The Student Room Group

GYG: The Day in the Life of a Law Student

Hello Everyone! :smile:

Welcome to my Grow Yours Grades blog! This is a space for me to document what it is like being a university student reading law by giving you an insight into my life and what I get up to, and maybe even grow my grades in the process!

This is also a space for you to ask me any questions you might have. You can ask me about literally anything but some of the things you may ask might be about include:

What it is like studying law.

Questions about the law.

Study advice.

What it is like studying at the University of Leicester.

What Leicester is like as a city.

My hobbies.

Why do I do things the way I do?

How can you prepare to study law etc etc.

The list really goes on and there is no problem if your questions are not related to the above, it might be what is my favourite colour? :pride:
About Me!
My name is Charlie and I am a second year Law LLB student studying at the University of Leicester. When I was applying for University, I was originally never going even to consider The University of Leicester but I changed my mind (thanks to my psychology teacher) and came to an open day. I was amazed at just how friendly Leicester was as both a city and a University compared to the other universities I had looked at and knew this was the place for me.

At A Level I did an A Level in Psychology and Mathematics and a WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology. Many people have told me this is a bizarre selection of A Levels. However, I chose them because I enjoyed these subjects and as well as this they have all had a positive influence on my law degree.

On top of my various other extra-curricular activities, whilst I was in sixth form, I was also a Corporal in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets where I had so many great opportunities such as going to Buckingham Palace four days before my first real A Level exam to celebrate my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award as well as completing an EPQ in Leadership Psychology which I have since published as a book which is available on amazon by the advice of my amazing tutor assessor.

My Modules
With this being my second year of study, in my first year, I covered:

Analysing Law

Law, Justice and Society

Contract Law

Law of Tort

Constitutional and Administrative Law

This was indeed a very interesting year despite what you may think about some of the above modules, which introduced us to areas of law that we may not have previously thought about. Let's face it, when thinking of the law many of us think of Criminal Law, not realising just how vast the subject actually is. The modules of year 2 may sound dull and boring, but I was surprised at just how interesting they actually are, therefore reminding me of the importance of keeping an open mind.

Criminal Law

Land Law

Law of EU-UK Relations

Equity and Trusts

It has been really interesting this year to explore the full depths of the law because there is more to law than meets the eye, especially when it comes to Equity.

My Extracurriculars and Hobbies
I have a very busy schedule when it comes to my extracurriculars and hobbies. Some of the things I have got involved in during my time at the University of Leicester include:

Mooting.

Legal Advisor in the Legal Advice Clinic.

The President and Radio Manager of Galaxy Radio, having decided to restart this society.

The Treasurer of the Criminology Society which I have helped restart.

Volunteering with the Student's Union on the Societies Council.

Volunteering with Leicester Cathedral

Bell ringing

Parkrun

Long Distance Walking

Peer Mentor and International Peer Mentor

My Employment Roles
I have also had the opportunity to engage in a number of paid roles which have been offered by the University of Leicester which supports my studies by both giving me an income but also developing transferable skills for employment.

Student Ambassador

Video Journey Project

Lead Mentor

My Future Ambitions
My current ambition after studying for my undergraduate degree is to go on to do the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC, which goes by many names but I will try to stick to this name) to qualify as a Barrister. Ultimately I am open to change.

At some point in the future, I would also love to do a PhD in Law to become Dr Charile. Not just for the title but because I enjoy academics and research so I will this will give me a really enjoyable academic experience.

:bl:
(edited 4 weeks ago)
Reply 1
Original post by UoL Students
Hello Everyone! :smile:
Welcome to my Grow Yours Grades blog! This is a space for me to document what it is like being a university student reading law by giving you an insight into my life and what I get up to, and maybe even grow my grades in the process!
This is also a space for you to ask me any questions you might have. You can ask me about literally anything but some of the things you may ask might be about include:

What it is like studying law.

Questions about the law.

Study advice.

What it is like studying at the University of Leicester.

What Leicester is like as a city.

My hobbies.

Why do I do things the way I do?

How can you prepare to study law etc etc.

