Studying and fun in law school don’t necessarily go together. They can if you are memorizing a list of terms and have turned it into some sort of question and answer game with a classmate. But, generally, in law school you study, then have fun, then study some more, then have some fun.
So, it seems the best thing you can do is make some friends in law school.
How To Have Fun By Making Friends In Law School?
Sit next to one of your classmates and make small talk before or after class.
For example, “did you do anything fun this weekend?” “any fun plans for the weekend?” “did you catch the INSERT CULTURAL EVENT last night?” Over time, you and the person you sit next to will develop a little bit of a bond. Maybe the person will ask you to join them during an activity on the weekend. You could say “I was thinking about checking out this new restaurant in town. I heard it has bomb (slang for cool) pizza. Have you heard of it? Want to try it?” You’re going to have to read their comfort level with you before you ask them to hang out, but maybe they will suggest it themselves.
Ask one of your classmates to study.
This might be the most natural option. If you have a big test or assignment coming up, simply say “hey I was going to review this weekend and wanted someone to compare outlines with, want to meet at the library and go over our outlines?” This is great because its at school, you will get studying done, and by asking to compare outlines you are showing that you will have already done the majority of the studying. This is just a “check”. You aren’t some freeloader looking for someone else’s notes. Then at the study session you can act normal, compare notes, talk about whatever interests you may have in common and hopefully form some sort of relationship that can develop into a friendship.
Party
Yes, you read that right. Attend a law school party. There are many law school students that like to get together and consume alcohol. This may not be your preferred activity, and that is fine. However, if you are looking for friends and fun, there is 100% guaranteed a group of law students at your school that share a preferred social activity of going out and drinking. Usually, after midterms or finals there will be larger gatherings of these alcohol-loving students. Ask around after the exam to see who is going out and where they might be going. They will probably be happy to invite you. Alternatively, if you know there’s a popular bar in town that all the law school students go to, just show up on the Friday night after a big exam. You will run into some of your classmates. They will probably be more sociable than usual. The funny thing about law students is that if they recognize one of their kind out at the bar they usually welcome them gladly, especially if it someone they don’t see out often.
Join a Law School Club
Law schools have many student organizations and a great way to make friends is to join one. The club will have events and meetings planned out and that will be a pre-planned opportunity for you to interact with other law students and try to befriend them.
Hang out around the school and at the law library
Many law school friendships are formed by students who just happen to be in the library together a lot. This is a great place to be and if you start to see the same person often, you can give them a “what up” or a “studying for torts?” and the conversation can flow from there.
Attend law school events
Your law school will host a number of events that include speakers, recruiters, etc. Usually they have free food. Just go to these events. You will see your classmates there. Talk with them, ask them how they think classes are going, etc. This will be another great way to turn a classmate into a friend.
Conclusion – How to Have Fun and Study in Law School
Just remember, a law school friend is someone you enjoy spending time with that also happens to be in law school at the same time as you. To figure out who you like spending time with, you need to spend time with people. Do this by trying any of the above strategies and you’ll have law school friends in no time.