Law School Essentials: What You Need Your 1L Year

Although law school essentials will vary from person to person, the follow list are the things we found most helpful. Read further to see what we found indispensable as we started law school!

Law School Essentials: What You Need Your 1L Year

1. Laptop computer

This comes in solidly on top of our list of law school essentials. Yes, you can get by taking notes by hand. In fact, many students still choose to take notes by hand in law school. (I, Ashley, was one of them! I felt I internalized the notes more and I was less distracted without a laptop in front of me!) However, a good laptop is a must. It will save you countless hours developing and revising your outlines, which should be the core of your focus during classes. While computers can get pricey, the convenience of having one overshadows the financial commitment.

2. …and some other note-taking device

A laptop is a great investment, but if you cannot afford one, or prefer to take notes by hand, invest in notepads and good writing implements. We suggest buying notepads in bulk. You are going to roll through them as your 1L year progresses! Also make sure to stock up on pens, pencils, and highlighters. Even if you decide to invest in a computer later, highlighters and pens always come in handy for taking notes in your textbooks and for actively reviewing your outlines.

3. A good backpack

A good backpack is also one of our law school essentials. Throughout the year, you’ll haul around your laptop, textbooks, papers, writing implements, and probably too many other things to mention. Investing in a solid, dependable backpack will make your life so much easier that it should be a no-brainer purchase before your 1L year. Read some of our backpack carrying tips here.

4. At least one suit

“Why?” you might ask. Job interviews are still a couple of years away. Well, despite the casual dress code adopted by most law students these days, you will have need of a good suit since most law schools have oral arguments during your 1L year. Even if your school doesn’t, there’s probably some other event that will require dress attire, like internship interviews or alumni dinners. Get purchasing one out of the way early in your law school career so you don’t find yourself in a pinch later on.

5. To-go coffee container & water bottle

Yes, one of our law school essential is to purchase a to-go coffee container and water bottle. Law school is expensive enough as it is. Although a cup of coffee or bottle of water is a relatively cheap purchase, these expenses can really add up if you indulge in them multiple times every week. Instead, make your coffee at home, and bring it in an insulated to-go cup. A good one will keep your drink warm most of the day. In the same way, a water bottle will help you stay hydrated while not costing you any extra money. Not only will you save yourself extra expenditures, but you will also be environmentally friendly as well! In the same vein, if you will be at school all day, consider purchasing a lunchbox and bringing food with you.

6. Day planner/phone app

With the amount of things you will need to accomplish each day of your 1L year, you’ll need to stay organized. A day planner, or a day planning app on your phone, is also one of our law school essentials. Not only will it help you keep track of events you cannot afford to miss, but it also will help you structure your day. You can clearly mark out classes, study times, and any other things you need to squeeze into your schedule.

7. Stress relievers

If you want to stay healthy your first year, you’ll need to find some way to relieve your stress. This can take a variety of forms. If you like to exercise, it is a great way to both stay in shape and provide a way to channel stress. Invest in exercise clothes, running shoes, or even a stationary bike before law school. You are much more likely to follow through on exercise if you already have things like these at your disposal.

Exercise is not the only way to find stress relief. Anything that allows you to relax is fair game. Enjoy cooking? Look into getting a meal delivery service. Like to unwind with a favorite TV show? A Netflix or Hulu subscription can be a good way to leave your worries behind. Even simple, inexpensive things like bubble bath can help you relax and unwind after a hard day. Whatever it is, make sure you take time for yourself during law school.

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