The list really goes on and there is no problem if your questions are not related to the above, it might be what is my favourite colour? :pride:
About Me!
My name is Charlie and I am a second year Law LLB student studying at the University of Leicester. When I was applying for University, I was originally never going even to consider The University of Leicester but I changed my mind (thanks to my psychology teacher) and came to an open day. I was amazed at just how friendly Leicester was as both a city and a University compared to the other universities I had looked at and knew this was the place for me.
At A Level I did an A Level in Psychology and Mathematics and a WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology. Many people have told me this is a bizarre selection of A Levels. However, I chose them because I enjoyed these subjects and as well as this they have all had a positive influence on my law degree.
On top of my various other extra-curricular activities, whilst I was in sixth form, I was also a Corporal in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets where I had so many great opportunities such as going to Buckingham Palace four days before my first real A Level exam to celebrate my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award as well as completing an EPQ in Leadership Psychology which I have since published as a book which is available on amazon by the advice of my amazing tutor assessor.
My Modules
With this being my second year of study, in my first year, I covered:

Analysing Law

Law, Justice and Society

Contract Law

Law of Tort

Constitutional and Administrative Law

This was indeed a very interesting year despite what you may think about some of the above modules, which introduced us to areas of law that we may not have previously thought about. Let's face it, when thinking of the law many of us think of Criminal Law, not realising just how vast the subject actually is. The modules of year 2 may sound dull and boring, but I was surprised at just how interesting they actually are, therefore reminding me of the importance of keeping an open mind.

Criminal Law

Land Law

Law of EU-UK Relations

Equity and Trusts

It has been really interesting this year to explore the full depths of the law because there is more to law than meets the eye, especially when it comes to Equity.
My Extracurriculars and Hobbies
I have a very busy schedule when it comes to my extracurriculars and hobbies. Some of the things I have got involved in during my time at the University of Leicester include:

Mooting.

Legal Advisor in the Legal Advice Clinic.

The President and Radio Manager of Galaxy Radio, having decided to restart this society.

The Treasurer of the Criminology Society which I have helped restart.

Volunteering with the Student's Union on the Societies Council.

Volunteering with Leicester Cathedral

Bell ringing

Parkrun

Long Distance Walking

Peer Mentor and International Peer Mentor

My Employment Roles
I have also had the opportunity to engage in a number of paid roles which have been offered by the University of Leicester which supports my studies by both giving me an income but also developing transferable skills for employment.

Student Ambassador

Video Journey Project

Lead Mentor

My Future Ambitions
My current ambition after studying for my undergraduate degree is to go on to do the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC, which goes by many names but I will try to stick to this name) to qualify as a Barrister. Ultimately I am open to change.
At some point in the future, I would also love to do a PhD in Law to become Dr Charile. Not just for the title but because I enjoy academics and research so I will this will give me a really enjoyable academic experience.
:bl:

Hi Charlie, what’s your favourite law module? Also, what is something you wish you’d known before starting your LLB?
Hi Charlie, what’s your favourite law module? Also, what is something you wish you’d known before starting your LLB?


Hello @nwar,

I don't think I can say that I particularly have a favorite but I do have modules which I find particularly interesting, these include Contract Law, Tort Law, Land Law and Equity and Trusts. This may be because they are areas of law which are new to me, but even the modules I haven't mentioned are very interesting.

I can't really think of much that I wish I had known other than what do you actually cover in these modules, how are you expected to work and how do you succeed in assessments. These are points I will consider soon but I found three books in particular were helpful when I was waiting to start: Letters to a Law Student, The Successful Law Student and Glanville Williams: Learning the Law.

If you have any further questions please do let me know.

Charlie
Law LLB Student
Reply 3
Original post by UoL Students
Hello @nwar,
I don't think I can say that I particularly have a favorite but I do have modules which I find particularly interesting, these include Contract Law, Tort Law, Land Law and Equity and Trusts. This may be because they are areas of law which are new to me, but even the modules I haven't mentioned are very interesting.
I can't really think of much that I wish I had known other than what do you actually cover in these modules, how are you expected to work and how do you succeed in assessments. These are points I will consider soon but I found three books in particular were helpful when I was waiting to start: Letters to a Law Student, The Successful Law Student and Glanville Williams: Learning the Law.
If you have any further questions please do let me know.
Charlie
Law LLB Student

Thanks Charlie, best of luck with your degree and the BPTC
Thanks Charlie, best of luck with your degree and the BPTC


Thank you, and if you ever have any further questions do let us know!

