A handy tool for where to find the most helpful study aids
WHEREAS exam season is quickly approaching; and
WHEREAS Reading Week (read: “Exam Prep Week”) is finally near our doorsteps:
The following guide has been generated as a handy tool by summarizing some of the most important resources for 1Ls’ daily studying needs to assist students in navigating their way through the plethora of resources.
SLS Study Resources
The SLS has a rich database dedicated for your study needs (note: the SLS has emailed the access password to all students on September 2). There, you will find general advice and guides, such as:
- “The SLS Guide to 1L.” This guide includes a handy timeline for major co-curricular events throughout the year, as well as a concise dictionary covering 45 words that will make you fluent in frequently used law-school jargon.
- The “General Study Tips and Tricks guide” is a high-level synthesis of law students’ best study practices. It includes advice on topics such as: generating reading notes and summaries, interacting with professors, using class time wisely, preparing for exams, writing exams, and reviewing graded exams.
Also, be sure to watch out for the following upcoming guides: “SLS Guide for Transfer Students” and “Online Interview Guide.”
In addition to the general advice above, you will find course-specific summaries and maps that have been submitted by high-achieving students in their respective courses, both for 1L and upper-year courses. These are organized by the course instructor.
Another helpful SLS Study resource is the database for exam answers. There, you will find answers to 1L and upper-year exams in selected years that were generated by high-achieving students.
E.legal Past Exams Database
The E.Legal past exams database is an official repository of previous exams organized by subject, instructor, and semester. Although you will not find every single exam on that list, there is enough to keep you busy for a while.
Bora Laskin Electronic Library
The digital version of the historic Bora Laskin Library is where you will find access to a plethora of essential study resources, including:
- Treatises and loose-leafs
- Quick links to frequently accessed resources such as CanLII, HeinOnline, Lexis Advance Quicklaw, and Westlaw Next
- Guides on how to find cases, books, journals, and current and historic legislation
- An entire tutorial on legal research and citations
- Research guides by legal discipline
Academic Support Program
The Academic Support Program (ASP) is a free and confidential service that connects 1L students with upper-year high-achieving students one-on-one to assist with academic support and to provide coaching. A maximum of three sessions can be arranged where students can obtain academic advice that range from exam preparation to course-specific advice.
Meet with a Learning Strategist
Learning Strategists are experts in their fields who can help students address frequently encountered challenges, including heavy reading loads, time management, exam preparation, note-taking, avoiding procrastination, and many other essential skills.
Appointments are free (but limited) and are managed by the University’s main Academic Success Center.
