6 MBA Students Reveal What It's Really Like Studying At Business School
What is an MBA really like? MBA student Barbara Sanches enjoyed a lively arts scene at EMLYON Business School in France
When does an MBA student wake up in the morning? How much does the MBA lifestyle cost? Business school students around the world describe a day in the life of an MBA
An MBA is the world's most popular graduate management degree, but what is life really like at the world’s best business schools? Is it all spreadsheets and pesky finance classes, or do MBAs have fun too?
To find out, we spoke to six MBA students around the world, studying at six very different business schools.
Read on to find out what it’s really like to study for the three-letter credential.
1. Barbara Sanches, EMLYON Business School
What is a typical week’s academic schedule like for you?
Well, the international MBA program can be divided into two parts, general courses and elective courses.
So, for the first half of the MBA, a week's schedule would be classes from 8am to 5pm, almost every day (sometimes even Saturday). It is indeed full time. There are many group projects and presentations. This makes the first six months really intense.
For the second half, it will depend on the courses you choose—for me, I had the whole month of May free to dedicate to personal projects, for example. Remember that you can choose a minimum of 10 electives and you won't know the schedule until after Jan/Feb. Since we also have the Entrepreneurial Leadership project, we can use the spare time to meet with team members and do fieldwork.
How much free time do you get and what do you typically do with it?
During the courses, we have most of our weekends fully free. In the beginning, since it was the most intensive part of the program, we usually used the weekends to work on assignments, rest from the heavy schedule, and also go out with MBA colleagues to get to know them. We also have a Christmas/New Years break, around 15 days of rest at the end of the year—I managed to go back home in Brazil for Christmas last year.
What’s the best and worst thing about MBA life?
The worst thing is the intensive schedule at the beginning. We needed to be very organised in order to keep everything going in that period. Sleepless nights and an empty fridge were a constant part of my schedule as well! It’s not all bad—the best part is the experience itself. Most of the cohort is in their late 20s/early 30s and it is a journey of discovery for everyone—about who we are, where we are going, and what we came here to do, so to experience that in that group was incredible.
How much does an MBA lifestyle cost?
You can find rooms for about $500 to $700 in Lyon. It depends on the location. The closer you get to the city center, more expensive it will be. I used to live pretty well on $1100/month (including rent, groceries, and other expenses).
2. Brady Dearden, London Business School
What is a typical week’s academic schedule like for you?
As a second-year MBA student at London Business School, my typical week is composed of two or three half-day classes. Adding to my coursework, I am involved in the leadership of two school clubs—Military in Business as well as Tech & Media. Last year, I worked during spring-term as an intern with a cybersecurity startup in Canary Wharf. This term, I am working on my own startup idea. Fingers crossed!
How much free time do you get and what do you typically do with it?
I love London Business School for many reasons, two of which are the school’s flexibility and its location. The terms are designed so students can take maximum advantage of academic learning while also balancing club and work opportunities. This means that there are some weeks where I have less free time than I would like and there are some weeks where I have an opportunity to freely research in areas that interest me, such as organizational behavior and leadership. I try and keep the weekends free so that I can enjoy one of my other reasons for choosing LBS: living in and exploring London.
What’s the best and worst thing about MBA life?
The best thing about life at London Business School is definitely the people. I couldn’t ask for a better community in terms of students, faculty, and alumni. Not only is the LBS community quite cosmopolitan in terms of its geographies and perspectives, but the people you meet in class and around the campus are kind, outgoing, and interested in helping one another. It’s a tremendous culture.
I can think of two things that are tough about MBA life: one is early morning examinations! The other tough aspect is that sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to take advantage of everything LBS has to offer.
How much does an MBA lifestyle cost?
The cost of an MBA lifestyle can vary widely. I think it has a lot to do with the diverse backgrounds and career choices of the students. For instance, some students come to LBS married, some have children, and some are single. The school also provides many scholarships, which benefit students in a variety of ways. Of course, whatever your ambition, you will want to take full advantage of the London social scene.
