1. TIPS FOR SUCCESS AS A LAW STUDENT AT U.C.T.
Dean Penelope Andrews
January 2018

2. 1. CLASS PREPARATION
Many students arrive at university and find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings that can feel overwhelming and sometimes intimidating. Below are a few tips on how to approach your Law School studies at UCT.

3. 1. CLASS PREPARATION
Preparing for your classes is the best thing you can do. It is a good habit to develop which will stand you in good stead throughout your years of study:
Do the readings
Make case summaries
Review before each class
Prepare an outline for each class
Go to class!

4. 2. IN CLASS
Once you are in class, it doesn’t help to simply sit – you have to put in more effort than that:
Pay attention in class
Participate in class
Take class notes

5. 3. OUTSIDE CLASS
Besides preparing for your lectures and actively participating in class, there are a number of other important things you should do:
Attend your tutorials – these form an important part of teaching time, and aren’t optional
Attend review sessions – use these opportunities whenever they are on offer
Take advantage of feedback from your lecturers – this feedback provides valuable insight into your strengths and weaknesses
Visit lecturers during office hours with specific questions – make time to follow up with your lecturers, and prepare your questions so that you can make the most of your lecturers’ available time.

6. 4. MINIMISE STRESS AND ANXIETY
Studying Law at university can be immensely stressful. The work can be difficult, the course load tough and demanding, and you will also be dealing with life and other difficulties from time-to-time. It is very important that you put systems in place to minimize the inevitable stresses that arise during your student years

7. 4. MINIMISE STRESS AND ANXIETY
Ensure that you have a mentor assigned to you – and meet with him/her, ask questions, share your concerns, get advice. All first-year students will be assigned a mentor. If you are in your 2nd or 3rd year of study and would like a mentor, contact the Dean’s Office in this regard.
Create a study plan that works for you - plan your work, prepare for your assignments, and do not wait until the last minute to hand in assignments.
Get help if you need it – find out who the different people are that you can approach for what kind of help (for example. Library, IT, Health & Wellness, course selection, course content, advice on study methods, financial support and others) and become familiar with signs that indicate you that you may or do need help.
Don’t be shy, and don’t stay stuck feeling unsupported! Ask for help, support, advice and guidance. If you don’t know who to ask, contact the Law Students Council, the Faculty Office, or the Dean’s office.

8. 4. MINIMISE STRESS AND ANXIETY
USEFUL CONTACTS at UCT LAW
Student Advisors in the Law Faculty |
Law Students Council |
Law Faculty Office |
Law Library | or call
ICTS for student support |
Campus Protection Services | CPS 24-hour hotline on /3
Student Health & Wellness
General
Counselling

9. 4. MINIMISE STRESS AND ANXIETY
Be clear about your learning boundaries and be wary of distractions.
Consider forming or joining a study group that supports you in your efforts to understand the work – chances are that your classmates have similar questions, may be similarly confused or unclear, may be excited and inspired by the subject matter in particular courses. In a study group you will be able to support, teach and inspire each other.
Competition is good, especially if you compete against your best. Do not get caught up in the competitive aspects of Law School, especially in boorish behaviour that serves to demean others.

10. 5. BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE
It is essential that you find ways to balance the demands of your coursework with other activities and interests, and to remember when things are particularly challenging that there is help and advice available to help you get over the obstacles.

11. 5. BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE
You need to set aside time for friends, family life and play – it is really important to ensure you have a balance in your life (join a UCT sports club, or other extra- mural activity – there is lots on offer).
Find humour in situations – it can often help!
Be kind to yourself and others when you are uncertain – don’t get down on yourself, especially if you know you are doing your best.
Remember failure provides another opportunity to succeed again – you have to be willing to motivate yourself when things aren’t as you would like them to be.
If you only see the obstacles, you’ll lose sight of the goal – keep your eye on the big picture, while attending to and taking care of the detail