1. Remember that you are just as brilliant, well-rounded, and accomplished as anyone else at law school. 
When I started 1L last year, I immediately felt intimidated by all the impressive people I met. I thought to myself, “How could I possibly measure up to a class full of such amazing people?” But, what I learned throughout the course of the year is that everyone has particular talents and accomplishments and no one is really better, or smarter, than anyone else. Having the mentality that you need to ‘measure up’ to your classmates is what makes you high-strung first semester and ultimately will lead you to morph into a scared, less confident version of yourself. Just remember that you got into law school, and be confident about who you are and what you can do.

2. Keep on top of your readings
I actually was given this advice before I started law school by a friend who already was in law school in Western Canada. He told me that once you got behind in readings, it was like a snowball effect. If you get behind in a little bit, you will do it again, and again, until the point where it is physically impossible to ever catch up again. I tried to keep on top of my readings for most of first semester and for the most part I was successful. However, I also must note that I learn through reading rather than lectures so for me, doing the readings was the core part of the learning that I did in law school. Also, take notes while you read. Yes, it will take longer (particularly in the beginning), but trust me, once you read something you don’t want to have to go back and do it again. Also, if you do the readings before class (highly recommended) and take notes, you can follow along in class with the notes you made and instead of typing frantically for the majority of the class you can actually LISTEN and just fill in your notes with what you missed / got wrong. PLUS, if you keep up with your readings and make notes during the year, exam time will be a breeze (ok not a breeze, but at least not a gale-force wind!) 

3. Learn your study style

As alluded to above, everyone has a different study style. Some people absorb information best through reading, others through listening and taking notes, and some through more artistic ways – like drawing pictures. Hopefully you already know what way you prefer to learn from undergrad. However, I might note that I altered my study process slightly when I came to law school. In undergrad, I would read the textbook throughout the course and then once again (the entire thing) right before the exam. However, I knew that in law school this wouldn’t work. I needed the information summarized in front of me for class (I can’t remember details of so many cases!) AND I knew that there was no way I could possible read all of the cases / readings before each exam. So take your style from undergrad and amp it up a bit to fit the law school experience.

4. Have fun!

First year semester is tough, but believe me it is a lot tougher when you block out the outside world and do nothing but study all the time. Sure, you might be ahead of the game if you study and stress all the time – but what’s the fun in that? In my opinion, law school isn’t just about learning content and doing well in exams. It’s about the experience – making friends, colleagues, and a future network, and being able to look back on these years as some of the best in your life. You don’t have to party every weekend or attend every event, but make sure to give yourself a break (often) and do something fun! Also – if you had a hobby from undergrad, keep it up! Sing, dance, play a sport, whatever! It’s important not to forget who you are when you come to law school.

5. For those of you that live in Passy: There is a grocery store a 10 minute walk away! 

Ok, so this is just for those who live in Passy (as I did). The whole year I was frustrated at having to get groceries. It’s a necessity of life but sometimes when you are crazy busy, and without a car it can really be a source of anxiety. Anyways, after bumming rides, renting Zipcars, taxiing, and even taking the BUS to some of the bigger grocery stores like Walmart or Superstore to get food, I discovered (in the last couple weeks of school) that there was a lovely community grocery store on Sentinel / Four Winds Drive. It’s an easy walk and SERIOUSLY takes less time, money, and effort than any of the other options, especially if you don’t have a car!