Ramsey Cooper is a first-year student at Loyola Law School dedicated to centering community and humanity through her legal studies and career.
When I would tell people I was going to law school in the fall, I got many comments about how I won’t have time to do anything outside of school, how the library would be my new home, and how I would begin to neglect my hobbies.
Moving to California from Virginia came with its own set of challenges. I had to start completely over. I had no friends, no family, and no obligations outside of law school. Being the glass half full girl that I am (a skill you should learn to embody before going to law school), I took this as an opportunity. While some of my classmates had obligatory family dinners or old friends’ birthday parties, I never had anything I absolutely had to do outside of schoolwork. This allowed for me to nourish my wellness in ways that I may not have if I went to school closer to home.
I joined a band, went to the beach frequently, and baked a batch of cookies almost weekly. It is possible to do all of these things while also getting the recommended eight hours of sleep each night and three meals per day.
That you won’t have time outside of law school is a total myth if you play your cards right. It is possible to enjoy yourself and to nourish your soul even with over 100 pages of reading a night. Sometimes reading is a part of the nourishment!
Time management is the key to success here, not just for academics but also for wellness. My planner is detailed and extensive. I have an hour-by-hour play-by-play of what I’ll be doing always. Even my commutes are written out. I sit down every Sunday and plan my week. It may sound tedious, but it’s the best way to make sure all your boxes are checked before you head to the beach to enjoy a sunny day (even if you have to bring the Contracts flashcards with you).