Read on for more MBA student stories on page 2
3. Eric Gene, Chicago Booth
What is a typical week’s academic schedule like for you?
My day will normally start around 6am, spending some time to catch up with work emails and preparation for classes. We arrive at school at 8am for breakfast, which we use to gather energy for the day and network with our peers. Normally, we will have two core three-and-a-half hour classes, two one-hour reviews with the teaching assistant, with a lunch in between, where often we will have presentations from career services, alumni, or company visits. After the second review, we will have dinner on campus, and meet with our study groups working on group assignments.
How much free time do you get and what do you typically do with it?
There isn’t much free time during our academic weeks, although during our first international academic sessions in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong the school ensures a good number of cultural and networking events. Even with the tight schedules, people will find time for a few dinners and even some nights out during the week, as the many hours together create strong bonds between the cohort.
What’s the best and worst thing about MBA life?
There are many great things about the Executive MBA, beginning with the great cohort and faculty that Chicago Booth allows us to work with. Sitting in class with a group of amazingly smart people, half of them with postgraduate degrees, representing 46 different nationalities, with last year’s Nobel Memorial Prize Laureate in Economics, Richard Thaler, as your professor is a very humbling experience.
It is a challenge sometimes to manage work, family, and school, but eventually, we all find a balance. The reason why we ‘Boothies’ chose to attend Chicago Booth is because we desired intensive curriculum to broaden our minds, world-class professors to challenge our pre-conceived thinking, and to embed ourselves in a global network of aspiring professionals. It’s the positive attitude from the school and peers that drives us to continuously push ourselves to make the most out of this opportunity.
How much does an MBA lifestyle cost?
While a top executive MBA program is an important investment, good choices are those with a high return on investment and good value for money. For most of us, it’s not an investment in a diploma; it’s an investment in ourselves that will shape the future of the second half of our professional careers.
4. Rawan Abu Salman, Grenoble École de Management
What is a typical week’s academic schedule like for you?
We usually have between four and six classes per week, each lasting three hours. These classes are spread randomly over the week, between morning classes and afternoon classes. Sometimes, we have a morning class and afternoon class on the same day, sometimes it’s just one or the other, and sometimes we have no classes on a given day.
We typically have either one or two classes per day, each lasting for three hours with a 15-minute break in between. There are days, however, where we do not have any scheduled classes. That time is often used for projects, group works or assignments, or to catch up on well-needed sleep.
How much free time do you get and what do you typically do with it?
Beyond scheduled classes, you can decide how much ‘free’ time you’d like to have. There are weeks where you barely have time to eat and sleep, but in the grander scheme of the academic year, one can manage to go out for drinks, squeeze in some sports, travel around Europe, juggle freelance work, and excel at the MBA.
What’s the best and worst thing about MBA life?
The best thing and the worst thing about the MBA life is the MBA life. The stress of it all, the challenges, time management, the late nights, the group work, and dealing with others. It’s certainly painful at times, but it’s also thrilling as well.
How much does an MBA lifestyle cost?
Aside from tuition and associated costs (books), the biggest variable here is location. Some cities are much more expensive than others to live in. The main expense is often rent, but even within the same city, it depends on how far you’re willing to be from the school. Food is another major expense, but that also depends on how much you’re willing to cook at home or eat out. At Grenoble, one could manage to spend anywhere between $500-$1,100 in living expenses.
Read on for MBA student experiences at top US schools on page 3
5. Cara Laviola, Ohio State University's Max M. Fisher College of Business
What is a typical week’s academic schedule like for you?
On Monday, my earliest class begins at 10:15am, but my latest class does not end until 9:30pm. Similarly, on Tuesday, classes run from 1:00pm to 9:30pm. Thursdays are my easy days, where I only have one class that begins and ends in the early afternoon.
This academic schedule differs greatly from my first year, where I would have a normal schedule of core classes from 8:30am-4:15pm. Because I am able to fill my schedule with electives during the second year, I have chosen to take classes that also accommodate working professional MBAs schedules. Because of this accommodation, many electives are scheduled in the evening.
