Law School Essentials: What You Really Need (and What You Don’t)

So, you’ve been accepted into law school — congratulations! You’re probably excited, slightly terrified, and already eyeing off shiny new stationery, textbooks, and laptops. Let’s talk about what you actually need to start law school — and what you can skip.

Spoiler Alert: you don’t need to buy everything brand new.

📚 For Textbooks Buy Smart, Not New

One of the biggest traps for new law students is the textbook list. Every semester, the list looks endless and expensive — and the university bookshop prices don’t help. But here’s the truth: you can save hundreds (sometimes thousands) by going second-hand.

• Check Facebook marketplace.

• Student law groups.

• Websites like StudentVIP, STUDOC etc.

• Gumtree.

  
  

  Most law textbooks don’t change dramatically between editions, so even one version earlier will usually do the job. If you’re unsure, check with your tutor or lecturer — nine times out of ten, the differences are minor.

  
  

Even better? If you know a friend or an older student who’s finished that subject, ask if they’ll lend or sell their books.

Hand-me-downs are gold — and free ones are even better.

🖥️ The Only Thing Worth Spending Big On

You really only need to invest in one big-ticket item: a reliable, fast computer.

Law school involves endless research, writing, and referencing.

You’ll be juggling online readings, Microsoft Word, Westlaw, LexisNexis, and about ten browser tabs of case law — all at once. A sluggish or unreliable laptop can make your life miserable.

So, if you’re going to splurge, do it here. It doesn’t have to be brand-new, but it does need to be dependable. Think of it as your workhorse for the next few years — and possibly beyond into practice.

✍️ Stationery & Supplies

It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying every highlighter in the stationery aisle. Keep it simple. A good pen, a notebook (or digital note-taking system), and maybe a folder or two for printed readings will do just fine.

You’ll soon find your preferred study style — some students swear by colour-coded notes, others go completely digital.

Try both, but don’t buy half of Officeworks before Week 1.

🧑‍🎓 Clothes & Bags

Forget the “law student uniform.” You don’t need to dress like a corporate lawyer in your first semester.

Comfortable clothes are key — think smart-casual for tutorials and presentations, and maybe one good outfit for moot court or networking events.

A solid backpack or tote that fits your laptop, charger, and a few books is more useful than a designer briefcase.

☕ Study Setup

If you’re studying from home, aim for a clean, comfortable study space. You don’t need Pinterest perfection — just a quiet spot, decent lighting, and a chair that won’t destroy your back during long reading sessions.

If you share a house or live on campus, noise-cancelling headphones are a great investment (or a cheap second-hand pair will still do wonders for focus).

💡 What You Don’t Need

• Brand new editions of every book

• Designer stationery or bags

• Fancy noise machines or “study lamps”

• Expensive subscriptions you won’t use

Save your money for coffee, printing, or the occasional night out.

💭My Thoughts

Starting law school is about mindset, not material things. You don’t need the latest gear — you just need tools that work for you.

Second-hand books, borrowed notes, and practical planning will get you much further than over-the-top spending. Focus on your study habits, time management, and wellbeing instead. Those are the real essentials.

A reliable laptop, an open mind, and a willingness to learn — that’s all you need to start law school strong.