New 1Ls

So alot of boards, blogs and discussion groups that I lurk on are showing posts from new 1Ls to be, asking about all the things I remember being so unsure of last year. Thought I might cover a few things here, just in case anyone stumbles my way.

1) I'm an older/single/married/mom student, and I don't know if I will fit in.

3L - You won't. But you can be even cooler, because lots of the young pups will think you are really smart, whether you are or not, and want to play with your kids. The first semester, some of them may think you are a gunner because you don't fear the profs, or the Socratic method, and such - but when they have dramas, it will probably be you that they confide in. And, as a plus, you can go to their functions, have good times, and maybe save some lives by being the DD. I have really enjoyed the "social" aspect of 1L alot more since I stopped trying to fit in and started just being me.

2) What should I wear to class?

3L - Yep, the first week everyone works at being nice to look at. The young 'uns are often unsure of themselves or looking to impress the opposite sex or the sex of their choice at least. The oldies don't want to stand out but want to be respectful. Everyone ends up looking slightly overdressed and uncomfortable in retrospect, although at the time it feels very grown up and professional. Never fear. By week three, or four at the outset, everyone is pretty much business casual to jeans and decent shirts. And by the lead in to finals, we are all just happy that our next door seatmate has showered.

3) Should I be reading/preparing/studying in advance?

3L - Oh dear. This was my big question, last year, and I did all of the above. I don't regret it, per se, because I did need the refresher on reading non-fiction, non-kid material. But, that said - don't bother. You aren't going to remember, use, or understand anything that would really help you. The examples and explanations books are all great and useful for understanding the first year subjects, and some of the nutshells are too, but let's face it - this material is so foreign and weird and dense, that you really need to just fall into it with vengeance right along with your classmates. Plus, each professor really is a bit different in what they cover and how they stress different things, so any reading ahead you do is probably pretty moot. Outlines and case briefs and such are useless until at least halfway through the semester. You might read Planet Law School or Getting to Maybe or some such - but it isn't really necessary.

Suggestions of 3L Wannabe - who is currently just a 2L so take them for what they are worth - read the Shopaholic series. Also, soak up some sun. Get an exercise program in full swing - you do need it, with all the pizza and soda and late nights you WILL be accessing soon. Right old wrongs. Spend as much time with family and friends as you can cram in, and oh yeah, start us a blog. Everyone likes to live vicariously.