How much free time do you get and what do you typically do with it?
Because most classes have group-based projects, most of my "free time" (not in class) is spent in group meetings. If not meeting as a group, I also have a graduate assistant position that takes up some of my time. Before I accepted my job offer for after graduation, a lot of my time was also spent updating my resume, applying for positions, and interviewing with companies.
When my time is actually free, I spend time with my fiance. I also enjoy reading books, watching movies, listening to live music, and spending time with my family and friends.
What’s the best and worst thing about MBA life?
Best: My biggest sources of learning are my fellow MBAs. By working with my peers, I learn something new every day about myself and about diverse ways of thinking. It's these interactions that have helped me to grow as a person and as a leader.
Worst: The worst thing about MBA life is the stress and uncertainty that comes with making tradeoffs. Because I decided to come back full-time, I made a choice between my education and a secure income to which I had become accustomed. Every day, I make a choice between networking, studying an extra hour, or spending that hour with my fiance and family. Sometimes, it's hard to know if I'm making the right choice. But even though this may be the worst part of MBA life, it is probably also the most educational and relatable to the tradeoffs that inevitably have to be made in the business world.
How much does an MBA lifestyle cost?
I think the best way to describe the cost of an MBA lifestyle is in terms of opportunity cost. By completing my MBA in a full-time capacity, it costs me an annual income. It costs me not only the principal on the student loans that I had to take out, but also the interest on those loans. The cost of an MBA also includes the price of long nights and lost sleep, of time spent in airports on the way to internship and job interviews, and of spending time connecting with people in the industry instead of with family.
But even though the cost of an MBA lifestyle is expensive in more ways than one, I believe it is so worth it. It is two years of hard work in exchange for what is, for me, a job offer at a company I believe in, as well as experience and learnings that will stay with me for the rest of my career.
6. Emily Phipps, American University's Kogod School of Business
What is a typical week’s academic schedule like for you?
It is different every semester. I am in class for four-to-six hours three days a week. I am at work for four hours a day. And I am studying, working on group projects, or working on career engagement tasks for four-to-six hours a day.
How much free time do you get and what do you typically do with it?
Honestly, I love cooking and cleaning to unwind. However, I am always determined to explore DC on the weekends. This is one of my favorite cities I have ever lived in.
What’s the best and worst thing about MBA life?
The best thing about my MBA life is the people. I love watching my cohort explore their ideas and passions in a practical way. This is a thrilling experience in and of itself, but it is so much sweeter in the community.
I don’t know if I have an answer to “the worst” part. I have experienced new kinds and levels of stress as I transitioned from my former career and lifestyle to my current one. I experience a daily struggle with 'imposter’s syndrome'. And I definitely experience fear about the unknown. But I wouldn’t change it. I am becoming more confident, integrated, and grateful. So how could that be 'the worst'?
How much does an MBA lifestyle cost?
I have embraced a mindset of consuming less and enjoying more. A scarcity mindset probably won’t get me very far.
I am an international student in my 3rd year and I love going to this school and do not regret chosing it for my BBA.
The classes are helpful, professors are always there to help as well and we have a very understanding administration.
Student
Verified
18/03/2023
On Campus
Leadership in an amazing city
I decided to do my exchange in Emlyon because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, and I found a space with very capable People.. participatory, empathetic and full of leadership. I will never forget Lyon, apart from giving me an unforgettable experience, he gave me great friends
Student
Verified
23/11/2021
On Campus
A lot of opportunities professionally and socially. A unique program in France.
You can choose your courses and do your internship, exchange whenever you want. It's flexible and adapted to the needs of each student. A great program and a great city! Professionally, it opens a lot of doors for you to find internships or jobs in France or abroad thanks to the network and career events.
Fabian
Verified
7/06/2020
MSc in Digital Marketing
Combining both worlds into one, this course gave me all the on-demand technical skills in data science while maintaining a business-oriented approach. Thanks to the strong academic profile of this university I was able to secure an internship and full-time job at Amazon.
