Making the Move to Law School
Avoid Early Setbacks with Costs, Financial Aid, Roomates, Housing
Being accepted into law school is a thrilling moment. However, now is the time to think about initial important matters such as costs, financial aid, and where to live.
Being accepted into law school is an exciting time. It is a major accomplishment, a signal of hard work in the past and hard work to come. In making the shift to your new career, there are certain measures you can take that will make the transition easier.
Additionally, it is vitally important to get certain matters squared away before the semester begins, so that you can devote your full attention to your studies. In other words, your first week of law school is not the time to be setting up phone service, setting up internet service, or getting the electricity turned on. Here are some things to think about well in advance of your big move.
Money Matters
Getting accepted into law school is one thing; paying for it is another. First, determine what the full-year tuition is at your school. This will give you an estimate on how much financial aid you will need, if any. Additionally, do not forget about the cost of books. Law school textbooks are even more expensive than undergraduate textbooks, and this is a cost that must be taken into account. If you can, buy used books that are in good condition.
There are several institutions that lend money for individuals going to law school. Sallie Mae and Access Group are two of the most popular for law school loans, but this is a major financial transaction, so do some shopping around before you sign anything. Furthermore, your school might work with only a select number of lenders, so your options may be limited.
Scholarships are something else to consider when discussing money. Very few students get scholarships before the first year of law school. Some schools, however, will give students partial aid packages based solely on their undergraduate performance. Check your school’s website for financial aid information and do not hesitate to apply. They are there for a reason, so do your best to take advantage of them.
If it turns out that you don’t get a scholarship of some kind, be aware that some law schools award outstanding academic performance after a student’s first year. So, if you come out of your first year near the top of your class, there is a chance you could get a tuition reduction for the following year.
Finding a Place to Live
Your school will have housing information on its website, and most schools will have a bulletin board somewhere on campus that will list places that are available for rent.
Ideally, you should live as close to the school as possible (but do not get a dorm if they are available). The closer you are to school, the less traffic you will have to fight, the longer you can sleep, and the more time you will have to study. A 30-minute commute right after a grueling class will wear most people out, and you will be less inclined to study when you get home. In fact, living close enough to where you can walk to class is the perfect situation.
Above all, get a place that is quiet. While you might be inclined to do most of your studying in the library, nothing replaces the quiet comfort of your home. Plus, right before exams, the library is packed with students and an abundance of tension.
Roommate?
If you have the means, you should not get a roommate. You do not want your law school experience to be soured because of a bad living situation. And please, avoid an undergraduate roommate at all costs. They have no idea what you are going through, and they are likely to equate their experience with yours, i.e., what’s the big deal with having people over at 2 a.m.?
If you must get a roommate, look for a fellow law student or even a med student. They know what you are going through and will be sympathetic to the cause.
Orientation
Even if going to orientation is not mandatory, it is a very good idea to attend. This is likely where you will first meet your fellow students. Introduce yourself and talk about your background. Many valuable, lifelong friendships from law school begin at orientation.
Additionally, from a practical standpoint, you will learn where everything is—from classrooms to the library. You do not want to be frantically running to your first law school class because you cannot find the classroom.
Law school is tough enough as it is. Make sure you have everything situated before you start classes. Otherwise, you might start out behind and never catch up.
