Is this normal?

[Sah123]

Hey all!

I want to avoid sound too melodramatic but is it normal after three or four weeks of starting law to think that it may have been a mistake? I ask because I fear it may be the wrong course for me as opposed to the usual growing pains that come with starting something completely new. I am yet to begin the assignments which are due in less than a month and feel like I'm self-sabotaging. So far, the content has been fine, I find criminal law very interesting, but I don't think I fit in. I know I shouldn't feel out of my depth but I can't help it.


Anyway, sob stories aside, any advice from those who have been in similar situations in the past would be much appreciated

[ninwa]

Why exactly are you having these feelings that law isn't for you?

What makes you think you don't fit in?

Are you struggling with the content?

[ninwa]

When I started law, pretty much everything I encountered was new and scary to me. Even the citation rules are different from every other discipline! It's perfectly normal to feel a bit intimidated and not really know what you're doing. Even after 6 years I still freak out over assessments, even though I'm well aware of what is expected of me and what I should be doing.

Since you're not struggling with the content, I'd say you're going quite smoothly and you have nothing to worry about. Everyone thinks ILR is dull, don't worry! Even the lecturer who helped design the course thinks it's terrible, haha.

Remember that a law degree opens a lot of doors - you don't have to be a lawyer. But are you doubting that you want to be a lawyer, or are you doubting that you even want to study law at all? I felt the same way in my first year and it has never gone away, and let me tell you it is damn miserable studying something you have almost no interest in.

I'm assuming you're doing the JD. I would imagine that is a lot more intimidating than the LLB, because you are surrounded by older students who have a better idea of what they want from school and who are probably more motivated and hardworking. Again, I'm not surprised at all and I don't think it's any cause for concern that you're feeling a little scared.

Re crim - you'll have chances to take relevant electives later on. I've heard good things about international criminal law for example! And I reckon if you liked crim you'll probably also enjoy torts, and a whole bunch of other things as well. It's a good sign that you're enjoying some of the degree at least!

[zhenzhenzhen]

Hi Sah, off topic but if you want help with crim or would like to discuss it, look me up (Asian guy that talks some rubbish, might be in some same classes). Why do you think you don't fit in? I'm sure everyone else might feel the same as you are, and everyone else is certainly freaking out about the assignments, so don't stress too much

[TonyEcon]

Chill. All I can say. People do not start assignments until two-three nights before they are due, 1 month is agggggessssss.....


You'll be fine.