They say hindsight is 20/20 and most of the time when you look back on new endeavors there are things you wish you would have known. Hear firsthand from our students about what they wish they knew before starting law school.
Focus On You
“It’s important to take time for yourself while in law school. Only focusing on studying will burn you out, so enjoy your weekends, hang out with friends, and remember you don’t have to give up your entire life to do well.”
“Always focus on yourself and never feel guilty about taking a mental health day and saying ‘no’ to things.”
“Don’t feel pressure to work right up until 1L year begins! Take some time to travel and see different places before law school starts if you can.”
“I wish I knew to take some time for myself before law school started, to just relax. It is important to value that time before life gets hectic and it will likely be the last free summer you have for a while.”
“There are an enormous amount of opportunities for scholarships out there other than from law schools, just do a little research and you’ll find them!”
“Your mindset can make or break the experience. Give yourself credit for what you’re great at and capitalize on those skills and you’ll be sure to find success, whether in the classroom, at work, or in one of the many different co-curricular opportunities FSU Law has to offer.”
“Look for housing as early as possible.Finding a place to live can be as equally stressful as the law school application process. Don’t procrastinate on apartment / house hunting.”
Tackling Student Involvement
“I wish I knew how to tackle networking events, before starting law school. They are not as intimidating as they appear, and they are a great way to lay the foundation for multiple professional relationships. I wish someone would have told me how important it is to be able to go to these things, make small talk, and how to capitalize on those connections.”
“I wish I had obtained experience in networking. Before attending law school, I had never attended a networking event, and it wasn’t until my 1L year that I learned about the importance of building a network.”
“Don’t try to join a bunch of student organizations in your first year. Join one or two you are really passionate about. Also, do your research on different organizations, especially if you have to pay dues, to make sure you are getting your money’s worth.”
“Living close to campus can be a huge advantage when you’re involved with a multitude of activities and organizations.”
Successful Studying
“I wish I had known to not try to format my study habits with what everyone else is doing. Find what works best for you.”
“Law school is unlike most college experiences because your entire grade is based on a single exam that covers everything you learned in the course. The best way to get around this hurdle is to start outlining early. By outlining early, you flesh out the parts of the course that are confusing. This allows you to meet with your professor early to address any misunderstandings. If you wait to outline until a week or two before the final exam, you will cause yourself unnecessary stress and you’ll have some unresolved questions going into the final.”
“Talk to former or current law students just to get a better feel about starting law school, the format of classes and what to expect going in.”
“I wish I knew there isn’t a ‘right way’ to prepare for class and finals. Everyone has their own study habits which are unique to everyone’s needs—it’s important for you to find what works for you.”
“You will survive 1L year. If you study, put the work in, and always strive to do your best, you will be just fine. Nerves are normal, but remember not to let them consume you. You can do this.“
