I’ve finished my first semester of law school. Surprise! It was hard. Adjusting to reading cases on cases a day/week plus going to classes and learning completely new information literally gave me a headache. It was also the typical graduate/professional student’s struggle to balance class, family, sleep, and a social life.
I was exhausted but growing every day. This semester felt like actual growing pains. I learned something new every single day. I learned about the law and I learned about myself.
Having gone through pharmacy school before this, I knew much of what to expect. I knew I would be tired. I knew there would be stress, what that stress would feel like, and how to cope with it. But, since I was moving from a science to law, there was a learning curve.
Here, I’ll share some tips for any future 1Ls out there who want to a peek at what you’re about to get into.
- You’re going to be tired. Like tired tired. Like exhausted. I was asleep by 8pm at least once a week. A sleep I could not be awoken from.
- You need to really want this. Law school will test you. You must be willing to work hard. It is okay to not know what kind of law you want to practice or what you want to do with your degree, but you must be *determined* to start and finish.
- The ideal situation: you live alone, close to campus. Any other situation will make the process slightly more difficult, but you will manage.
- If you like animals, try to have one with you. They are a comfort and a constant. You will quickly come to appreciate that.
- If you’re a first generation law student, it’s likely none of your family members will understand. Accept that now. They love you, they just don’t understand your new situation. Do your best to explain how busy you’ll be, and don’t resent them when they’re still pulling for your time and attention. They’re going through a change, too.
- Learn how you manage stress best! I like to cook. I also spent quite a bit of time alone. Since I’m an introvert, this really helps me recharge. I did spend some time socializing though, because being in my own head so much would cause me to worry too much.
- Use your resources! At my school, there were plenty of upperclassmen willing to help. Joining a club is a great way to meet some of those helpful people. Your school may have online test banks, seminars on how to succeed, and alumni weekends. Even social events are a resource. Law is a very social field. If your grades can’t get you in the door, a contact may be able to. Don’t cheat yourself.
- Make friends with your classmates. Some schools are very competitive and students may sabotage each other. That’s just the facts. But, that’s not always the case, and it doesn’t have to be that way. Everyone is just as nervous as you are. Be kind. You’ll find other’s like yourself and it’ll be okay.
- You may get “imposter syndrome.” Imposter syndrome presents as feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. You have one degree and you got into law school. Bare minimum, you have these great achievements under your belt going into your first semester. Whether you’re one of the youngest in your class or the oldest, whether you have a family of five or you’re starting this journey alone, whether you have an art, construction, or science background, you belong. You can make it. And, with hard work and persistence, you will.
- Celebrate the little wins. Finishing a week of class. Completing every reading. Surviving cold calls. Responding to emails. Whatever it may be, recognize that win. Law school is so competitive and it’s important to give yourself recognition.
I hope this was a helpful, practical guide to your first semester. Let us know in the comments below where you plan to go or where you’ve been accepted!
Prescribed by Law 