Law is Accessible - Not Intimidating

Written by Rehan Mongia

Exploring Law to Begin With

The expanse of knowledge that falls under the umbrella of law can seem quite intimidating,

especially at an age when students are already navigating the pressures of university

applications, exams, extracurricular activities, and more.

I ventured into law out of a curiosity to uncover deeper realities, rather than simply to pursue

it as a university course. Having studied subjects like business studies and economics at

school, I was drawn to the inherent mysteriousness of the underlying structures within the

social sciences. That curiosity motivated me to explore these foundations further through

legal study.

There is a difference between merely memorising the law and understanding it in context.

Curiosity is the stepping stone to grasping how the legal system functions. It fuels the desire

to learn more and gradually extinguishes the sense of intimidation commonly associated with the subject.

For this reason, I believe law is far more accessible than it appears. It intersects with many

fields of study, thereby opening its doors to a diverse range of students from different

academic backgrounds.

Traversing Law at University in Practicality

It is no misconception that studying law involves strenuous work. Beginning a law degree

requires becoming comfortable with legal writing, reading lengthy cases and textbooks, and deciphering language that can sometimes feel medieval. All these elements combine to create a pressure-filled environment, particularly when combined with extracurricular

commitments such as internships and society involvement.

The key is to take everything in stride. In my first year, I tried to push myself to learn at a

pace I could not sustain, especially as exams approached. This ultimately left me feeling

mentally overwhelmed. It is crucial to make full use of the resources available at university in

order to ease into the academic environment.

I have benefited from attending office hours, using departmental resources, consulting my

personal tutor, and reaching out to senior students to better understand how the course

operates. These personalised avenues of support allow students like me to take a more

hands-on approach to learning. In the long run, this not only improves academic

performance but also helps distribute and manage the workload more effectively.

Things I've Learned and Look Forward To

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that law is not about memorising rules,

but about learning how to think critically. It teaches you to question assumptions and

appreciate nuance. Over time, I have realised that growth in legal study is gradual,

confidence in reading cases and constructing arguments develops through patience and

consistent practice.

I have also come to appreciate how interconnected law is with society. It does not operate in isolation but reflects political, economic, and social realities. This awareness has

strengthened my interest in the subject and its broader impact.

Looking ahead, I am excited to deepen my understanding, refine my analytical skills, and

engage more actively in practical experiences such as pro bono work. Above all, I hope to

continue approaching law with curiosity and openness, allowing it to shape both my

academic journey and future aspirations.