The Slippery Slope: Why Showing Up is Your #1 Study Hack for First Year


Welcome to Te Piringa - Faculty of Law! Whether you are studying at the Hamilton or Tauranga campus, the first year of an LLB is an exciting transition. But among the new-found freedom of university life, there is one trap that catches even the best students: the "just this once" lecture skip.

It sounds harmless, but in law school, skipping lectures can quickly become addictive—and that’s a habit that is hard to break.

The "Skipping Addiction"

It starts small. You’re tired, it’s raining at Gate 7, or you’ve got a 9:00 AM start. You tell yourself, "I’ll just watch the recording later." The problem? Once you realize no one is checking the roll, skipping becomes a "reward" that your brain starts to crave. One missed lecture becomes two, two becomes a week, and suddenly you are staring at 15 hours of Panopto recordings three days before your mid-term. The stress of "catching up" is far worse than the effort of showing up.

Why Live Lectures Matter at Te Piringa

  1. Active Engagement: In the Faculty of Law, lectures aren't just about reading slides. They are about hearing the nuances of cases and understanding how legal professionals think.

  2. The Community Factor: Showing up is the easiest way to find your inclusive community. You meet the people who will become your study group, your support system, and eventually, your colleagues in the New Zealand legal landscape.

  3. Routine is King: Treat law school like a 9-to-5 job. By physically going to class, you maintain a professional routine that makes University of Waikato leadership and committee roles much easier to manage later on.

First-Year Study Tips for Success

  • Don't Rely on "Later": The "I’ll watch it later" lie is the biggest hurdle for Waikato Law students. If you can’t make it in person, watch the stream at the scheduled time to keep your routine intact.

  • Summarise as You Go: Don't wait until the end of the semester to write your case summaries. Spend 20 minutes after each lecture cleaning up your notes.

  • Join a Student Association: Groups like WULSA or Te Whakahiapo often run "Exam Prep" or "Torts & Crimes" tutorials. These are goldmines for first years.

  • Ask for Help Early: If you are struggling, reach out to the Faculty. As our Constitution highlights, the Dean and Faculty staff are there to support and guide the student community.

The Bottom Line

The freedom of university is great, but don't let it work against you. Stay disciplined, show up to your lectures, and build the habits now that will carry you through to your graduation. Your future self (and your GPA) will thank you.


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