Law school is three years of your life. Time will both speed by you and also draaaaaag on (especially when you’re in that 2pm CivPro class, and the tryptophan from your turkey sandwich hits you). The funny thing about time in law school is that you never seem to have enough. Your class reading assignments take time, the assignments take time, your family or significant other takes time – it’s almost currency, and no one ever has enough.
I say this because your time is important. It is crucial to spend it wisely. Understand where your time needs to go before dividing the time accordingly. You may need to study for class, but studying for 5 hours straight, after a long day of classes, may not be the best use of your allotted time. [Obviously you know yourself better than I do, so if you can sit for 5 hours straight studying – then you do you, hun!] However, if you proscribe to my study method of 1.5 hours on, 30 minutes off – then you may enjoy my advice.
The way I see it – your brain needs to take BREAKS! They’re essential. That said, one way in which I take breaks, is by attending Student Organization (law school clubs, essentially) events and meetings. Most groups on campus meet once a month, and then usually have a large event once per semester. I recommend participating in at least one group, and highly suggest that you avoid joining too many.
Everything in moderation, folks.
Although law school takes focus, on top of boundless energy to complete case-briefs and assignments, you need to find healthy ways to diversify your time. The time you spend away from your books and research trails is crucial to helping you learn the material. It sounds weird, but it works!
If you have the opportunity – attend a student organization fair! Or reach out to student services, and they will be happy to put you in contact with an organization’s executive members (if you already have an idea of the group you’d like to join), to help answer your questions regarding the organization. I fully comprehend that you want to dive head-first into your books, but you can’t forget what the social aspect of law school provides: a network.
Carve out time in your monthly schedule to meet with your peers, work with them on a common goal. Everyone attends law school for different reasons – figure out what yours is, and then find others who are driven by similar passions. You need to start building your network now, especially if you are attending law school straight out of your undergraduate years. Spend some of your precious time forming friendships and making your mark.
Happy Networking!
