Do I need to memorise for my law degree? Feeling really lost since starting uni

I started my law with Criminology degree this September and honestly, I just feel so confused and lost. I’ve been showing up to lectures and taking notes, but I have no idea what to actually do with all the information being thrown at me.

There’s just so much content every week — cases, statutes, concepts — and I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be memorising everything or trying to understand it more conceptually. I feel like I’m falling behind even though I’m attending everything.

For anyone who’s done or is doing a law degree, how did you approach it in first year?

Did you need to memorise cases and lecture notes to apply to exam questions?

Thanks in advance 🙏

Reply 1

PG Study Chester

Original post

by Jacob__UK

I started my law with Criminology degree this September and honestly, I just feel so confused and lost. I’ve been showing up to lectures and taking notes, but I have no idea what to actually do with all the information being thrown at me.
There’s just so much content every week — cases, statutes, concepts — and I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be memorising everything or trying to understand it more conceptually. I feel like I’m falling behind even though I’m attending everything.
For anyone who’s done or is doing a law degree, how did you approach it in first year?
Did you need to memorise cases and lecture notes to apply to exam questions?
Thanks in advance 🙏

Hi @Jacob__UK

I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with the content of your work at the moment. One thing I really want to stress is to remember that this is still only one month in to your degree. Not only have you moved to a different institution you’ve had to adjust to a new way of being taught and learning, as well as making new friends etc. It’s been a lot of change very quickly and suddenly. So bearing all of that in mind, give yourself time to get used to this.

As long as you are understanding the concepts and keeping up with the work and prep, this should be ok, try to stay organised and on top of your work.

If you’re worried, you could have a chat with the tutors after a seminar or lecture. Tell them about your concerns and ask their advice. Their job is to support you and they want you to achieve so they will be glad to help you.

I hope this is helpful, but feel free to ask anything else,
Good luck,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

Reply 2

UniofLaw Student

Official Rep

Original post

by Jacob__UK

I started my law with Criminology degree this September and honestly, I just feel so confused and lost. I’ve been showing up to lectures and taking notes, but I have no idea what to actually do with all the information being thrown at me.
There’s just so much content every week — cases, statutes, concepts — and I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be memorising everything or trying to understand it more conceptually. I feel like I’m falling behind even though I’m attending everything.
For anyone who’s done or is doing a law degree, how did you approach it in first year?
Did you need to memorise cases and lecture notes to apply to exam questions?
Thanks in advance 🙏

Hey @Jacob__UK,
Hey, honestly, I felt exactly like this when I started. It’s such a jump from college to uni, and it’s completely normal to feel lost at the beginning, so don’t beat yourself up.

No, you don’t need to memorise everything. No one does. At the start, just try to get the general idea of what the law is saying and why it matters. The proper memorising of cases usually comes way later, like when exams are close. Right now, it’s enough to understand the basics and recognise the key cases when you see them.

When I started, I thought everyone else was “getting it” except me; they weren’t. Everyone’s confused at first, and the worst thing you can do is compare yourself to others, as everyone learns at different paces. The law will click slowly. You’ll realise after your first assignment what level of detail they actually want.

It gets easier once your brain adjusts to how law is taught. Keep going. You’ll get there.

– Jess 😊
University of Law Student Ambassador
First Class Law Graduate & MSc Legal Technology Student