Caleb Stephens '23
Technology Editor
If you’re like me, or most law students, you want your life to be easier. You want to have less back pain (thanks, LSAT, CollegeBoard, UVA Law chairs, and speedbumps), more free time (thanks, law school), and a healthier diet (thanks, inflation and carbs). You want your hands to cramp less when taking notes, you want to spend less time trying to figure out what your mad scribbles say,[1] and you want to remember the fifty million things you have to do. Indeed, the forces of darkness are, as they say, arrayed against you.
Fortunately, you have the Virginia Law Weekly on your side with a list of Life Hacks for Finals Season.
First, disclaimer, disclaimer, blah, blah, no liability, blah, blah, by continuing to read you agree to hold Virginia Law Weekly, the Technology Editor, and your mom not responsible for any emotional, physical, or social injuries which may be incurred in relation to the following unsolicited advice. Any and all lawsuits will be in the exclusive jurisdiction of the District Court of Petty Complaints.[2]
Standing Desks
My advice begins with the recommendation of standing desks, which are great. Also, stupid expensive. Good luck. Fortunately, most modern workspaces will provide one upon request, lest they get slapped down with a lawsuit. Unfortunately, that doesn’t help you right now. As a savvy Goodwill and Dumpster Co. shopper, and in my hallowed role as the Technology Editor, I suggest searching for either a portable lectern (like those in some of the classrooms), a good tiltable music stand, or just studying at the standing desks on the second floor of the Law Library. Personally, I use a music stand, which is perfect because you can raise, lower, and tilt your textbook to whatever height and angle you want.[3] There are also folding tray tables which can also be adjusted to different heights, which is what I used before obtaining a music stand. I hear book stands are also an option, but I have no direct experience with them. Of course, if you do have a way to get a fancy standing desk, go for it. Just remember, if you balance your expensive electronics on a standing desk, be much more careful of it falling over.
Wobble Boards
Have you taken the advice above and found a way to stand while reading? Are your feet/knees/legs tired of standing? I have a solution for you. The humble wobble board, obtainable at many mass retailers, can solve your standing woes and keep you on your toes.[4] “But wait,” I know you’re thinking, “won’t I fall off?” No. You probably won’t. And if you do, it’s really not a big deal. Just don’t wear slippery socks on a plastic board, and you’ll be fine.[5] If you start falling, just…step off. The wobble board also keeps your core engaged and reduces foot fatigue when used.
A pack of tennis balls
If you don’t have some, pick some up from Walmart. You can use them to work on your back by placing one between your back and the wall and moving side to side. Also, they’re tennis balls. You can learn to juggle, you can bounce them off the wall for softball practice, and you can accidentally break your expensive flatscreen when one starts ricocheting around the room. The possibilities are endless.
Microsoft To Do
Yes, I am going to recommend a Microsoft app. Yes, Microsoft is generally awful. Yes, this is (shockingly) actually good. Microsoft To Do is just an app that gives you a checklist with reminders. Why is this any good? Because you can just swipe to make a To Do item from your Microsoft email (which we all have from UVA). It lets you set reminders for later, and do all kinds of nice organizational things. The main key is creating checklist items from your emails that remind you to do them later, which is great for those alerts for events or automated Canvas alerts.
Whiteboard
Basic whiteboards are a lifesaver. Put one on the wall in your room, and write what you need to do on it in different colors. I recommend using Command Hooks to hang one. There’s nothing like literally writing notes on the wall and having them hang there in front of you every time you walk in or out. Engaging more of your senses really can help you remember things better, and the act of standing and writing on a whiteboard gets your creative thinking flowing—like Vesuvius about to destroy Pompeii.[6]
Your backpack
Seriously, use both straps. If you don’t, you’ll probably have back problems before very long at all. Unfortunately, I know of no successful cases against casebook publishers for making them too unwieldy, so take care of your back now. I know the messenger bag looks cooler, and is cooler, but the classic backpack, as long as you use both straps, will be better on your back.
If you take all of this advice, I can’t guarantee you’ll be better off. You might try to catch a tennis ball, slip on your wobble board, knock your standing desk into your whiteboard, and create a cascading chain reaction around your room. Or you could see a dramatic improvement in your mental and physical health. It could be either one, so good luck. One final tip is to take the time to straighten up your study area. Typically, having a clean area to study improves your mental state and helps you focus. I always straighten up my living space and make my bed before taking an exam; I find it helps my focus significantly. Try it; it may work for you as well.
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cs8ws@virginia.edu
[1] I still have no idea what “Apopo intts” means, despite having written it on a line by itself at some point in Admin last year.
[2] Good luck getting cert this late in the term.
[3] As long as you aren’t really tall—sorry, former basketball players.
[4] $5 at Five Below, around $13 on Amazon. Mine came from Amazon, but I don’t think the quality particularly varies.
[5] I have worn those really soft wool socks on a plastic wobble board because my feet get cold. Yes, I’ve fallen off. I, too, like to live dangerously.
[6] Too soon?