How do you find information on law courses? Read on to find out!

While you may have chosen to study law after watching Suits or How to Get Away with Murder, being a lawyer isn’t all about intense courtroom trials or coffee-fuelled all-nighters in corporate offices.

So what is a lawyer and what do they traditionally do? Read this to find out!

SOCIAL INCLUSION

An important yet neglected element of inclusion is inclusion in your social life! When taking on a law degree it can become difficult to balance all areas of your life. Many students may find themselves constantly working or study and not effectively communicting with their friends and family. It is extremely important that you continue to be social and that you make time to see those who matter most to you. They are a great support system and hanging out with them ensures you have proper breaks from your university life.

PUT YOU FIRST!

Remember first priority is to still take care of you, socialising is super important but not at the cost of your own mental health. If you haven’t taken time out for yourself to rest and relax and are exhausted - do not see your friends none stop or else you could burn out.

Socialising is great but always look after yourself first.

You can achieve this by going for a walk by yourself, doing some self care, reading a book, meditating, catching up on sleep or even just watching netflix.

TOP 10 TIPS AND TRICKS!!

Here are our top ten tips and tricks to feel socially included whilst being busy as a bee!

1. Study buddy or study groups

As you will be spending a fair amount of time studying and at university, it can be super handing to form study groups or ot have a study buddy. These can be people you bond with over class and can also be individuals you grab a coffee or lunch with. This is also a great way at improving your studies and ensuring you remain motivated through university.

2. Exercise while socialising

It is super important for your mental and physically wellbeing to remain active throughout university. While it is easier to neglect this aspect for work or study, it is a crucial part of your productivity and overall health. Exercising while socialising is a great chance to hang out with friends while also remaining fit. For example, you could walk with a friend or go to the gym together. Additionally, Monash Sport has many different types of group fitness activities such as yoga, pilates, and zumb which you are able to attend with a friend.

3. Call more often

While you may find yourself busy and running from activity to activity, calling between is a great way of catching up with friends. For example, if you are doing mundane tasks like shopping or driving, call you friend, catch up! It’s not like you can study in those moments

4. Do a special dinner night with friends

This could be a taco Tuesday or spaghetti Wednesday. Regardless, invite some of your friends, everyone brings a couple ingredients and you can bond whilst preparing the dinner together and enjoy one another's company while eating.

5. Movie night with friends.

Remember earlier when we said its super important to be rested yourseklf before hanging out with friends - well, this is the other way around! Hang out with friends whilst you relax (the best of both worlds).

6. Lunch with friends

Yes law can be busy, and sometimes lunch outings end up being a huge ordeal instead when you next organise a lunch or coffee date, go somewhere close and local and let your friend know you have an appointment or class in 60/90/120 minutes. This will ensure you are staying on schedule and don’t overspend time at a lunch or small outing.

7. Student competitions

There are many student associations, such as the Law Students Societies (LSS) that run heaps of competitions throughout the year. For example, they hosting mooting competitions, witness examinations, and negotiations, all of which can be entered with a friend. These competitions are great ways to make connections with other individuals while also getting some great experience in different areas. Additionally, the LSS run competitions that are just for women, such as the Womens Moot. This is a great chance for women to meet others while feeling comfortable and confident.

8. Student clubs and Associations

There are heaps of student clubs and associations at Monash that you are able to join. These include both law based ones, and other clubs that may be based on interest or identity. These clubs often run social events at both Monash and outside Monash, such as bar nights. They can also host fun activities on campus, such as study clubs, book clubs, morning teas, and different volunteering experiences. These are really great chances to be able to meet people with similar interests to you while spending time in a field you are passionate about. Additionally, certain clubs host social events for BIPOC, LGBTIQ+, women and allies. It is a great opportunity to build support groups and friendships where you can share your experiences with them.

9. Don’t be scared to branch out in class

You will spend many hours a week in different classes. This becomes much more manageable if you are able to make friends in class. Additionally, this can be a great source of motivation and these people can become those who you turn to when it comes to questions or worries you may have in the class. This can also remove some anxiety of going to class as you can be reassured that there will be someone for you to both work, and chat with.

10.Networking events

Both Monash and student teams run networking events. These are opportunities to meet other students and industry professionals. Many find them quite daunting to attend alone, so bringing a friend can certainly alleviate this stress. At the events, there are many opportunities to chat with other students with the same passion and drive as you. It is also a great chance to talk to those in the industry about possible work and internship opportunities. While it is important to social with friends and family, it can also be super important to socialise with those working in fields you may be interested in and to build connections within the professional working world. These connections can become super handy in years to come.