9 Tips on How to Thrive and not just Survive University

For First Years/Freshers

1.      Throw yourself into the deep end – every fresher is in the same position as you, everyone is nervous. Be the first to start a conversation. Make friends and have fun!

2.      Join Societies – this is such a great way to make friends, start a new hobby or continue one you already love.

3.      Law Society – if you are an aspiring barrister, definitely sign up for your law societies’ mooting competition. I would also suggest doing other competitions too such as negotiations, client interviewing and mock trial; not only do these develop skills suited towards becoming a barrister, but you can also explore what being a solicitor is like to be sure that you want to take the route to the Bar.

4.      Don’t forget to study – depending on what University you attend means first year may or may not count towards your final degree classification. At my university first year was worth 10%, so it is well worth putting in effort and having a solid grade to start. Even if your university does not count first year toward your final grade, still study so you have a solid foundation of knowledge which will help in your other years of study and beyond. Additionally, some sets do ask for all your grades in pupillage applications!

For Second Years

5.      Keep studying – whilst it is so important to keep seeing your friends and having fun, try not to neglect your studies too much. If you have plans in the evening, make sure to set aside time in the morning to study.

6.      Work experience - Start applying for marshalling and mini pupillages if you haven’t already done so. You may not want to do this in your final year in order to prioritise study. Chambers and Court should be accommodating to any accessibility needs. Unfortunately however, some do not have wheelchair access, so look into this before applying.

For Final Year

7.      Final stretch - Whether you are averaging at a 2:2, 2:1 or a First, this is your time to give it the final push. At my university, third year was worth 60%, some universities are worth 70%, so this is definitely your chance to push up your average. Look back at past exams and coursework and take on the feedback from your lecturers. If you are still unsure, reach out and email a lecturer and ask if you can arrange a meeting to go over a past exam you took and identify the areas where you can improve.

8.      Start a study group – if a study group works for you this can be an amazing way to keep each other engaged and motivated. If you work better on your own, try putting on relaxing music in the background, put headphones in or set 30-minute timers and after each one give yourself a 5-minute break to stay on track.

9.      Scholarships – Aspiring barristers should consider applying for an Inns of Court Scholarship, this can give you financial support during the Bar Course. Check out our blog “Bar Scholarship Interview – A truthful insight into the Inner Temples Scholarship Process”. Note that they also have scholarship funding for the GDL, so if you didn’t do law as an undergraduate, you could get funding for this year as well.

Getting support as a Disabled Student

• Disabled Students Allowance – before starting university or even during study, you can apply for disabled students allowance through Student Finance England. They may be able to provide you with specialist equipment to assist with your studies. If you are an international student, your university may have individual schemes that will fund your support.

• Contact your university about any additional needs such as extra time or use of a laptop during exams, audio recording lectures etc.

• Contact your accommodation provider if you have additional requirements such as the need of a first floor flat in halls, access to a lift or an accessible room.

By Holly Parker, Chief Editor for Legal Updates and Blogging at Bringing [Dis]Ability to the Bar