An International Student's Guide to Studying Law

Moving away from home to study abroad can be daunting.

Moving halfway across the world for three or four years is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Studying law is intense. It demands heavy reading, independent learning and long hours with textbooks, cases and articles.

That workload can be draining, and when you’re adjusting to a new country, culture and routine, it can amplify loneliness and homesickness.

The following are tips that helped me transition from A‑levels and foundation study into life as a law student on a completely different continent.

1. Research and Critical Thinking

You’ll hear these two words constantly in law school.

 As an international student, I struggled at first; legal databases were new to me, and “critical thinking” felt vague and intimidating. If you didn’t study law at A‑level or your foundation programme didn’t introduce these skills, it’s worth taking time to understand them because they underpin everything: essays, problem questions, seminars, tutorials and presentations.

Research means investigating across cases, statutes, journals and commentary to establish relevant facts and reach informed conclusions.

Critical thinking means analysing that research, evaluating arguments, forming your own view and defending it with evidence.

Together, they help you produce strong, well‑reasoned work.

The best way to build these skills is to attend library workshops, research sessions and academic skills classes. Learn how to use legal databases properly; Westlaw, Lexis, HeinOnline, and practise analysing what you find. Your university library is one of your greatest assets; use it.

2. Commercial Awareness

Before coming to the UK, I had no idea what “commercial awareness” meant. You’ll hear it everywhere once you start applying for open days, insight schemes and vacation schemes.

In simple terms, commercial awareness means understanding:

• how businesses and industries operate
• who the major players are
• how economic, political and regulatory changes affect the legal sector
• how law firms advise clients in response to those changes

As an international student, keeping up with UK news felt challenging at first, especially while settling into a new environment and managing homesickness. Over time, I found a rhythm.

My tips:

• Read the Financial Times, The Economist, and law blogs like The Student Lawyer and The Lawyer.
• Set up Google Alerts for industries or topics you want to follow.
• Use Investopedia’s “term of the day” to build vocabulary and context.

Small, consistent habits build strong commercial awareness.

3. Engage, Engage, Engage

This is the tip that transformed my experience.

Engage with your university, your law school and the wider community. If you’ve travelled across continents to study, immerse yourself in the environment — academically, socially and professionally.

Academically, make use of:

• academic support hours
• staff office hours
• personal tutors
• skills workshops

If you come from a country with a different legal system, these sessions help bridge the gap and build confidence. They also help you form relationships with lecturers and specialists.

Socially and professionally, get involved in activities beyond the classroom. This could include:

• volunteering at festivals, community centres or local councils
• attending public events, talks or exhibitions
• joining legal volunteering schemes like Citizens Advice or student legal clinics

These experiences build transferable skills and help you feel part of the community rather than isolated in the library.

Join societies.

In my first year, I joined the Law Society and the Nigerian Students’ Society. The Law Society connected me with other law students, events and career opportunities. The Nigerian Society gave me a sense of home, helped me make friends and eased the early homesickness.

Later, I volunteered at events and helped organise student‑focused activities, experiences that shaped my university life.

Find your law society and another society that reflects your identity, interests or hobbies. The friendships and memories last far beyond your degree.

Final Thoughts

My biggest advice? Enjoy yourself.

Be curious, be adventurous and make the most of what law school and university life offer. Studying law abroad is challenging, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow academically, personally and professionally.