10 Things You Should Buy Before You Start Law School
Getting ready to start law school can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time, filled with the anticipation of embarking on a challenging academic journey and the anxiety of not knowing exactly what to expect.
In less than two months, I'll be starting law school at FIU Law, and to be completely honest, I'm not mentally ready. The reality of this major life change is both thrilling and daunting. The idea of diving into endless casebooks and navigating the Socratic method sometimes feels overwhelming.
To help ease this transition, I've been on a mission to gather the essential items that will not only make my life easier but also help me excel in my studies. I can truly speak from experience because I'm going through it right now! I've spoken to many law students to see what they needed, and I've compiled a list based on their recommendations that you can purchase easily through Amazon or add to your wish list!
1. Monitor
Obviously, a laptop is a must have for law school, but many don't think about how having an extra screen can be a game-changer for productivity. A lot of law students I spoke to talked about how much quicker they were able to get through their studies with a monitor. Whether you're doing research or drafting briefs a monitor allows for a more efficient workspace. You can get a monitor on Amazon now for less than $90!
2. Book Stand
As we all know (and if you didn’t know, you might want to do some more research on what you’re getting yourself into) law school entails a LARGE amount of reading. Keeping your heavy casebooks propped up can save you from neck and back strain. A sturdy book stand is essential for hours of comfortable reading. I personally prefer the elevated stands though they are a bit pricy, but you can also go for a regular book stand for a more affordable cost.
3. Backpack (NOT A TOTE BAG, SORRY FASHIONISTAS!)
While tote bags might look chic, a durable backpack is far more practical for carrying your laptop, books, and other essentials. I personally wanted a tote bag, but I was informed by a current law student that it would only be a recipe for a bad shoulder with the weight of books assigned during 1L year. Here are some bags from amazon with durability and compartmental space. VANKEAN 17 Inch Laptop Backpack for Women Men Fashion Computer Work Bag, Large Capacity Waterproof Backpack with USB Port & RFID Pockets, College Daypack Business Travel, Black , JanSport Cool Backpack, with 15-inch Laptop Sleeve - Large Computer Bag Rucksack with 2 Compartments, Ergonomic Straps, Misty Rose
4. Ear Plugs
Ear plugs can be a lifesaver in noisy environments, whether you're studying in a bustling café or a crowded library. As someone who struggles with ADD, earplugs are a MUST. They help maintain focus and block out distractions. These earplugs from Amazon are amazing and helped me through LSAT Studying as well. Loop Quiet Ear Plugs for Noise Reduction – Super Soft, Reusable Hearing Protection in Flexible Silicone for Sleep, Noise Sensitivity - 8 Ear Tips in XS/S/M/L – 24dB & NRR 14 Noise Cancelling – Black
5. Dry Erase Board
A dry erase board is perfect for visual learners. When law school exams come around, students find the white board especially important for learning important points. Use it for mind maps, flowcharts, or simply jotting down important dates and deadlines.
6. Planner
Staying organized is key in law school in order to keep up with assignments and make sure you’re still able to carve out time for self-care activities. Taking care of your mental and physical health is essential for maintaining balance and ensuring long-term success in your studies. Be sure to read my article on How to minimize stress in law school for more tips and advice on managing stress effectively. A good planner helps you keep track of assignments, exams, and personal commitments, ensuring you stay on top of everything. I personally got mines from Ross for under $10, but you can also purchase some nice ones on Amazon!
7. Colorful Tabs
These are great for highlighting important sections in your textbooks and organizing your notes. Colorful tabs make it easy to find information quickly. You can get a pack of 3200 pcs on Amazon for only $10!
8. Ashwagandha
This one was a very popular item that many law schools sung praises about. With how stressful Law school can be, taking care of your mental health is crucial. Ashwagandha is a natural supplement that can help manage stress and improve focus. Amazon’s best seller is going for $12, but they also have another for only $10! Both will work perfectly fine!
9. Coffee Cups
In Law school we can expect to stay up often to get studying done. Long study sessions often require caffeine. Having a good coffee cup, especially one that's insulated, keeps your coffee warm and your energy up. This pack of 4 coffee cups from Amazon come with a lid and cap and are reusable for your convenience! Not only are they super cute but super affordable too for only $15!
10. Case Brief Template
Having a reliable case brief template can make your study sessions much more efficient. Using a template as such can be a lifesaver in organizing case summaries and ensuring you don’t miss any critical details. Get my FREE Case Brief Template made from expertise from current law students. Use the form below to get INSTANT access to this printable template and ease your note-taking process.
FREE Case Brief Template Printable PDF!
Conclusion
Preparing for law school is about more than just hitting the books. Having the right tools can make your journey smoother and more successful. Best of luck to all future law students out there—we've got this!
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Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more personalized recommendations. I’m always here to help fellow aspiring lawyers!