Charlie
Law LLB Student
Hi Charlie!

I have applied to do Law at Leicester and the uni is my insurance choice - what do you think are the pro and cons of UOL and how were you able to transition from year 13 to university?
Original post by misanthrope07
Hi Charlie!
I have applied to do Law at Leicester and the uni is my insurance choice - what do you think are the pro and cons of UOL and how were you able to transition from year 13 to university?

Hello @misanthrope07

It is great to hear that you have applied to study law here at the University of Leicester. There are not many cons which I can think of and the odd one I can think of is very minor and insignificant such as teach two of the half year modules in a different order. Some of the pros include:

Leicester as both a University and city is so very friendly, one of the main reasons I chose Leicester.

The University is one of only two living war memorials in the country.

We have the second-largest law society in the country.

We have links to many of the well-respected law firms including from the golden circle and even placement opportunities with Solicitors which are exclusive to Leicester Law Students.

An award-winning legal advice clinic specialising in a range of areas which is really good for practical skills, this being part of the pro bono society which also have many more projects.

The teaching is of a very high quality, particularly in year 2, which is demonstrated by the university being rated gold in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework.

We are the Daily Mail's University of the year.

The majority of textbooks we use, particularly in year 2, are respected textbooks which are written by Leicester academics and largely our actual lecturers teaching us.

We have a range of different accommodations and for first-year students who apply before the 1st of September, they have guaranteed first-year accommodation. You can also live in university-managed accommodation after your first year if you so wish.


These are just some of the many pros of the University of Leicester and although I am responding from an official account they are all my own person opinions so this has been my experience!

Transitioning from year 13 to University was not easy because you are the teacher and the student at University whereas at school it is much more teacher-led. I, however, did have an advantage having studied part of my GCSEs and A Levels during the Coronavirus pandemic where I had to teach myself the content, but also from doing an EPQ which set me up very well for University study. It is also lots of reading but there are many books which go into detail about how to succeed particularly with the transition, I will mention those in a future post.

Essentially, at Leicester Law School we were given lots of advice in terms of publications known as "What to do at Law School!?!" by our contract law module convenor. All the other academics also added to this primary source of advice. All the academics were more than happy for me to go and see them in their office hours as well for further support, including my personal tutor who is extremely supportive.

Do make sure you come to one of our offer holder days as this will really give you a sense of what Leicester Law School is actually like. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to let me know.

Charlie
Law LLB Student
Tuesday 21st January 2025

Today has been a busy day mainly in the library reading a number of my textbooks for each subject but I have also had a couple of lectures today.

Lectures

Land Law Lecture: finishing the topic of proprietary estoppel by looking at when the court will reward remedies for when there has been proprietary estoppel.

Criminal Law: finished the topic of Homicide by continuing looking at statutory homicide offences, specifically driving related offences, problems and proposals regarding reform around the law of homicide and such practice exercises looking at different fictional scenarios.

Reading

Criminal Law Reading- reading about the statutory offences of homicide including assisted suicide, infanticide, causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable adult and driving offences.

EU Law Reading- reading about internal taxation which is forbidden due to restricting the EU internal market.

Land Law Reading- continuing to read the chapter on proprietary estoppel covering detriment and reliance as part of promissory estoppel.

Equity and Trusts Reading- continuing the reading on resulting trusts. When will a resulting trust arise with a non-charitable unincorporated association, particularly where there is a contract.

Other

Having also had feedback for my Equity and Trusts mock examination, I also went to see my marker to discuss the feedback in more detail.


On a Tuesday night, I have a night off for one of my hobbies, bell ringing which I have only got into since being a student at Leicester and would greatly recommend. I will therefore be doing this tonight!

Charlie
Law LLB Student
Wednesday 22nd January 2025
Wednesdays are often my free days from law lectures which gives me the perfect opportunity to catch up with all the reading, especially considering how law students do not get reading weeks.

Reading

Criminal Law Reading- In criminal law I finished reading the sections of the textbook on statutory homicide offences as well as the sections on reform of homicide law. It is interesting to consider how the way we label individuals as murderers or manslaughterers may not be fair and how a degree-level system comprising first-degree murder, second-degree murder and manslaughter may be better. My first impressions of this argument is that we may not need a degree-level system as the murder/manslaughter system may be satisfactory but maybe we just need to consider how to develop these two individual types of homicide. That is one of the fun things about a law degree, you are actively encouraged to argue your opinion (with evidence) and so in an exam I do not need to worry about preparing what the examiner wants to read, I just have to argue my point and why my point is correct and the opposing viewpoints are incorrect. This forms the basis of critical analysis.

