Student support and societies

Getting your head around the style of teaching and learning at university and what is expected of you as a law student can take a bit of time. We have a range of resources to help with your transition:

• Our student website offers a number of study skills resources.
• As a law student, you can access Resources – Sydney law students (in Canvas) for a range of information and resources to help you with your law studies.
• You can take part in Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) where you work in groups of 10 to 16 students to answer specially prepared activities and problem questions, based around a unit of study you’re enrolled in.
• We offer a peer mentoring program to help new students transition into study and life at the Sydney Law School.
• As a student you'll receive access to Sydney Law School’s Legal Writing Resources, which brings together an array of knowledge, advice, tips and resources about legal writing and skills. It particularly covers the three writing skill genres that all law students will be expected to develop – legal essays, problem responses and case notes. It also provides details on legal research and referencing. 
• If you're having difficulty with a particular unit of study you can talk to your lecturer or tutor. In addition, there are a range of consultation options available with Law School Advisers.
• If you know you need to develop your academic skills in a particular area then sign up for a Learning Centre Workshop or two. Workshops focus on a range of topics, from effective reading and notetaking to preparation for different types of exam formats. Particularly valuable are the academic honesty workshops which provide an understanding of referencing. The Learning Centre also has a number of online resources to help students develop their academic skills.

Within Sydney Law School and across the University there are lots of opportunities for developing social and emotional skills as well as academic competencies. Taking some time to understand yourself, what’s important to you, and how to go about living a life you value, can have a powerful effect on wellbeing and motivation.

Below we have listed just a couple of examples of the opportunities available for broader skill development across the university: 

• Internships are available at various centres and institutes within the Law School. They are advertised periodically in the law student newsletter. 
• The Learning Centre provides resources for students to build and extend the skills they need for study and research at university. This includes workshops and online resources.
• Take a proactive approach to developing personal skills for success with a CAPS workshop. As well as a series of individual (face-to-face) workshops covering key wellbeing and study issues, CAPS offer a range of self-help tools, self-help books, and online Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) programs.
• Take an active role in planning your career and obtain advice on developing key employability skills. The university's Career Centre provide career advice and development.
• Check out the volunteering and leadership opportunities available through SULS and the USU.
• Explore an area of interest and connect with others in the university community by joining one of the many interesting clubs and societies on campus. You can also check out the student law societies at the University.

Our Peer Mentoring Program will assist you in building social and academic networks through attending a range of events with the support of a senior student who acts as a mentor, and helps you settle in.

Your mentor

Mentors are usually senior students who work with a group of 5 to 10 mentees. We will try and match you with a mentor who is in a similar program of study (such as the LLB or JD).

The mentor will help you by:

• giving you information about all the services on campus
• organising two mentoring group activities and introducing you to other students
• inviting you to social and academic events
• giving you general information about life in Sydney
• being someone you can talk to about your experiences and studies.

How to join

You can join the Peer Mentoring Program at your orientation session. After the mini lectures, all students are invited to join a mentoring group. You will be taken on a tour of the Sydney Law School and have your first session with your mentor. There is no need to pre-register – just be there on the day.

If you miss the orientation session, come along to the Tug-of-War in Week 1. Introduce yourself to a mentor (who will be wearing a blue shirt with ‘Law Mentor’ printed on the back) and ask them any questions.

For more information about the program, email law.professional@sydney.edu.au.

Studying at university can be stressful, and studying law is no exception. Some aspects of studying law at university that can be stressful include:

• Adjustment to an independent learning style with less feedback than you might be used to
• High volume of reading and emphasis on exam-based assessment
• Feelings of pressure and competition
• Worry and/or uncertainty about career direction
• Developing new social connections and relationships, and
• Juggling competing demands, learning to recognise your limits and having realistic expectations (of yourself, others).

When you are a student at the University of Sydney, you have a range of health, wellbeing and support services available to you. These include child care, counselling and mental health support, disability support and emergencies and safety on campus. 

People develop and achieve with the right combination of challenge and support. If you’re struggling, then don’t feel like you have to face the challenges of university life alone.

Make an appointment to speak to one of the Counsellors at Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The service is free for currently enrolled students, confidential (and in no way linked to your academic record), and located just across the footbridge over City Rd.

Our counsellors specialise in helping students build skills in order to manage the challenges that come with being a student (and a human)! Some things a CAPS counsellor will be able to help you with are managing worry, self-criticism and unrelenting high standards, low mood, relationships difficulties, strategies to help with ‘overthinking’, negative feeling, substance abuse, exam anxiety, procrastination, transitioning to university, loss and grief, and managing strong emotions. 

• CAPS offers 50 minute face-to-face appointments between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
• To book an appointment call Reception on (02) 8627 8433 or 8627 8437 or drop by their office on Level 5 of the Jane Foss Russell Building. You can locate the building on this map.
• At an initial appointment you and your counsellor will discuss what you’d like help with, the best way of achieving your goals and develop an intervention plan. CAPS psychological interventions are based on recognised best psychological practice. 
• Also be aware that the types of support available include self-help tools, individual counselling, workshops (such as Managing Stress, Time Management) and Online Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) programs.

Require immediate and urgent assistance? See the crisis and after hours contacts.

Experiencing a significant health concern? Contact the University Health Service or your local GP or medical centre. 

The Sydney University Law Society (SULS) was formed in 1902. SULS assumed an important role in representing the interests and needs of students to the University, the Law School, the Union and the Student Representative Council (SRC). All law students are immediately members of SULS.

As well as arranging social events, mooting competitions and orientation activities for law students, the SULS also offers support for student learning and wellbeing including: 

• SULS Law School Basics workshops: Students and staff share their tips on studying, writing assignments and exam techniques. 
• SULS Education Guide: Advice on how to prepare for class, make notes, and write assignments as well as perspectives on different units of study.
• Law Tutor database: Find a private tutor or join a study group.

Founded in 2004, the Chinese Law Students Society (CLSS) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of student life at the university and providing its members with opportunities on a global scale.

CLSS aims to:

• offer assistance to members in their pursuit of academic excellence,
• provide members with exciting career opportunities both within Australia and overseas,
• facilitate a range of enjoyable social events for members who share a common interest in law.

In addition, CLSS also offer a range of resources for members to advance their professional careers in law. These include:

• Hosting the Hong Kong Law Fair event, which aims to connect its members with prestigious international law firms in Hong Kong, and
• Publishing the Greater China Region Careers Guide, advising members through the general recruitment process for a career in Greater China Region.

Korean Law Students at the University of Sydney (KLUS) aims to bring together Korean law students for networking in both social and academic networks.

The Sydney Indian Law Society (SILS) is a student-run society with a mission to support students in their academic and professional journey,.

SILS hosts a variety of social and career-based events, welcoming students to join its vibrant community.

From networking sessions to webinars and seminars featuring experts from both Australia and India, SILS is dedicated to helping students navigate the challenges of their career progression.