It’s easy to focus on the chaos of 1L fall; there’s so much to learn and seemingly not enough time. But somewhere between the stress and the multiple Lexis tabs open on my computer, there’s a lot to love about being a law student this time of year.

Cozy Study Season

There’s something magical about walking to class in a sweater, coffee in hand, and leaves crunching underfoot. The long reading assignments somehow feel a little less painful when paired with a pumpkin muffin and a warm hoodie. October is when law school starts to feel real, but it’s also the time to romanticize your life. 

You’re Actually Starting to Understand Things

Remember the first week when every case took so long to read and you still had no clue what was happening? Now, you’re reading faster and understanding the material more. That’s progress worth celebrating.

A Real Community Forms

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve noticed a shift in my section’s dynamic. The stress of the first draft of our memo, networking, and learning how to succeed as a law student has brought everyone so much closer together. In order to survive during this challenging time, we need to be able to rely on each other for laughs and support.

The First Wins Feel Huge

Surviving midterms, starting your outlines, submitting your LP assignments –  each one is a milestone. Fall is full of “firsts,” and even though they’re intimidating, they remind you how far you’ve come since August.

Small Joys Between the Pages

During this time, it’s important to think of the good outside of the classroom: maybe you nailed a new recipe, or had time for a power nap after class. Each of these is something worth celebrating when you feel school getting you down. 

The Bigger Picture

For all of us 1Ls, this semester is a lesson in transformation. The growing pains, the uncertainty, the late nights — they’re all signs that we’re building something meaningful. We’re learning a new language of reasoning that will shape the rest of our careers.

As the weather cools, remember to pause and notice the good. You’re not just surviving 1L, you’re making the version of you who could only dream of being in law school incredibly proud.

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Rebecca Carcieri is a first-year student at BC Law. Contact her at carcierr@bc.edu.