Michigan 1Ls/2Ls/3Ls taking questions Forum

[portaprokoss]

For anyone considering Michigan, I'll give you my take as a young 1L: the people are terrible. Pompous, conceited, know-it-all, etc.

I came here searching for collegiality and friendly people but have yet to encounter either, unfortunately.

I don't know. I can see this argument but I think it's all in perception. Tell me more.

Much of my opinion has been formed on the people in my section/4-section classes. Sections are so restrictive that there could very well be people I'd get along with that I've just never met.

Regardless, it's been a pretty average semester. I have no desire to spend any time at the school once I'm finished with class. It kinda sucks.

2L, here.

I think you may be misinterpreting things. During UG I transferred from a backwoods hillbilly college to a "selective" institution. I felt out of place b/c everyone else seemed to have had immaculate pedigrees and I had a high-school GPA of 1.9. I only hung out with two or three people because I thought others were stuck up and fake. In retrospect, I was just shutting myself out because I felt threatened and insecure. Perhaps my undergraduate experience is analogous to what you're going through now; perhaps not.

I never really bonded with most of the folks in my 1L section at Michigan either, but for different reasons than at UG. My section was very friendly. The distance was due to my personality (I'd rather read a book than party) and my family situation (married w/ kids) and not due to them being unfriendly, exclusive, stuck up, or anything like that. Generally people were nice and friendly and I'm sure I would've been included if I had sought to be. That being said, around finals time people in all sections get stressed and some people are rude and edgy. But surely this happens at every law school. The majority of people do the best they can to remain civil. If you happened to land in a section with a bunch of edgy gunners, that sucks, but things really do get better after 1st semester, and much better your second year.

If you want hang out with your classmates, perhaps take the initiative and give it another shot. If not, PM me and we'll grab a beer in January (I'm poor until then).

Good luck

[ArtVandelayy]

For anyone considering Michigan, I'll give you my take as a young 1L: the people are terrible. Pompous, conceited, know-it-all, etc.

I came here searching for collegiality and friendly people but have yet to encounter either, unfortunately.

I don't know. I can see this argument but I think it's all in perception. Tell me more.

Much of my opinion has been formed on the people in my section/4-section classes. Sections are so restrictive that there could very well be people I'd get along with that I've just never met.

Regardless, it's been a pretty average semester. I have no desire to spend any time at the school once I'm finished with class. It kinda sucks.

Yeah I'm like a bat out of hell at the end of the day too, although more because I need to get away from law rather than the people themselves. I don't want you to out yourself obviously so I won't ask which section you're in, but I will say it would be interesting if we were in the same one.

All that I'll say is my 4-section group has Every Fucking Gunner tHere

[keg411]

I've heard that all the fun 1L's are Most Nights Out Partying.

(3L who only knows a handful of 1L's)

[whirledpeas86]

I've heard that all the fun 1L's are Most Nights Out Partying.

(3L who only knows a handful of 1L's)

As a former MNOP'er, I would say that's accurate.

But really, I think the experience is what you make of it. If you somehow can't get along with anyone in your 100 person section, try joining student groups to meet people with similar interests/goals/identities. No one is required to spend 100% of their time hanging out with people from their section. I was on the board/active in several groups during 1L, so I got to meet lots of 1Ls from other sections, along with 2Ls and 3Ls who I made friends with. Meeting 2Ls and 3Ls is also useful because they can help you through the hellish nightmare that 1L can be. I got outlines, study tips, beers, hugs, and pep talks from upperclassmen. One of my mentors from last year, who has since graduated, saw me post on facebook that I needed outlines for a class, and they sent me their outline, class notes, notes on what the final is like, and mailed me several supplements.

If you choose to be insular and not venture outside of your bubble, then yeah, it's going to be a potentially awful experience. But, everyone is starting from scratch and you certainly have the opportunity to find your people if you're willing to work at it a little.

[UnamSanctam]

Yeah I don't know any MNOP people but they probably are a lot of fun. But I'm pretty sure I've been the only lazy one in my section.

[noodle64322]

Thanks for making this thread

I was just wondering if anyone could describe the grading curve, a bit? Specifically, I'm wondering how difficult it is to stay within the top 25% of the class. I've heard that it's not all that competitive, after the first year, but I've always been a bit anxious, when it comes to being surrounded by smart people, and relative grading.

It might be a hard question to answer, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask xD

[calverna]

Not a question per se, but I am looking for some leads on 1 bedroom apartments--I'm a deferred summer starter, looking for a May lease (not a sublet) near the law school that's cat friendly. I'm visiting AA next week and have 4 or 5 places lined up, but any additional tips are welcome. I've already consulted the lists on the Admitted Students page, craigslist, etc. Please send a PM if you know of anything.

Thanks!

[keg411]

Not a question per se, but I am looking for some leads on 1 bedroom apartments--I'm a deferred summer starter, looking for a May lease (not a sublet) near the law school that's cat friendly. I'm visiting AA next week and have 4 or 5 places lined up, but any additional tips are welcome. I've already consulted the lists on the Admitted Students page, craigslist, etc. Please send a PM if you know of anything.

Thanks!

I made a housing list last year. It's definitely incomplete, but if you want it, shoot me a PM (I'm studying for exams, so if I don't get back to you ASAP, don't worry).

[Pathika]

Thanks for making this thread

I was just wondering if anyone could describe the grading curve, a bit? Specifically, I'm wondering how difficult it is to stay within the top 25% of the class. I've heard that it's not all that competitive, after the first year, but I've always been a bit anxious, when it comes to being surrounded by smart people, and relative grading.

