How To Deal With 1L Loneliness

How To Deal With 1L Loneliness

For many students, the 1L year of law school can be a challenge academically. However, the first year of law school can also be a challenge for some students when viewed from a social perspective. Entering a new environment, moving to a new city, making new friends, and meeting new professors is a lot to handle on top of academics. While law schools do offer events designed to “break the ice” amongst new students, some still feel isolated and lonely. Feeling as though you don’t have a friend group, a support system, or meaningful connections can be daunting and overwhelming. Let’s take a look at some of our top tips for dealing with 1L loneliness.

How To Deal With 1L Loneliness

Get Involved Around Campus

One of the best ways to make friends and build connections in law school is by getting involved around campus. Your 1L year is as good a time as any to get involved because, for the most part, everyone is new! From social clubs to academic clubs to volunteer opportunities – law schools are chock-full of awesome opportunities for students. Joining a club or group and volunteering with classmates is a great way to meet people, form bonds, and grow. One thing you’ll quickly realize is that almost everyone, especially towards the beginning of the academic year, is eager to make friends. Pick a club, group, or volunteer opportunity that speaks to your interest, and go from there!

Live With Roommates

This is more of a tip for before you begin your 1L year, but it can be useful nonetheless. Sometimes the best way to deal with loneliness as a 1L is to join forces with other 1Ls. When choosing your living situation for 1L year, don’t hesitate to opt for living in law school housing with roommates. These roommates will be randomly assigned to you! It’s a great way to make friends, especially if you’re more of an introvert.

If living with someone you don’t know makes you nervous, there are many other ways to meet other 1Ls!  If you drive to class, see if someone wants to carpool.  Join or start a study group.  Say hello to that 1L who is also always in line to get coffee between classes. All are great ways to meet other 1L students.

Adopt A Law School Pet

We get it – people can be annoying sometimes. Ok, a lot of the time. If you’re experiencing loneliness as a 1L, adopting a pet can be an awesome experience. Your new furry (or scaley…or feathery) friend will most certainly serve as an excellent companion. From serving as a companion when you’re home alone studying to being part of your emotional support system, pets can benefit humans in numerous ways. Pets can sometimes help you meet new friends.  For example, bring a dog on campus in between classes and suddenly people are stopping to ask all sorts of questions. This is a great way to get to know your classmates, build relationships, and make new friends.

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