Student
Verified
14/10/2018
Top Business School fostering innovative entrepreneurs
EMLyon is one of the best business schools. The campuses, associations and courses offered provide the students with the best options to build the future they have chosen. The various opportunities to study and work abroad also offer a deeper understanding of the world, not only economy-wise but social, which helps the student become as well a better individual and not only a pre-formated business school student.
Student
Verified
9/06/2020
Emlyon campus in Paris
It has a great international community and you have access to many international tools, courses and professors. I had many networking events and workshops for students. Campus and some details of the program could have been improved or need to be bigger in order to have a better student life.
Student
Verified
21/11/2022
On Campus
Entrepreneurship
Overall good content and good activities.
Lack of administration but still ok.
Good flexibility and liberty offered to the students. Finally, the amount of internship is also a good way to improve qualifications.
Student
Verified
25/05/2020
Good Reputation and International Business School
The course was not well adapted but it was up to the mark.
The professors are very well experienced and their experience comes in handy while working on assignments.
The facilities on the campus are top class. Truly professional. I really like spending time in the learning hub and using all the available resources.
Lyon is an amazing city. You will never get bored.
Edel
Verified
11/07/2024
On Campus
MSc International Hospitality Management
The best educational experience of my life so far!
It’s been full of exposure and great connections. From Lyon to London, Paris, Los Angeles and Las Vegas! Truly an exceptional way to discover the world of hospitality.
Student
Verified
11/07/2024
On Campus
Real networking opportunities
- meeting new people, specially professionals during seminars or evening meeting at school.
- going abroad to study luxury
- being involved as an ambassador to promote the school and the program I was into (MSc LMM)
- having such a great professional core
Daphné
Verified
14/07/2024
On Campus
white baccalaureate in the world of work
I really appreciated the MS SDAI as a whole. The teaching staff, the different subjects, the university exchange, TEM... I started my internship in a consulting firm having acquired a solid foundation. Downside for CentraleSupélec, which I found far too academic for a program such as this.
Student
Verified
11/09/2024
On Campus
Great
Pretty great !
Emlyon business school is a top educational institution known for its outstanding academic programs, nurturing environment, and state-of-the-art facilities. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership in students.
Student
Verified
6/02/2025
On Campus
Emlyon makes us confident!
Since I got into emlyon business school in September 2024, I’ve had many occasions to discover various subjects, but also to gain confidence and strength in several fields. Our « ADN » classes involve active participation and teamwork which enlighten our everyday life here in Lyon.
Teachers are welcoming and available, classes are dispensed in small rooms, all of this turning our studies into a real life experience.
As a top business school in France and in Europe, rest assured that this programme will take you to places you never had the chance to go to.
Student
Verified
7/02/2025
On Campus
Worldwide School
If you're looking for a school with an international perspective, emlyon is the place to be. Academic exchange and double-degree opportunities are widely varied around the globe, and the school has 4 international campuses.
Jeremy
Verified
7/02/2025
On Campus
Warm welcome
emlyon is one of France's top business schools, offering a wide range of programs and masters degrees that allow students from all backgrounds to perfect their skills. Students are very friendly and student life is dynamic with 42 associations (art, culture, finance...). With the inauguration of its new campus, the school also offers students a highly advantageous working environment right in the heart of Lyon.
Student
Verified
6/02/2025
On Campus
Experience at emlyon
My experience in emlyon business school was nothing but fantastic. The professors are very knowledgeable and helpful and are the best in the field to guide you to build your future self. The campus life is also really great and you get to meet amazing people!
Jenny
Verified
6/02/2025
On Campus
A Global and Data-driven Learning Experience
As an international student from Taiwan, currently studying Digital Marketing & Data Science at Emlyon Business School's Paris campus, my experience has been both challenging and rewarding.
