Make Some Fun Memories! (0L to 1L)

Some people think you have to spend the entire summer before your 1L year of law school getting ready: hitting the books, preparing your outlining technique, and so on. Well, I’ve got another suggestion. Why not have some fun?!? 

Yes, really. Law school will be stressful and difficult at times, so it’s helpful to have fond memories to look back upon that can lift your spirits.

(And I’m not just making this up. Science supports the theory!)

Easy Ways to Add Some Fun to Your Summer

For most incoming law students, time and money are in short supply this summer. But that doesn’t mean you’re destined to a life of boredom!

Here are a few suggestions to help you make the most of your 0L summer:

• Take a staycation. Yes, it’s cliché, but think about what a tourist would do if they came to the place you’re living. There’s always something! Go ahead and take advantage of all the things available in your very own backyard. Museums, historic sites, hiking trails, whatever. There’s bound to be something fun you can do nearby.
• Try a mini break. I love the British concept of the “mini break.” What is it? Basically a long weekend in an exciting nearby location. Granted, they have an advantage with cheap European flights, but you can make do. Is there a fun city where you could get an inexpensive weekend hotel (no business travelers in town!) and check out a show or a museum? Or perhaps you’d prefer to rough it in the wilderness camping and hiking. Or combine the two and go glam camping! It’s up to you, but it’s worth checking out some last minute break options because it’s amazing what you can find.
• Make your trip to school into an event. When I started college, my parents and I drove down to Houston stopping along the way in New Orleans and a few other places. It took several days longer, but it was a lot of fun. When you’re planning your getting-to-school voyage, consider taking a few extra days to have some fun along the way. (And it doesn’t have to be super expensive. You can try AirBnB or stop in a a roadside motel or campground. It’s all part of the adventure!)
• Hang out with your friends and family. In a few months, the idea of going to a movie for fun is going to seem laughable. You’ll be super busy and stressed out and will probably drop most of your non-law school friends (even though this isn’t advisable). So now is the time to store up some good will. Grab coffee, go see a new movie, hang out by the pool, share dinner, whatever. Just spend time now having fun with the people you care about, because it’s going to be a lot harder soon.
• Start a fun new hobby. Have you always wanted to take salsa lessons, or learn to juggle? Now is the time! You’ll never start a new hobby once law school begins, but there is a good chance you can keep up with one if you start now. You’ve got just enough time to learn the basics of any new skill. Go ahead and get started and you’ll make some fun memories the summer and set yourself up for more exciting times in the fall.
• Throw yourself a going away party. You’re taking a big and exciting step. Time to party! Why not host a going away party (maybe a potluck if funds are tight) and let everyone come celebrate with you? When the mid-semester doldrums hit, you can look back fondly and think about all the people who are supporting you in this endeavor.

Ultimately, “fun” is whatever you define it to be. Regardless of your definition, try to add a little bit more of it into your schedule this summer.

Take some photos, make them your screensaver, put them up on the wall, and you’ll have things to fondly reminisce about when that first horrible Legal Writing assignment is due!

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Here are some other helpful posts:

• Five Things to Do This Summer (Before Law School)
• Lessons from My 1L Year: Make Friends
• Lessons from My 1L Year: Have Fun

Image by marcos_bh via stock.xchng.

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