Don't believe these myths about studying law at university

Perhaps more than any other degree, there are many myths surrounding law degrees and their associated university courses. Lots of people will assume that all law students have the same goal in mind or that they’ll be sacrificing all social life to get there, among many other things. 

In reality, however, most of these misconceptions are just long-standing myths that have stuck around a few too many decades. If you’re looking to study law at university, you’re going to want to keep reading. We consulted with The University of Law to debunk a few of the most common myths about studying law at university.

You’ll spend your whole life in the library

It’s no secret that any university course involves a lot of studying. However, many have the misconception that students spend their entire lives stuck in the library. This is just the first of the myths we’ll cover today.

You’ll spend a decent amount of time studying on a law course, but you absolutely won’t spend all your time in the library. On an average week, you’ll have eight hours of lectures, four hours of seminars and can study up to four hours a day outside of that. While you’ll definitely have visits to the library, a large amount of modern research and studies involve time spent in your own room and elsewhere. Research in the age of the internet means that a lot of the time, anywhere you can bring a laptop, you’ll be able to study and research.

In addition, you’ll also have plenty of free time which can (and should) be spent resting up, socialising and more. You shouldn’t have to worry about sleeping on the library floor any time soon.

You’ll have no social life or free time

While we’re on the topic of social life, there’s a myth that law students are unable to have any kind of social life or free time. Not so, at least not in the modern age of university courses. As a matter of fact, having a healthy balance of socialising and studies is hugely important to keep yourself going through your course.

In addition to a lot of online research and study time being able to work around your own schedule, Universities like The University of Law have their own Student’s Union, plenty of dedicated clubs and societies and frequent social events to ensure students have a chance to blow off steam in ways that suit them best.

Better still, there is always support available to students while studying if the pressure gets high and times get tough.

Law courses are all male-dominated

It's still the case that most law firm partners, and most of those holding senior judicial posts, are men. At first glance, that might lead you to think law courses are also male-dominated. In fact, the opposite is true.

In its annual report on university entry trends, The Law Society shows that more than 70% of the students starting undergraduate law degrees in 2022 were female. As those students gain their degrees and start their careers, the idea of law firms being ‘boys clubs’ could soon be a thing of the past.

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You have to want to be a lawyer to get a law degree

This is a common one, but absolutely not the case. Law degrees are much more versatile than most people seem to think. In fact, many students begin law courses intending to go into a specific career and change their minds partway through. Students may begin their course wanting to be a barrister and end up aiming towards an entirely different career path. Either way, the law degree is still a valuable part of that.

A law degree can get you into a variety of careers that aren’t being a lawyer, including solicitor, barrister, paralegal, company secretary, trading standards officer, stockbroker, editorial roles in legal publishing, management training and many more. 
  Law courses aren’t the only way to become a lawyer, which is another common misconception. If you complete an unrelated degree - English or history, for example - and then decide you’d like to become a lawyer, you can complete a conversion course. These are an extra year at the end of your existing degree where you’ll complete seven modules that are key for law degrees. This course will effectively ‘convert’ your degree into a law degree which can enable your lawyer career path.

It’s too competitive and too hard to get a job after

While it is true that law is a competitive career path, and a law degree will certainly present challenges along the way, it’s far from pointless to go on the journey just because the end result is tough. The challenges you’ll find during a law course will better equip you for a high-pressure career path.Learning to manage your expectations and make the best of a tough situation can help you to become a stronger, better employee in your eventual career.

In terms of the course itself, there is often an element of competition as with most university courses, but it’s by no means mandatory. Like all courses, you’ll be able to find social circles that don’t compete as much as others. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who can support and encourage you to be the best version of yourself is essential. If high competition isn’t your thing, it certainly doesn’t rule you out of a law degree or career path.

One of the biggest things you can take away from university is learning to network. There are employers out there who will value an applicant who has put extra time in, attending networking events and such. Learning to manage your expectations in the meantime is a key skill that you can use to keep confident in your journey.

It’s too intimidating and I don’t feel smart enough

University can often make new students feel intimidated or that they aren’t ‘smart’ enough for a course. This is a phenomenon that is present in almost every university course, not just law degrees. Here’s the thing - education is about learning. No one begins university as an expert and learning might be a challenge but it’s an overall enriching experience that will be rewarding and satisfying in the long run. 

Rest assured, you’re definitely not alone if you feel a little intimidated at first. Talk to the students around you and you’ll likely find out how normal that feeling is.

So there we are - a brief look at a few of the most common myths about studying law at university and the reasons why you shouldn’t believe them. If you’d like to learn more about studying law at The University of Law, you can find more information over at The University of Law’s website.

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Our partnership with The University of Law

The Uni Guide is proud to work with The University of Law as the official partner of our law hub, where current and future law students can find the advice and guidance they need.

The University of Law welcomes intelligent, ambitious students interested in the world around them; people who question systems, procedures and behaviours, and are not afraid to challenge convention.

Study at The University of Law and you’ll be equipped with the professional knowledge you need to excel in your chosen career, and supported by an award-winning employability service to help you get there.

• Visit The University of Law’s website
• Undergraduate law courses at The University of Law
• Postgraduate law courses at The University of Law
• Open days and virtual events at The University of Law
• Find out about The University of Law’s award-winning employability service