1. Academics & Curriculum
The program is highly data-driven, integrating real-world marketing strategies with technical skills like Python, SQL, and machine learning. Professors bring industry expertise and often collaborate with companies, making classes interactive and practical.
2. Campus & Student Life
The Paris campus is a great location for networking, surrounded by top companies and start-up ecosystems. There are plenty of career events, hackathons, and networking opportunities, which have helped me connect with professionals in my field.
3. International Student Experience
Coming from Taiwan, Emlyon provides a diverse and global environment. The school supports international students well, but navigating administrative processes (like visas and housing) can sometimes be challenging. However, the student community is welcoming, and there are many activities and student initiatives to engage with.
4. Overall Impression
I think Emlyon is a great choice for students looking for an innovative, hands-on learning experience in business and technology. While some courses could benefit from even more structure, the real-world projects, industry collaborations, and international environment make it a strong business school for aspiring digital professionals.
Ambrine
Verified
7/02/2025
On Campus
Very Good Program and Life-Changing Opportunities
I was truly delighted with my program as it provided me with valuable knowledge and skills. The campus is outstanding, offering an inspiring and welcoming environment for students. Moreover, my program opened up new professional opportunities that I would never have been able to access without completing this Master's degree in Strategy in International Business Development (in partnership with CentraleSupélec). I highly recommend this school to anyone seeking a transformative academic experience!
Nelia
Verified
7/02/2025
On Campus
BBA1 EM Lyon business school
This is my first year at EM Lyon and one of the first factors that makes me love my school is its campus. The location, the layout of the premises, the exteriors... all the facilities are functional and largely allow students to flourish in their studies (very large library, individual and collaborative workspaces, fully equipped rooms that can be booked, catering and relaxation areas, roof... everything is there!) Also, what I particularly appreciate is the format of the courses which combines practice with theory. My program is intended to be very professionalizing, so we have courses and modules that put us in real situations, the professors and external speakers are for the most part people in professional activities in companies which allows us to benefit from concrete illustrations and notable anecdotes. The classes are not very numerous, offering us an opportunity for interaction and group work. In addition to the courses, the school has many very advantageous partnerships for internships and academic exchanges. In addition, the school offers many conferences and workshops at the Makerslab that allow us to educate ourselves and learn new things. Finally, my program is internationally oriented and that is one of the reasons why I chose it: internships and academic exchange abroad. Finally, student life is a real added value for us since the associative life occupies a preponderant place in our course due to the variety of associations, the premises that are reserved but especially the budget that is allocated.
Jeanne
Verified
7/02/2025
On Campus
Makers Spirit
Emlyon business school is a incredible university, i've been able to learn a lot of informations, and making contacts and meet a lot of people. The courses are very interesting and i'm looking foward to earn more experiences (academic or professional).This school gave me huge opportunities and still do, I intend to take them and use them, this school change my life, and me as a character. I want to make it known to as many people as possible, and grow the makers spirit!
Student
Verified
7/02/2025
On Campus
Digital Marketing and Data Science
Courses are practical, and the program is intensive. We have so many tasks need to fulfill. I love the school provide many career and alumni resources. And also give us many opportunities to approach to different fields.
Student
Verified
7/02/2025
On Campus
Current Student
Likes:
abundant resources
the network of alumni is really healpful
wonderful location (center Paris)
a lot of interesting lectures and company visits
the school opens until 2200, great for studying
Dislike:
not enough spaces to study
some study rooms are toooooo cold
some classrooms have limited access to charge and the air is stagnant
Maude
Verified
8/02/2025
On Campus
Stepping Into the World of Data
I come from a business background, and I stumbled upon Python a few years ago almost by accident. I found myself spending hours debugging code, completely losing track of time. It was as if a new world had quietly unfolded before me, one I hadn’t even realized I was searching for.
But without a scientific background, I felt behind. We tend to put ourselves in boxes, believing certain paths are out of reach. This master’s program proved otherwise. It gave someone like me with a non-technical foundation a chance, it opened the door to data and analytics.
