Law school is not a walk in the park. It is a unique experience that has its own challenges and demands. Personally, I sauntered into law school without knowing what lay ahead. Had I had prior knowledge, I would have asked some friends or sought information regarding law school. This article highlights some of the things I wish I would have known before becoming a law student.
SOCIAL LIFE
If I would have given my social life the attention and importance it deserves, I believe things would be going much better than me. My priority in law school was my studies and I would spend most of my time in the library, or in my room reading and trying to grasp as much information as I could. It is a fact that in law school, students are exposed to some of the most brilliant, innovative and even enterprising minds in the country. It would, therefore, have been prudent and wise of me to make as many friends as possible and build lasting networks and connections. Having a good social life is indeed key to enjoying tour life as a law student, passing your exams and safeguarding a bright future. Actually, you never know the kind of people that you will meet in law school.
OPPORTUNITIES
Several opportunities came my way when I was in law school, and I did not take advantage of them. Some of these opportunities include scholarships and job internships. Also, governments and law firms are often looking for promising students in law school with whom they can work with in the future. Therefore, if you do not get out there, embrace all opportunities and give them a try, you are likely not to be identified by prospective employers. Some of the opportunities you find in law school only come once in a lifetime, but my naivety could not allow me to know this at the time.
IMPROPER PLANNING
There are several activities in law school that demand the time of a student, and proper planning is key. A student has to balance between the hectic studying schedule, personal activities, leisure and fun activities. If I knew, I would make elaborate plans: plans for a week and plans for an entire semester. It is not mandatory to attend all lectures or lessons in law school, but a certain threshold is needed. It is therefore wise to plan effectively so that you do not miss several lectures at the beginning of the semester and grapple to catch up with attendance towards the end of the semester.
OTHERS
Other things I wish I knew including the benefits of keeping an open mind, attending as many master classes as I could, and saving money to have fun on weekends. I also hoped I had taken the time to enjoy my time as a law student more. It is true that law is a demanding course, but that should not snatch all the life and fun of a person.
It is wise for everyone to enter law school with an open mind, and do proper research about being a law student so that you will not regret anything after you are done