How to Get Involved in Law Societies and Student Organizations!

Making the most of Law Tutor' Week can set the tone for your university experience, helping you start on the right foot academically and socially. Here are some tips to help you navigate Freshers' Week, make valuable connections, and set a foundation for success.

1. Get to Know Your Course and Professors

Freshers' Week is the perfect time to get a sense of what your course entails. Look for introductory lectures or department-led sessions that cover course content, assessment methods, and academic expectations. Take the time to meet your professors, lecturers, or program coordinators—they'll appreciate your enthusiasm and can provide valuable guidance on tackling the course.

You can also familiarize yourself with the law library and other resources. Knowing where to find legal research materials, study spaces, and resource centers will save you time and ease anxiety when coursework starts piling up.

2. Attend Law Society and Academic Society Events

Joining your university's Law Society is a great way to network with both classmates and upper-year law students. Law societies often host events, mixers, and workshops during Freshers' Week. These events give you a chance to meet people with shared interests and form a support network of students who understand the demands of law school.

Academic societies often provide valuable extracurricular activities like debates, mock trials, and guest lectures, which can improve your understanding of the law and give you confidence in public speaking. Participation can also boost your CV, as employers look favorably on students with well-rounded experiences.

3. Network with Your Peers

Freshers' Week is the time to meet and connect with fellow law students. You’re all new and likely a bit nervous, so take advantage of this common ground to strike up conversations. Engaging with your peers will give you study partners, potential roommates, or friends who can provide mutual support throughout your law journey.

Make an effort to exchange contact information and connect on social media. Platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook have groups dedicated to university cohorts, which can be handy for discussing coursework, organizing meetups, and sharing advice.

4. Explore Workshops and Skills-Building Sessions

Most universities offer workshops during Freshers' Week that are aimed at building essential academic skills, such as legal writing, critical thinking, and research methods. Attend as many as you can, as these sessions provide a strong foundation for tackling law assignments and case studies effectively.

Workshops on time management, note-taking, and exam preparation are especially useful, as they help you get a jump-start on skills you’ll rely on throughout the course. Some of these sessions are often run by academic mentors or successful upper-year students who can offer firsthand advice on succeeding in law school.

5. Attend Social Events but Pace Yourself

Freshers' Week is famous for its social events, from club nights to welcome mixers. While these events are great for making friends and having fun, it’s essential to pace yourself. A packed schedule and late nights can quickly lead to burnout.

Pick a few social events you’re excited about, but don’t feel pressured to attend everything. Law school demands stamina, and Freshers' Week is just the beginning. Strike a balance by mixing more relaxed activities, like brunches or film nights, with high-energy events.

6. Attend Student Support and Wellness Sessions

Adjusting to university life can be challenging, so prioritize student wellness. Many universities offer sessions on mental health resources, stress management, and time management during Freshers' Week. These services are invaluable, as law school can be intense, and having tools to manage stress will benefit you in the long run.

Make a note of where to find your university’s counseling and wellness centers. Building resilience early on will help you handle the academic pressure and personal challenges that may arise during your time at law school.

7. Plan Your Schedule and Start Organizing

Freshers' Week is a good time to familiarize yourself with your schedule and get organized. Grab a planner or download a calendar app where you can keep track of lectures, seminars, deadlines, and events. Law school is known for its heavy workload, so developing strong organizational habits early on will be a huge advantage.

You could also begin organizing your course materials, creating folders for different subjects, and setting up a study space. Staying organized will allow you to manage your time effectively, avoid last-minute stress, and stay on top of your assignments.

8. Take Advantage of Freebies and Discounts

One of the perks of Freshers' Week is all the freebies and discounts on offer. Many student organizations and local businesses will provide everything from free food to stationery, notebooks, and subscriptions. Keep an eye out for these deals and make the most of them.

Many universities also provide law-specific resources, such as discounted subscriptions to legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis). Having access to these resources early can help you explore and practice legal research, a skill that will become essential for your coursework.

9. Begin Networking with Alumni and Upper-Year Students

Connecting with alumni or upper-year law students can offer valuable insights. Alumni often return for Freshers' events to share experiences and answer questions. They can provide perspectives on the law school experience, including internship tips, exam advice, and guidance on career planning.

Many universities also organize mentorship programs during Freshers' Week. Signing up for a mentor can be beneficial, as they can provide support and answer questions as you adjust to university life.

10. Have Fun and Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Lastly, remember to have fun! Freshers' Week is a time for exploration, excitement, and new experiences. Enjoy this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in university life, meet new people, and learn about your course without the pressure of exams or assignments. Don’t be too hard on yourself if everything doesn’t go perfectly—you have plenty of time to settle in and get into the rhythm of law school.

Conclusion

Law Freshers' Week is an exciting time, and making the most of it can lay a solid foundation for your university experience. Engage in as many events as you can while maintaining a balance, as this week offers invaluable opportunities for networking, skill-building, and preparing for the demands of law school.