The Packing List

The time hath come, and the new semester of law school beginneth. 

With every new semester comes new subjects, new responsibilities, and even new lecturers. All these mark a new journey ahead to be trekked. 

As a fellow ‘trekker’ myself, here are some things I’ll be packing with me to overcome what lies ahead. 

1. The Swiss Army Knife

It’s a whole load of purposes in one! A Swiss Army knife offers a range of tools for everyday life, outdoor adventures, crafts, and more. Just as it has many tools for different situations, a law student must juggle various skills: research, writing, public speaking, critical thinking, and exam technique. 

Research, however, is the universal knife in the set. Without good research, you cannot write well, speak persuasively, or think critically about a topic. 

To conduct research effectively, sit with the issue and ask yourself: What am I unsure of? What do I want to know more about? Don’t limit your sources to cases and journal articles — even news reports, magazines, or commentaries can be insightful. What matters is that you engage with the material: Do I agree with the author? Do other sources align with this view? How did the author arrive at their conclusion?

I’d like to think that law is math — except without numbers. Like math, law is about appreciating the steps taken to reach an answer. When doing research, imagine examining someone else’s “calculation”: what did they work with, what method did they use, and would you arrive at the same or a different answer? 

Mastering the universal knife allows you to wield the others — writing, speaking, and thinking — with greater strength. And if you see a fellow trekker using their “knife” better than you, don’t be intimidated. Instead, see it as a chance to learn. 

2. Compass

Everyone has a reason for being in law school. Maybe it’s a lifelong dream, your parents’ decision (lol), or simply not knowing what else to do. Whatever the reason, I’d say the journey becomes far more bearable if you have a purpose — a compass to guide you when the path turns treacherous. 

Find a quiet spot, a cup of your favourite drink in hand, and ponder: Who or what is my compass? Who will help me get back on track when I slack off? What will keep me moving forward when things get tough?

For me, my compass has always been my mother. Every difficult step I take in law school, I remember that I’m doing this so I can care for her, provide for her, and thank her for raising me into who I am today. 

She’s my compass. Who, or what, is yours?  

3. The First Aid Kit

No trekker sets out on a journey without a first aid kit — not because they expect to stumble, but because they know it’s human to fall, and life often hands out unpleasant surprises that need tending. Similarly, law school will scrape you: a disappointing grade, a harsh comment, an anxious, sleepless week, or the silent pressure of feeling “not enough.”

Just as a first aid kit offers supplies to treat injuries and prevent conditions from worsening, our personal “first aid kits” should hold little things that help us unwind and reset: a playlist that soothes the mind, a friend to share worries and challenges with, a quick walk, a nap, a favourite series or movie, or simply making time for hobbies you love.

Your kit doesn’t hold bandages and antiseptics, but small comforts that help you heal. The first aid kit reminds us that wounds, though painful, are not permanent. And tending to them isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. A healed trekker journeys farther than one who ignores their wounds.

4. Map

Everybody needs a map — whether it’s Google Maps, a folded brochure, or a mind map, etc. However, having a map isn’t enough; you must also know how to read and use it effectively. 

A law school map might show paths to completing each subject, with hidden routes leading to “bonus” achievements — like higher grades or special recognition. That’s why it’s important to understand what lecturers expect. Some may award participation marks for originality in tutorials, so ask: What counts as original thinking? How do I show it?

Assignments, too, need a map. Where does your lecturer want you to go? What path must you take? What resources should you gather? If unsure, ask — lecturers are there to guide you.

It’s also worthwhile to plan beyond your academic map. Think of side trails that make your journey richer: applying for internships can give you practical exposure, joining networking sessions can help you connect with mentors and future colleagues, and taking part in mooting competitions can sharpen your advocacy skills. You could even branch out further by joining student societies, contributing to research projects, or volunteering for legal aid clinics. These detours may not seem like the “main road,” but they often lead to valuable skills, professional connections, and a clearer sense of direction after graduation.

5. Beyond the Packing List…

A trekker must not only pack a well-equipped set of items but also possess the necessary skills to ensure safety and survival, including first aid, CPR, combat lifesaving, and even dental training. All these skills help prevent or control life-threatening situations.

When we enter the ‘danger zone’ of exams, we must also ensure we’re equipped with the necessary skills to survive and succeed. By then, have you refreshed your ILAC method? Have you done enough research and wider reading to impress the examiner in your essay? Have you developed your own method of memorizing case law and legal principles so that recollection becomes easier in the time-pressured exam setting? 

But remember: the path may be drawn by thine own hand, yet the end thereof is not as thou didst reckon. Even with a well-marked map, you may end up somewhere unexpected. And that’s alright. C’est la vie, such is life. Sometimes we give our best, yet still fall short. 

What matters is getting back up again, as Queen Poppy from Trolls sings, or going back to the start, as Coldplay reminds us. 

I’m sure you’ll know what else to pack for your journey ahead: a bag prepared by you, for you. But these four items are must-haves for every law student. 

Lastly, may the gentle winds carry thee where thou art meant to be.