[ Makenzie Way, 3L at the University of Pennsylvania ]
Our time as law students is coming to an end and it’s making me strangely sentimental.
Entering as a 1L I had no idea what to expect (I was first generation after all). For the past three years, I have not only learned what law school entails and to survive and thrive in this odd environment, but I’ve also learned that being a law student is more than just your classes and job prospects – it’s the friends you make, the clubs you join, the events you attend, and the memories you make.
If you’re a 3L like me, then take advantage of your last few months and check off any remaining law school bucket list items you may have. If you’re a 1L, 2L, or newly admitted student, start making your list now! Three years really fly by fast.
- Participate in the majority of your orientation activities to solidify a friend group early
- Survive 1L
- Get at least one A
- Make a best friend for life
- Attend bar review, actually, attend multiple
- Share a meal or a coffee with a professor you idolize
- Absolutely crush a cold call and live off the ensuing high for hours
- Go all out with your Halloween costume at least once
- Attend a networking event (even if it is just for the food)
- Do the writing competition
- Nail an oral argument
- Pre-game for an event with your section
- Join your school’s intramural sports team (i.e. bowling)
- Survive attending your first class unprepared (it’ll happen eventually)
- Make friends with someone outside of your section and outside of your year
- Do a pro bono project that honestly makes you excited to become a lawyer
- Get your dream job (or just a job)
- Take a road-trip with your law school friends
- Participate in a school-organized spring break trip
- Get all the free stuff with your Lexis points
- Watch a local sports game live
- Pull an all-nighter preparing for class or for a final
- Find a suit that fits you perfectly
- Purchase apparel with your school logo on it (and wear it proudly)
- Join at least one student organization (apply to be on the board if you have time)
- Attend Trivia night with your friends
- Ditch the books for the night and go out dancing instead
- Spend a week wearing something other than leggings or hoodies around campus
But most importantly, make the most of your time as a law student!