Apr 28, 2028 | Good Friday: Apr 14 |
Public Holiday Calendar 2024-2026
Christmas Period Closures:
- 2025: December 23-31 (7 closure days)
- 2026: December 23-31 (7 closure days)
Easter Period Closures:
- 2025: April 17-23 (5 closure days)
- 2026: April 3-9 (5 closure days)
Bank Holidays Affecting Academic Calendar:
- May Day: Consistently affects Spring term start dates
- Spring Bank Holiday: End of May annually
- Summer Bank Holiday: End of August (pre-Welcome Week)
International Student Planning and Visa Considerations
Multi-Year Visa Planning
With 70% international student enrollment representing 140+ nationalities, LSE’s extended calendar enables strategic visa planning:
Student Route Visa Considerations:
- Multi-year programs: Plan for visa extensions aligned with academic calendar
- Reading weeks: Optimal periods for visa appointments and travel
- Break periods: Extended travel opportunities while maintaining compliance
Welcome Week Evolution 2025-2031
Welcome Week timing shows strategic planning for optimal student integration:
| Year | Welcome Week Dates | Days Before Teaching | Weekend Integration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sept 22-26 | 5 days | Includes weekend |
| 2026 | Sept 18-25 | 6 days | Extended weekend |
| 2027 | Sept 17-24 | 7 days | Full week plus |
| 2028 | Sept 15-22 | 6 days | Standard pattern |
| 2029 | Sept 21-28 | 6 days | Weekend focus |
| 2030 | Sept 20-27 | 7 days | Extended prep |
Extended Master’s Programs: Special Considerations
12-Month Master’s Programs
Program Extensions:
- Spring term extends beyond the standard June end date
- Dissertation submission is typically required by August-September
- Graduation ceremonies occur in July for summer completers
24-Month Master’s Programs (Year 2 Students)
Second Year Considerations:
- Extended Spring term through program completion
- Thesis defense periods typically June-August
- Career transition support during the extended Spring period
Statistical Impact:
- 2,800 students in extended master’s programs annually
- Average completion rate: 94% within extended timeframes
- Employment outcomes: 89% employed or in further study within 6 months
Accommodation and Housing Planning
Multi-Year Housing Contracts
LSE Accommodation Statistics:
- Hall Capacity: 4,500+ beds across 12 locations
- Booking Timeline: Opens in February for September entry
- Occupancy Rate: 98% during academic terms
- Contract Variations: Align with academic calendar breaks
Strategic Accommodation Planning
Break Period Considerations:
- Winter Break Closures: Most halls close December 15-January 15
- Spring Break Options: Limited stay-open accommodations available
- Summer Period: Reduced capacity during assessment periods
Cost Analysis (2025-2026 estimates):
- Standard En-suite: £185-245 per week
- Studio Apartments: £280-350 per week
- Shared Facilities: £145-185 per week
- Annual Cost Range: £6,500-£15,500 depending on accommodation type
Academic Department Variations and Exceptions
Department-Specific Calendars
Programs with Modified Schedules:
- Executive Education: Intensive weekend and block teaching
- Summer Schools: June-August intensive programs
- PhD Programs: Year-round supervision with flexible term engagement
- Part-time Programs: Evening and weekend scheduling
Research Program Considerations
Research Degree Timeline:
- Registration: Continuous throughout the academic year
- Milestone Reviews: Aligned with standard term structure
- Conference Season: Peak activity during Spring term
- Thesis Submission: Year-round with graduation ceremony alignment
Digital Resources and Planning Tools
Official LSE Resources
Essential Digital Platforms:
- LSE Student Hub: Personalized calendar integration
- LSE Mobile App: Real-time updates and notifications
- Academic Registry Portal: Official documentation access
- MyLSE: Comprehensive student information system
Downloadable Resources:
- Multi-year calendar PDFs: Available for offline planning
- Department-specific calendars: Specialized program requirements
- Examination timetables: Released 8 weeks before exam periods
- Assessment deadline calendars: Program-specific submission dates
Planning Applications Integration
Calendar Sync Options:
- Google Calendar: Direct LSE calendar integration
- Outlook: University email system synchronization
- Apple Calendar: Cross-device accessibility
- Third-party apps: Specialized student planning tools
UK University Term Structures
LSE vs. Competitor Institutions
| Institution | Academic Year Length | Teaching Weeks | Term Structure | Assessment Periods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LSE | Sept-June | 29 weeks | 3 terms | Jan + Summer |
| Oxford | Oct-June | 24 weeks | 3 terms | Multiple periods |
| Cambridge | Oct-June | 24 weeks | 3 terms | May/June focus |
| UCL | Sept-June | 30 weeks | 2 semesters | Jan + May |
| Imperial | Oct-June | 30 weeks | 3 terms | Jan + Summer |
| King’s College | Sept-June | 30 weeks | 2 semesters | Jan + May |
LSE Advantages:
- Extended planning horizon: 6-year published calendar
- International focus: Break timing accommodates global travel
- Professional preparation: Intensive term structure mirrors industry demands
- Assessment distribution: Balanced evaluation throughout the academic year
Strategic Planning Recommendations
Short-term Planning (Current Academic Year)
Immediate Actions:
- Bookmark official LSE calendar pages for real-time updates
- Download multi-year PDF calendars for offline access
- Subscribe to LSE academic notifications via Student Hub
- Coordinate with department advisors for program-specific requirements
Medium-term Planning (2-3 Academic Years)
Strategic Considerations:
- Visa renewal alignment with the academic calendar breaks
- Internship and placement timing during optimal break periods
- Conference and networking event planning around reading weeks
- Family visit coordination with extended break periods
Long-term Planning (4-6 Academic Years)
Extended Strategic Planning:
- PhD program timeline alignment with calendar consistency
- Career transition planning around graduation timing
- Professional development integration with academic schedules
- International collaboration timing with break periods
Key Insights and Success Strategies
Academic Performance Optimization
Data-Driven Insights:
- Students who utilize reading weeks effectively show 15% higher average grades
- Early accommodation booking (by March) results in preferred housing allocation for 78% of applicants
- Calendar integration users report 25% better time management scores
Financial Planning Benefits
Cost Management Strategies:
- Early flight booking during non-peak times saves an average of £180 per international trip
- Accommodation contract alignment with the academic calendar reduces unnecessary costs by £400-800 annually
- Break period travel planning enables 30% savings on international flights
Career Development Alignment
Professional Preparation:
- Assessment period clustering mirrors professional deadline management
- Break periods provide internship and networking opportunities
- Extended Spring terms for master’s students align with graduate recruitment cycles
What are the LSE term dates for 2025/2026?
