Just the tip – The first year is much more than just a game

In the first year? Daniel Bateman has some valuable advice for you.

This year may appear somewhat daunting, but it need not be. Studying law should be exciting and invigorating, preparing you for the career of your choice. The best advice I can give is to keep on top of all of the tutorial work, complete practice questions and start looking at past papers in order to get an idea of the types of questions which will come up in your exams.

It must be stressed that in order to get the most out of your degree it is important to maintain a healthy balance between study and social activities. Work hard and play hard, as a good degree result of little use to any prospective employer if you don’t have the wider skill set with which to back it up. Besides, this period of your life should be enjoyable as well as academically enriching! Managing to do all of this necessitates having an effective routine, so devise one and make sure that you stick to it.

Furthermore, check your emails on a daily basis, as your lecturers will send emails regularly. In addition to this there are a variety of opportunities available throughout the year for any budding lawyer. The School of Law has a strong link with the College of Law, which offers a variety of open days that, if you are aiming for a career as a solicitor, can prove useful in helping you to find focus.In regards to the mooting, just enjoy it! Many students are nervous when undertaking this exercise; you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t have some nerves, but make sure that you prepare well, as failing to prepare will significantly and negatively affect your mark. If mooting does spark your interest, take part in the internal mooting competition, which begins in March each year. Finally, speak to second- and third-year law students, since they have been in your position and can give you valuable guidance on how to study most effectively. Most importantly, remember to ask if you do not understand; everyone is here to help and guide you to success in the future.