Law Student Guide 101

Hello everyone!

Come tomorrow, September begins and it won’t be too long until the beginning of the new semester. I realise that many readers may be starting their first year very soon (or are considering studying law)… so below I have created  the hard truth survival guide to make the transition from A-levels (or the equivalent) to degree slightly more easier.

1. ATTEND LECTURES

You will probably hear that many students, especially Freshers, fail to attend the lectures in the first week (or two!) I understand that starting University is a really fun experience but I have to admit that the introductory lectures are useful. You find out about how your course is structured, what books you need and quite often what reading needs to be done for next week. Thus, my advice to you is to attend them so you stay on top of the work. Falling behind, at the beginning of the year really does you no favours. It usually means that for the entire semester you will be rushing around, trying to catch up.

2. NEVER MISS A TUTORIAL

The Golden Rule, above all other ones, is to never miss a tutorial. Ever. You will have about 8 compulsory tutorials for each module over the course of the year. Your tutorials will be your main contact with the teaching staff to ask questions and clarify your understanding on the different topics. Something that I see lots of people forgetting is that University education is very different to what you have experienced at Sixth Form or College. It requires a huge amount of independent work and means that you are in control of your own studying. Therefore, make sure you don’t miss any tutorials,  make sure you are prepared for them and you can never go wrong.

3. ASK FOR HELP

Although the teaching environment is different at University, it doesn’t mean that you are alone. From lecturers, tutorial leaders and your own personal tutor – there are plenty of people for you to contact if you feel that its getting a bit too much. Also, something you’ll find at University is that working together with course mates is another way of getting to grips with the various modules you will be taking.

4. KEEP UP WITH READING

I’m not going to sugarcoat the fact that a lot of your Law degree will be dedicated to reading. From textbooks, cases, articles and further reading… it will feel from time to time like its never-ending. However, you simply have to keep on going and try not to fall behind.

5. AFTER WORKING HARD, PLAY HARD!

Never forget that all work and no play will result in you burning out. If you stay organised and stay on top of the work, there is absolutely no harm in letting go and having some fun – you’re in your Uni years after all…

I hope these tips will be of some help and if you have any questions, please let me know in the comment box below!

Zara 🙂