How to Make the Most of Your Law School Orientation
Published August 5, 2022
You’ve secured recommendation letters, wrote the perfect personal statement, submitted your application, and anxiously awaited a decision. Now, the moment has finally arrived. You’re about to start law school! As you embark on this journey, how do you make the best start? Before you dive into 1L classes, you will be introduced to your new school and classmates through an orientation program, and how you navigate these first few days could make all the difference in your law school experience. Want to start on the right foot? Here are a few things to consider to make the most of your law school orientation.
1. Be Prepared
This is true for any new adventure – be prepared. Orientation week will provide a plethora of information and stimulating opportunities; however, it can be overwhelming. By knowing the schedule of events and checking off all required items before the first day, you will have for more time to soak in the information and enjoy the journey. Some of these items include submitting immunization records, setting up your email account, and securing your parking pass.
In early summer, law schools send out reminders via email, so be sure that you check your inbox regularly! If you missed any of those communications, you have one more opportunity to review all the requirements for an incoming UB Law student. In early August, new students will receive their New Student Orientation materials in the mail. This package contains several key materials, one being the Orientation Manual. The manual contains your enrollment checklist, so make sure to read the manual thoroughly.
Don’t Forget! Keep your orientation manual with you during orientation week.
2. Dress the Part
Oftentimes, law schools require students to wear professional attire for at least part of their orientation week. For example, UB School of Law's Orientation requires professional dress for three days. Carefully read the itinerary to see if you’re held to a specific dress code for part or all of your orientation events.
Are you unsure what constitutes professional attire? Here are some examples:
- Business suit with matching jacket and slacks
- Business suit with matching jacket and skirt
- Blouses that are not sleeveless
- Professional dresses that reach the knee
- Dark dress shoes
- Low high heel shoes.
Something to consider. While you’re looking your best, why not get a new headshot? UB School of Law incorporates professional photos into Day 3 of Orientation.
3. Start Connecting
Three years may seem like a short stint when compared to the length of your future law career, but the connections you make in law school can truly last a lifetime. Even if you end up working in different legal communities, you may cross paths with your colleagues long after long school. So, if you see an optional social event on the agenda, consider the opportunities you’ll miss before opting out.
Don’t know the first thing about networking? Don’t fret - UB Law holds a Networking 101 session on Day 3 of Orientation, followed by its annual Law Alumni Association Welcome Reception.
4. Attend the Optional Events!
Just because attendance isn’t required doesn’t mean participation is not worthwhile. Here at UB, optional orientation events provide students opportunities to get off campus and get to know the local community, all while getting to know colleagues, alumni network, and faculty and staff support system. These connections can pay off big time down the road, so don't underestimate the value of attending optional events.
Some optional events are sponsored, such as the Buffalo Law Review breakfast on Day 2 or Buffalo Public Interest Law Program (BPILP) breakfast on Day 4. The breakfasts are a great opportunity to learn more about the program and meet current students.
Below is a full list of optional, but highly-encouraged events taking place during the UB School of Law's Orientation:
- Law Library Welcome Party with refreshments and prizes (Day 1)
- Buffalo Law Review breakfast (Day2)
- Departmental Tabling with an iPad mini giveaway (Day 2)
- Law Alumni Association Welcome Reception (Day 3) - a great opportunity for networking with drinks and hors d'oeuvres
- Buffalo Public Interest Law Program (BPILP) breakfast (Day 4)
- Student Bar Association Welcome Event – a Buffalo Harbor Cruise! (Day 5)
Additional Resources
Editor's Note: This post was originally published in August 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
