How to Be Less Stressed During 1L
Undoubtedly, the first year of law school can be challenging. Here are a few tips every 1L student can implement to reduce the anxiety of starting law school.
Create a Schedule
As cliche as it sounds, being organized in law school can help you be more efficient. Many people like using a planner to keep a list of deadlines and important dates, but I love using the calendar app on my phone to schedule my days in blocks. For example, I would plan my classes, study periods, and other activities or events in blocks. This strategy helped me have more free time than I would have if I did not know what my day looked like.
In addition, have a simple to-do list every day. For example, I liked to outline whether I wanted to complete a reading or an assignment during my blocked-off study period. Scheduling your study tasks can also help you stay committed and focused.
Another suggestion is to schedule all your errands in one day so that you do not have to worry about them when you have more important things to do or are overwhelmed with school.
Extracurriculars
It is not necessary to participate in extracurriculars during your 1L year. However, becoming involved in activities can enrich your law school experience. For example, you can become an executive in a student club or gain more hands-on academic experience by volunteering with your law school journal or legal clinic. Selecting extracurriculars you enjoy is very important so that they do not feel like a chore, and you will be more excited to talk about them during job interviews.
However, do not take on too much. 1L is a different experience, and it can take some time to adjust. 1L grades are also important for job prospects. Additionally, taking on more than you can handle can lead to burnout. If you decide to take on extracurriculars — and you should — make sure you can manage your commitments well.
Career Planning
Some may say that you should not worry about getting a job in your first semester of law school. While that is true, it can be helpful getting a head start on brushing up on your resume and cover letter. In addition, some extracurriculars may also ask you for a resume and cover letter, so you want those to be ready to be submitted.
During your 1L year, you will be introduced to your law school’s career centre. It can be beneficial to start attending career events and becoming comfortable navigating your law school’s career centre. Therefore, when the time comes to apply for summer positions, you know exactly where to access resources and who to ask for help.
Asking for Help
This is a straightforward yet tough tip to follow. It can be intimidating to ask for help in law school, but it can be relieving to have someone you can reach out to when things get hard. I recommend taking advantage of the formal or informal student mentorship program offered at your law school to gain access to outlines and learn from upper-year students’ experiences. Professors are also there to provide support, so do not hesitate to reach out to them if you are having any difficulties with the course material.
Lastly, do not forget that your peers are also there for you. It may seem that law school is a competitive environment, but everyone is in the same boat. There will always be at least one person willing to help.
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1L can be overwhelming and stressful, but by being proactive, you will feel more prepared and excited to tackle your first year!