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has a three-term academic year.
The key dates for the 2025/2026 academic year are:
Autumn Term 2025: Monday, September 29, to Friday, December 12, 2025.
Winter Term 2026: Monday, January 19, to Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Spring Term 2026: Tuesday, May 5, to Friday, June 19, 2026.
Please note that “Welcome Week” and other university-specific events often take place before the official start of the first term.
When is LSE’s Welcome Week for 2025?
LSE Welcome Week, which is an induction period for new students, is scheduled from Monday, September 22, to Friday, September 26, 2025. It’s important to attend these events as some are mandatory.
How many terms are there in the LSE academic year?
There are three terms at LSE: the Autumn Term, the Winter Term, and the Spring Term. This is the standard structure for many universities in the UK.
When are the LSE exam dates for 2026?
The main exam periods for LSE students in the 2025/2026 academic year are in January and May/June.
January Exams: Wednesday, January 7, to Friday, January 16, 2026.
Spring Term Exams: Tuesday, May 5, to Friday, June 19, 2026.
When do LSE master’s students start in 2025?
LSE’s academic calendar, including the start dates for most master’s programs, aligns with the main undergraduate term dates.
The Autumn Term for master’s students begins with Welcome Week on Monday, September 22, 2025, with teaching starting on September 29, 2025.
What is the LSE term schedule?
LSE’s term schedule is structured around three 10-week teaching terms, with a ‘Reading Week’ in the middle of the Autumn and Winter terms.
The Spring Term is shorter and is primarily for revision and exams.
Autumn Term (September – December): Teaching weeks 1-10.
Winter Term (January – April): Teaching weeks 11-20.
Spring Term (May – June): Revision and exams.
Does LSE have a Christmas break?
Yes, LSE has a winter break between the Autumn and Winter terms. For 2025/2026, the winter break runs from Monday, December 15, 2025, to Friday, January 16, 2026. Students are expected to return for the start of the January exams.
Is LSE’s Easter break the same as the Winter Term break?
No, LSE’s Easter break is a separate period between the Winter and Spring Terms. It is a long break, allowing students to travel or prepare for final exams. For 2026, the Spring break is from Friday, April 3, to Monday, May 4, 2026.
How long is the LSE summer break?
For most undergraduate students, the summer break begins after the end of the Spring Term exam period in late June. The exact end date of the academic year varies by program, especially for master’s students who have a dissertation deadline in August or September.
How long does LSE take to give an offer?
There is no fixed timeline for the LSE to give an offer. The time can vary significantly based on the program, the number of applications, and when you submitted your application. It is not uncommon for some applicants to wait several months before receiving a decision.
Maximizing LSE Academic Calendar Benefits
The LSE six-year academic calendar (2025-2031) represents unprecedented planning visibility in UK higher education.
With consistent term structures, strategic break timing, and accommodation for diverse program needs, students can optimize their academic experience through:
Key Success Factors:
- Early planning: Utilize 6-year visibility for strategic decisions
- Integration: Sync academic calendar with personal and professional goals
- Flexibility: Leverage break periods for maximum opportunity
- Compliance: Maintain visa and accommodation requirements through calendar awareness
- Performance: Use reading weeks and assessment periods strategically
Statistical Summary:
- 29-30 teaching weeks annually across a consistent three-term structure
- 70% international enrollment benefiting from break period travel opportunities
- 200+ degree programs are accommodated within a flexible calendar framework
- 94% completion rate for extended master’s programs
- 6-year planning horizon enabling unprecedented long-term strategy development
For current updates and program-specific variations, students should regularly consult the official LSE academic calendar and maintain communication with their respective departments and student services teams.
