Pre 1L Checklist: Get Law School Started Right!

Pre 1L Checklist: Get Law School Started Right!

If you’re starting law school this fall, the first day of class will be here before you know it. Complete this pre 1L checklist so you can hit the ground running once classes begin.

Pre 1L Checklist: Get Law School Started Right!

1. Line Up Your Living Situation And Move-In Early if Possible

The last thing you want to do is look for a place to live while classes start. If you can, decide where you’ll live the summer before you start your 1L year. If you’re looking for roommates, your school may be able to connect you with other students.

Most law schools have orientations for incoming students before classes begin. If at all possible, plan to move in at least several days before your orientation begins. That will give you time to set up your place and get familiar with the neighborhood before you become immersed in law school.

Check out these five tips for settling into a new city for law school to help ensure it’s a smooth transition.

2. Gather Your Supplies

One of the first law school decisions you’ll make is how you take notes in class—though some professors make this a moot point by prohibiting laptop use. Whether you plan to use your computer or to take notes by hand, make sure you buy those supplies in advance.

If possible, you may want to buy your textbooks early too. If you do, double-check with the administration to make sure your classes won’t change. Once you have the green light, you can cross another item off your pre-1L checklist.

Be sure you have these 7 essentials on your law school shopping list!

3. Come Up With a Plan

To succeed in law school, you need a plan. Use a study schedule to stay on top of your reading, as procrastination won’t work in law school. You should also think about where you plan to study. Are you most productive at home? In the library? In a coffee shop?

When creating your study plan, don’t forget to build in time for meals, exercise, and sleep! Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for success in your 1L year.

Learn how to do exactly this in our guide and video on how to craft the perfect law school study schedule.

4. Enjoy Your Summer

Once you’ve laid the groundwork for your first semester of law school, shift your focus back to the present. The summer before law school starts is the last extended free time you’ll have for a while, so take advantage! Spend time with friends and family, read for pleasure, or catch up on that TV show you’ve been neglecting. It’s important that you spend these last few weeks enjoying yourself. Here’s a list of reasons it’s important to have fun before law school begins!

Starting law school might feel intimidating, but after working through this pre 1L checklist you’ll feel more prepared than ever.

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