EU Law Reading- I have continued looking at the free movement of goods and in particular measures having quantitative restrictions which are a type of non-fiscal barrier to international trade. These barriers are not allowed in the EU internal market.

Equity and Trusts Reading- Here I continue to look at resulting trusts, those trusts which result in property bouncing back when things may go wrong.

Land Law Reading- I continue to look at the elements of proprietary estoppel, mainly the idea of detrimental reliance. This is when someone promises you something such as living in a house for the rest of your life and so you rely on this statement by spending a lot of money on the said house.

Other

Society Event- University is not all about study and at the University of Leicester we have over 200 student-led societies. Personally I am on the committee (and for some of these societies senior committee/president) for the Criminology Society, Christian Union, Pro Bono Society and Galaxy Radio, the student radio station. I will explain more about societies at a later date but on a Wednesday morning I host a society event, and in the afternoon many more society events take place.

Coffee with friend- at University there can be so much flexibility and this is particularly the case on a Wednesday for me. It is also good to have a break as it prevents you from burning out and is good for your mental health. I therefore went for coffee with a friend, not one I know from the University but one from the local community. This is why I like Leicester, everyone is so friendly.

Memrise- Memrise is a platform where you can learn languages but you can also create your own courses which I find really helpful to help me remember cases. I use this for Land Law and Equity and Trusts due to these being my two in-person closed-book exams in May.


I will write again soon but if you have any questions please do let me know.

Charlie
Law LLB Student
What is a Lecture?

You may have noticed that I have been mentioning lectures quite a lot so far in my Grow Your Grade blog and so I thought it might be time to do one of many jargon busters and explain what a lecture actually is. Lectures are our main form of teaching and is where you cover the new content for the first time. It is very much like the lessons which you have at school, however, there are a few differences.

Lectures are not always the most active as you are usually just listening to someone talk for an hour or two. There aim is to give you the overall idea for you to then go away and explore the topic in more detail in your independent study. One reason why lectures can be less interactive is because it usually involves everyone who is doing the same degree or modules. For instance, some lectures for some degrees can be just 30 people whereas for Law it is not uncommon to have lectures with over 600 other students. Another difference about lectures and secondary or even primary school is that the teachers (lecturers) are subject experts in that particular topic and have often written books or academic articles on the subject area.

This is a basic overview of what a lecture is, if you do have any further questions please do let me know. I will post again very soon!

Charlie
Law LLB Student
Tuesday 11th February 2025

Hello, you may have noticed that I have not posted in a while but this has been because of the busy nature of a law degree and also because of some personal things which have come up which have limited my time. I do hope to try to post a bit more now. As always, life has been very busy but here is what's happened today!

Lectures

Land Law- in today's Land Law lecture we have started a new topic looking at easements, we began looking at some of the essential criteria for an easement, including how they must be attached to the land, cannot be personal rights or give a business advantage but be a proprietary right which improves the land.

Criminal Law- we continued to look at secondary liability, colloquially known as Joint Enterprise, where we discussed where people who did not commit the crime but were in the surroundings would be liable for the same criminal offence.


Tutorials

Equity and Trusts- In today's Equity and Trust tutorial we were discussing exam style questions about resulting trusts and constructive trusts which parties do not set up themselves but instead operate by law to try and prevent unfair scenarios such as someone becoming the owner of property by accident.


Reading

Criminal Law- I continued to catch up on the reading looking at the defence of self-defence.

Land Law- Here I have continued reading about the mortgagee's rights as part of a mortgage on land.

EU Law- Here I have been reading about the free movement of people in the European Union including when they have the right to permanent residence in a different member state to their home member state.


Extra-curricular

Meeting about society- I have finished the workday off by discussing the radio society which I am the president of and will later be going shopping for another society for an event which I will be leading tomorrow morning.

This evening I will be bell ringing which I find is a great hobby to help me relax from university life.


As always, if you have any questions, queries or anything at all please do not hesitate to let me know.

Charlie
Law LLB Student

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