So your law school went remote…

Tips and Tricks for remote law school

Law school is hard enough to navigate without COVID-19 thrown in the mix. With the pandemic showing no signs of slowing down in some states, universities have begun to roll out remote learning plans for the Fall Semester. Law schools are no exception, with UC Davis Law (where I currently attend) being one of many to go completely remote. Having switched to remote learning about halfway through last semester, I tried to adapt quickly to a new style of lecture and learned some things along the way.

• Mute, mute, mute. This may seem like a no-brainer, but always remember to mute yourself when entering a virtual lecture. I can’t even begin to explain how many times a classmate of mine has logged into a Zoom lecture blasting Hamilton in the background only to realize we could all hear it.
• If you’re on-call, test out your internet connection beforehand. I test out my internet connection speed beforehand on days when I know I’m on-call in lecture. I also move to a space closer to the wifi modem (if this option is available to you). This helps me feel confident my internet won’t lag right when I have to answer a question. You can also try making your own Zoom meeting and testing it out with a classmate.
• Minimize distractions. One thing I realized early on in remote learning was how easy it is to goof off when your class is remote. I was constantly checking my texts, online shopping, or browsing my socials– things I could never do when physically in lecture. I recommend placing your phone somewhere (in a drawer or another room) while in lecture. The internet on your laptop can also be distracting, so try not to browse while class is going on.

• Have a dedicated space for school. Some classmates of mine continue going to campus, even with remote learning, simply because it helps them to focus by being in a study room/library carrel. I would suggest this if your law school campus is still available to you, otherwise a desk space at home is good. Just try to avoid doing online lecture from the couch, your bed, or the kitchen table.
• Headphones. Don’t be a nuisance to your roommates or family by blasting your lecture at full volume (unless your dedicated space for class is secluded enough). Plug in a pair of headphones to minimize the level of noise.
• Handwritten notes. Handwriting your notes is good for information retention, and won’t take up half of your laptop screen. Unless you have multiple computer screens at your disposal (I do class from my Macbook), Zoom will take up the entire screen of your laptop and there won’t be any room for note-taking on Pages/Google Docs.
• Routine is everything. Setting a routine for yourself and sticking to it is a great way to stay motivated and productive. Create a schedule for classes and studying just as you would if you were attending class on campus.
• Don’t be afraid of online office hours. Try to attend office hours and study sessions as you normally would during the semester. Don’t let the fear of Zoom sessions being awkward prevent you from utilizing the resources available to you. I’d like to say that most professors at this point have got the hang of it, and the awkwardness of video chatting wears off pretty quickly.
• Keep in touch with your friends/classmates. On the same note as routines, keeping in touch with your classmates is important as it’s easy to feel alone when social interaction is limited. If you were in a study group before school went remote, try to form one this semester too. Schedule time to meet up with your law school friends through Skype, Zoom, Teams, etc., and continue to form connections and help one another through the semester.
• Take care of yourself. Remember that the semester is a marathon not a sprint, and set aside as much time as you need to recharge and relax. You can only perform well in school if you’re taken care of, and sometimes that means taking time in the day for a nap, a workout, or whatever it may be for you. This is especially important when your social interaction is limited, and you’re adjusting to a new version of law school.

There’s also a great article from ABA for law students about this topic, which you can find here.