2007 competition

What advice would you give to students starting your course?

Our 2007 student essay competition was won by Marilena Fellas (University of Gloucester) – read her essay below.

Marilena received a cheque for £250 jointly sponsored by UKCLE and the Higher Education Academy, and her entry was submitted to the Academy’s national essay competition final.

In the beginning you’ll notice that everyone attends and seems eager to learn, and then expect to see the numbers decrease and only see certain people on certain days. I know this because I was one of those people. All of a sudden the workload seems less appealing than the nights out, and the freedom that comes with living away from home can become a great excuse to not attend the lectures. If law is your passion and truly the course for you, then do not do this.

From what I have seen, some people take this course with the thought that a law degree is of great value, but not actually in order for them to work in the legal profession. If you choose this course for the degree and not for the subject, be certain it is what you want, otherwise as some of my fellow students did, you will decide you are bored or are not enjoying the subject, and in the long run what that means is that you will waste a year of your life and a hell of a lot of money. So my advice would be to be absolutely positive that it is what you want and to expect anything but an ‘easy ride’.

I made assumptions about my course, and thought that attending my lectures was sufficient, and to simply pass then yes, going to lectures will probably be sufficient – just about, and still I know people who had the mentality that ‘a pass is enough’ and have now paid hundreds of pounds to repeat a module as otherwise they wouldn’t be allowed to continue with their degree, and now have second year workload as well as a whole module to complete again. This is not ideal for the second year as it is hard enough without the extra stresses, rushing to get everything done, and having no social life!

I had a bad attendance record, I didn’t do all of the reading, and I hardly attended any of my tutorials. This resulted in grade Bs being reduced to Ds, as my relaxed attitude caused me to do badly in my exams as I hadn’t studied adequately. When I finally realised that I had to change my behaviour towards the course if I was to succeed, I was lucky enough to have passed my first year and therefore could make a change in my second. I attended all of my tutorials and lectures, and I completed all of my reading in time for my lectures and small group sessions, and I found that in doing so it was a perfect opportunity to make revision notes for my exams, saving me a lot of needed time!

I had the view that if all the facts are taught in the lectures, then there was no need to waste my time with extra reading or other classes that would only repeat what I was already learning in my lectures. Many people, as I did, thought the tutorials were not important and not very beneficial for a deeper understanding of the course. However this opinion is far from correct and the truth is that the subjects are somewhat of a jigsaw puzzle, and some days you may sit in a lecture and not understand what the lecturer is talking about whatsoever. Attending the small group sessions is a chance to have a more intimate discussion on the subject and to raise any questions. By the end of the session, most people find, and I certainly have, that the missing pieces suddenly appear and complete the puzzle.

To obtain a good grade, lecturers look for more than a clear understanding, they look for a deeper grasp of the subject. A grade which is above average cannot be obtained by going to the lectures and understanding the subject. Staying updated with the news, and doing research into the law whenever possible are factors which will instantly enhance a grade, as lecturers will notice an individual perception, and that exterior sources have been sought after in order to achieve an improved understanding and an extensive knowledge. These are vital elements to being above average and exceeding expectations.

This year I would like to say I have redeemed myself, and I feel a giant weight has been lifted with the fear of failure now gone! I love my course and am enjoying it so much more now that I understand subjects better as I have studied them appropriately! What new students must understand is that although a law degree is certainly challenging, it is far from difficult if it is given the time and effort it needs and deserves. There is plenty of time to be a student, to party till the break of dawn, and everything else that comes with the title! The key to enjoying the university life is to find a balance, and remembering that if the work is done and dusted then there are no worries, no stresses, and subsequently extra time to party!

Last Modified: 15 November 2010