Stop Panicking : 5 Top Secrets All top law Students should know in their first year.
Stop Panicking : 5 Top Secrets All top law Students should know in their first year.
A big congratulations to you on gaining admission to study Law at Osun State University (UniOsun)! This is a huge milestone, and you deserve to celebrate it. But now that you’ve crossed the first hurdle, the real journey begins.
If you are already admitted and you are already worried of how uni life is going to be well that’s normal, I was once in your shoes too.
When I first gained admission to study Law at UniOsun, I was full of excitement. I had dreamed of this moment for years, and finally, I was a law student. But alongside the joy came a feeling of the unknown. I didn’t really know what to expect in my first year.
One thing I was sure of, though, was that law is a course that demands hard work. From the very beginning, I told myself: “This journey will require discipline, reading, and dedication.” Indeed be truly ready to sacrifice.I didn’t fully understand what lay ahead, but I came with an open mind, determined to give my best.
Looking back now, I realize that first year is a mix of excitement, pressure, and discovery. It sets the foundation for everything that comes after. That’s why in this post, I want to share not just from my own experience but also practical tips to help every fresh UniOsun law student know what to expect and how to succeed. Stay with me okay!
” Top Secrets Every First Year Law Student Should know
Your first year as a law student sets the foundation for everything else. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. In this post, I’ll share practical tips and secrets that will help you not only survive but also excel in your first year at UniOsun’s Faculty of Law.
In no specific order,here are the steps every first year student wished they had could have known.
1. Understanding the Workload: This is basically the foundational secrets coming to study law as a fresher you should prepare yourself ahead for the workload. First year is the foundational structure for your entire stay in the university. I wouldn’t deceive you a strong Cumulative grade point average( CGPA) starts from first year missing it in the first year,it would really be tough to keep up. For me, first year at UniOsun was when I realized that law is not “just another course.” From the very beginning, I understood that I had a lot of work ahead of me. I came in with the mindset that this wasn’t just about passing exams—it was about building a strong foundation for my legal career.
I told myself: “Law is not hard, it only requires consistency.” That positive mindset kept me from being overwhelmed. Instead of seeing the workload as a burden, I treated it as part of the process. I would like you inculcate that also.
In understanding your workload you should know what courses you would be offering
At Uniosun First Year Law Students offer Courses like;
a. Legal method: this is the basic and only law course you would be offering. It is a four credit unit course by implication you would have to put in all the dedication and understand.
What Is Legal Method?
Legal Method is often the very first law course you’ll meet in your first year. It is a 4-unit course, which means it carries a lot of weight in your GPA. At its core, Legal Method introduces you to the basic concepts, principles, and approaches to studying law. Think of it as the foundation of law school without it, every other subject would feel like climbing a hill without shoes.
Legal method is introductory and foundational it lays groundwork for courses like criminal law, constitutional law, Nigerian legal system etc.Legal method is more of theoretical more of understanding the concepts. We would be having another article entirely on how to tackle legal method watch out!.
Apart from legal method there’s political science, philosophy , peace and conflict related course, Gns courses comprising of use of English and Use of Library.
Yes, it’s a lot, but here’s the truth: law is more about consistency than last-minute cramming. If you break your reading into daily portions, stay positive, and remind yourself why you’re here, you’ll find it easier to keep up.
2. Developing a Reading Culture: If I had to describe law in one word, it would be : reading. In my first year, I quickly discovered that reading in law is very different from reading in secondary school. It’s not just about memorizing notes it’s about understanding concepts, cases, and arguments.
Personally, I made it a habit to:
Go through case summaries before attempting the full case.
Write notes in my own words (this really helped me remember better).
Mix reading statutes with textbooks so I understood how theory works in practice.
At first, it was overwhelming. But over time, I realized that developing a daily reading habit made everything less scary. My advice: don’t wait until exams. Start small, but start early.
3. The Secret of the “Past Exam Vault “What it is: The #1 secret to earning an ‘A’ isn’t knowing the law; it’s knowing the professor. Top students spend the final weeks practicing old exams from their specific lecturers, even if they aren’t fully ready.
Why it works: Lecturers tend to test the same major themes, concepts, and fact patterns. Practicing their exams is the ultimate form of studying and shows you how to structure the answer they want to see.
4. Dealing with Lecturers and Class Attendance:One thing I noticed early in UniOsun is that lecturers observe students more than you think. From my first semester, I made it a rule to attend classes regularly and sit where I could pay attention.
It wasn’t always easy—sometimes the lectures were long or tough to understand. But showing up consistently made a huge difference. Some lecturers even rewarded attendance with marks.
Another lesson I learned: respect is key. Lecturers are approachable if you show seriousness. When I had questions, I politely asked after class, and it helped me build confidence.
6. Balancing Studies and Social Life: This is very much important am tell you that uni life is not just about the books, there’s aspects for social activities, educational related, fun filled and engaging. There’s Law Student society programmes, chamber activities and other societies like alternative dispute resolution.
In my first year, I was so eager to prove myself that I almost buried myself in only books. But I soon realized that law school is not just about academics—it’s also about growing as a person. You need balance.
At UniOsun, there will be clubs, societies, and social events pulling your attention. My advice? Don’t say “yes” to everything, but also don’t isolate yourself.
For me, the best decision was joining academic-related groups like the Law Clinic and the Debate Society. They helped me develop practical skills while still giving me a chance to meet people and relax.
The key is balance. Too much “enjoyment” will affect your academics, and too much isolation will leave you stressed. I strongly advise you should avoid the mistake of trying to be involved in a lot. All that matters is to be productive rather than be busy.
Lastly, as much as possible yes be open to connect with people but take time to study people before properly hooking up with them in friendship. You will need people, interact for information. There are beautiful relationships but be very careful as there are ” many wolves in sheep clothing”. As much as possible to get closer to your God.You will need God more than ever. Associate with people of like faith and have a mind if your own.
7.Health and Wellbeing . Health and Wellbeing
One mistake I almost made was ignoring my health. In my first semester, I pushed myself so hard I almost burned out. Going long hours without eating was draining.Then I learned: a tired brain can’t retain information.
So I started eating better, resting properly, and taking short breaks during study. Sometimes, just a 20-minute walk around campus refreshed my mind. Don’t wait until stress breaks you down. Protect your health, because your body carries your dream.
Law school is mentally demanding, and many first-years burn out because they neglect their health. Eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise lightly. Stress is normal, but don’t let it consume you. A healthy student is a successful student.
A Personal Note from Me
When I look back at my first year in UniOsun Law, I still smile at the mix of excitement and fear I felt. I didn’t have everything figured out, but I had the determination to give it my best. That mindset carried me through.
So if you’re stepping into your first year, let me tell you this: you don’t have to know it all right now. You just have to start with the right attitude.
Read consistently, ask questions, take care of yourself, and remember—every lawyer you admire today once stood where you are.
From my heart to yours, I wish you the very best in this journey. May you not just survive law school, but shine through it.
— Success Inioluwa, LawMadeSimple.com
FAQs About First-Year Law in UniOsun
1. What courses do first-year law students in UniOsun take?
You’ll take Legal Method, Nigerian Legal System, Use of Library, and some GNS courses.
2. Is law really difficult in first year?
It can be challenging, but with consistent reading and time management, it’s manageable.
3. How can I pass my first-year law exams?
Read consistently, use past questions, and practice writing long-form answers.
4. Do I need to start reading case law in year one?
Yes, but don’t panic. Start w
ith case summaries before moving to full judgments.