Yes, it’s a challenge. The curriculum is intense, and the learning curve is steep, but the support from professors and peers makes all the difference. The hands-on projects, the balance between theory and application, and the exposure to real-world case studies ensure that learning isn’t just theoretical: it’s practical and impactful. I’ve worked on diverse datasets, from images to audio, passing through the more familiar tabular data, and every project pushes me to think critically and experiment confidently.
One of the standout aspects of this master’s is the collaborative environment. My classmates come from different backgrounds; engineering, business, social sciences, and that diversity makes discussions richer and group work more dynamic.
Slowly but surely, I’m bridging the gap between curiosity and expertise. If you're drawn to data, AI, and the power of code, this master’s might be the door you’ve been waiting to walk through.
The question is: Are you ready to take that leap?
Student
Verified
10/02/2025
On Campus
Good school
This school is really very interesting! We learn a lot there and the teachers are professionals and therefore have experience to share with us. The only problem would be just the fact that some teachers are not very educational which makes the lessons sometimes hard to follow...
Student
Verified
10/02/2025
On Campus
An excellent school that deserves its reputation
I am a PGE student at emlyon BS and I am completely fulfilled there: the courses are of high quality, punctuated by stimulating group projects and the associative life allows the class to bond and to spend very good times with people who share a common interest or passion. In addition, the academic excellence of emlyon is recognized both in France and abroad, which allows students to benefit from very good internship opportunities and great career prospects. In other words, I recommend emlyon BS
Student
Verified
10/02/2025
Online
Experience at emlyon
During my time at EMLYON Business School, I discovered a demanding and stimulating academic environment, marked by a strong entrepreneurial culture. The pedagogical approach, focused on learning by doing, allowed me to develop concrete skills in project management and strategic decision-making. One of the highlights of my experience was participating in a business game where we had to manage a fictitious company in a competitive market. This simulation taught me the importance of data analysis and adaptability in the face of economic contingencies. I was also able to interact with professionals at conferences and workshops, which gave me a clearer vision of the challenges of the business world. Finally, the diversity of the student network, made up of international profiles and varied backgrounds, enriched my experience. Working in a team with people with different approaches was a real asset to develop my ability to collaborate and innovate. This immersion at EMLYON has strengthened my entrepreneurial spirit and my desire to evolve in a dynamic environment, where learning is not limited to theory but is anchored in practice and experimentation.
Student
Verified
12/02/2025
On Campus
Nice campus
Located near the center of Lyon which allows for easy commute and proximity to stores/restaurants.
Amazing student life, there are events every week (sports, lunches, parties but also networking and work opportunities). Great school if you're interested in consulting or finance as top firms come and teach classes every semester.
Some classes are online and some classes are in person.
If you come as an international student in the MIM program you cannot do exchanges internationally but there are many double diplomas to chose from. French students have the possibility to do exchanges at MIT, UCLA, Bocconi, Berkeley etc.
Karunasagar
Verified
13/02/2025
On Campus
A Fun and Insightful Learning Experience
Attending emlyon business school has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The MSc in Health Management & Data Intelligence program offers a perfect blend of theory and practical applications, with a strong focus on the healthcare industry. The professors bring a wealth of real-world experience, making the learning process engaging and insightful.
The campus life is vibrant and multicultural, providing opportunities to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on projects and the interactive learning environment, which have significantly enhanced my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
One standout moment was participating in the international seminar, where we visited leading healthcare companies and gained firsthand insights into global industry practices. Another memorable experience was the Transforming Early Makers project, which challenged us to innovate and present solutions to real-world healthcare problems.
The career services team is supportive, offering guidance and resources that help in preparing for the professional world. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to develop their skills in healthcare management and data analytics.
#InnovativeLearning #HealthcareManagement #DataDrivenEducation
Student
Verified
14/02/2025
On Campus
Excellent education and association system
A very diverse courses and cultures are present in the school.
It was a place where I learned much, especially about job opportunities.
The association life is great. Student can learn a lot of things about the difficulties in work, and allow them to have experience as a future managers.
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