It might be a hard question to answer, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask xD

Very easy question to answer... I'd say your odds are about 1 in 4 of staying in the top 25%, give or take.

[keg411]

It also depends what types of classes you take after 1L year. They publish the grade curves, but it tends to be hard to be "sneaky" because a lot of the major classes will have tough-ish curves. Generally, if a class is under 30 students, profs won't curve strictly but those classes tend to be harder to get into (i.e. seminars, practice simulations, etc.).

[dislikeCeltics]

Sorry if this has been discussed earlier in this thread, but what is the cost of living in the lawyer's club? I'm assuming they open housing in may for summer starters, correct? Trying to decide between living in LC or a 1 bedroom.

Thanks in advance.

[Eva_Bates]

Sorry if this has been discussed earlier in this thread, but what is the cost of living in the lawyer's club? I'm assuming they open housing in may for summer starters, correct? Trying to decide between living in LC or a 1 bedroom.

Thanks in advance.

Not open in May for Summer Starters.

Cost is listed on the website - different for each type of room.

[dislikeCeltics]

Thanks. I actually received the housing packet today - it says that you are not required to sublet your LC room over the summer. How easy is it to find a sublet if you choose to do so?


Thanks.

Sorry if this has been discussed earlier in this thread, but what is the cost of living in the lawyer's club? I'm assuming they open housing in may for summer starters, correct? Trying to decide between living in LC or a 1 bedroom.

Thanks in advance.

Not open in May for Summer Starters.

Cost is listed on the website - different for each type of room.

[keg411]

Thanks. I actually received the housing packet today - it says that you are not required to sublet your LC room over the summer. How easy is it to find a sublet if you choose to do so?


Thanks.

IMO, the reason to live in the LC is to not have to worry about subletting or paying rent over the summer when you're not going to be around. Very few people stay in AA over the summer and everyone who sublets is still going to pay at least 50% of the rent.

Part of the reason that I got the apartment I did this year (nicer, more expensive 1BDR) is that I knew I was going to be staying here over the summer to study for the bar and wouldn't have to eat any rent.

[dislikeCeltics]

Thanks for the advice. One more question regarding LC: By the time I start school next year, I'll be out of undergrad for 3 years. I'm thinking about living in LC (convenient, great way to meet people) but am hesitant of moving back into a 'dorm' after living in a spacious 1 bedroom apt for the past couple years. Are most people living there coming straight from UG? Will I feel a little out of place?

[keg411]

Thanks for the advice. One more question regarding LC: By the time I start school next year, I'll be out of undergrad for 3 years. I'm thinking about living in LC (convenient, great way to meet people) but am hesitant of moving back into a 'dorm' after living in a spacious 1 bedroom apt for the past couple years. Are most people living there coming straight from UG? Will I feel a little out of place?

I honestly don't know. They're totally remodeling so it might be less dorm-y than it was previously; but on the other hand, there are plenty of apartments close to the school if you don't feel like you want to be on top of law students all the time. So I think it's a little different than it was in the past where it was really dorm-y; or this year when it's regular apartments that the law school is renting for the year.

[dislikeCeltics]

Gotcha. Wish they were done remodeling it so I can check it out. Overall, really excited and pumped to go to Michigan. Thanks so much for your help!

Thanks for the advice. One more question regarding LC: By the time I start school next year, I'll be out of undergrad for 3 years. I'm thinking about living in LC (convenient, great way to meet people) but am hesitant of moving back into a 'dorm' after living in a spacious 1 bedroom apt for the past couple years. Are most people living there coming straight from UG? Will I feel a little out of place?

I honestly don't know. They're totally remodeling so it might be less dorm-y than it was previously; but on the other hand, there are plenty of apartments close to the school if you don't feel like you want to be on top of law students all the time. So I think it's a little different than it was in the past where it was really dorm-y; or this year when it's regular apartments that the law school is renting for the year.

[06102016]

..

[UnamSanctam]

I have a big dog I'm bringing with me. You guys know anyone with (big) dogs in law school?

Nah, but it shouldn't really be a big deal.

[BBALLGIRL071]

I have a big dog I'm bringing with me. You guys know anyone with (big) dogs in law school?

I have a yellow lab that I will be bringing with me if I attend! Yay for big dogs!

[AreJay711]

I have a big dog I'm bringing with me. You guys know anyone with (big) dogs in law school?

I know someone with a big dog (well a big puppy that will be a big dog).

[06102016]

..

[whirledpeas86]

If anyone committing to the LC and summer starting needs a place to sublet, PM me! I'll be subletting a fully furnished room in a 6 bedroom/2 bathroom house a block away from the law school. It's $700 including all utilities, internet, free laundry in the apartment, and I'm pretty sure the landlord will allow pets. All of the other housemates are grad students and they're all chill and sociable folks. PM me if you're interested in hearing more!

[haveahat]

I'm drawn to living in the LC primarily because of its fantastic location. As a California girl, I am not ready at all for a Michigan winter and the prospect of trudging through a lot of snow on my way to class is a bit daunting to say the least...

As far as appartments go, I've seen some advertised as a 5 minute walk to the law quad. How doable is that in heavy winter? And are there really appartments that close or is this a gross exaggeration?

[keg411]

I'm drawn to living in the LC primarily because of its fantastic location. As a California girl, I am not ready at all for a Michigan winter and the prospect of trudging through a lot of snow on my way to class is a bit daunting to say the least...

As far as appartments go, I've seen some advertised as a 5 minute walk to the law quad. How doable is that in heavy winter? And are there really appartments that close or is this a gross exaggeration?

Yes, there are apartments that are that close. Your best bet is to google maps the apartment and see where it is as compared to the law school; but there are a ton of places in walking distance.