1. Stress and Time Management

2. Stress & Time management  For school leavers, they shall notice that university life is far different from school life  More freedom is given to students  Students need to undertake responsibility for their own learning  Self-learning requires good time management and self discipline

3.  As a law student, you must find a place to study that works for you, a corner in the library, your office at home or another library.  The place must be free from distractions and quiet.

4. Get Organised  Organization is the key to conquering law school.  MAKE A STUDY SCHEDULE that works for you and stick to it at all times. Post the schedule everywhere and keep a copy with each of your books.  Adhering to a schedule will keep your stress down and will allow you to enjoy the small bit of free time you actually allow yourself.

5. COMPARTMENTALIZE, PRIORITIZE, AND PLAN.  Learn to First, compartmentalize: you have to be able to separate the many different commitments and tasks you have to handle in and out of law school.  Next, prioritize: write down all of your commitments and put them in order of importance.  Finally, plan: schedule your days and weeks to work on everything that needs your attention.

6.  Each subject must have a notebook with each days notes on a separate page dated.  Pasting a copy of your syllabus inside the front cover of your textbook works to help keep up with reading assignments.  Begin your study session with a review of your class notes. Then check your syllabus and prepare the topics for the next class day.

7.  Be sure to read the notes at the end of each chapter in your case books and try to answer the questions. This exercise will help you prepare for class and enhance your participation in class.  While preparing for class, make notes and jot down questions that you may have for the professor at the end of your notes.

8.  Allow room under each topic in your outline for in-class notes.  In class, fill in the gaps left in your outline with Professor hypotheticals and specific points that will clarify your understanding  If your questions were not answered in class make an appointment ASAP to see your professor or tutor during their office hours.

9. Time Management  Time management is a learned skill. If you are on top of your time, you will be successful.  You must make a study schedule that allows for every event in your life.  That way you can keep track of what have done, what needs to be done, and what must do as soon as possible.  Making and following a schedule is the most effective way to manage your time.

10.  Complete it by writing down the more permanent time commitments (all classes, tutorials, eating times -- breakfast, lunch, dinner)  Add study periods for each subject.  Schedule study periods in two or three hour blocks with 5 -10 minutes break between each block during the time of the day when you are most alert.

11.  Remember to block periods to complete your assignments.

12. ‘Sleeping well is the best studying technique’  Be sure to include bed time in your schedule.  You need to rest the brain at some point so that you can get maximum performance from it the next day.  Most people must have at least 6 hours sleep each night to be effective the next day.  Schedule your down time, usually Friday nights and Sunday mornings. You will come to cherish these times of solitude.

13. Include personal activities...  Schedule other personal tasks or activities that are not so permanent  i.e. shopping, going to the doctor, cooking, helping children, laundry etc.  Make several copies of the schedule and each week fill in the incidentals as it suits your particular situation.  Your schedule should have all of your activities from when you get up in the morning till when you get to bed at night.

14. Some points to consider…  Develop a time management system for yourself and learn to love it and use it.  Recognize that law school requires a heavy commitment  SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS for yourself. Recognize your limits – academically, mentally, and physically – and set your goals accordingly.