FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR 1L
1. CANS is an acronym for "Condensed Annotated Notes"
When upper year students offer to send you their CANS, be sure you take them and learn to use them. CANS are previous exam notes, case briefs, and/or chapter summaries. You may initially think that you do not want to use another person’s notes, but trust me, they are SO helpful.
HINT: Try to find CANS from a student who had the same professor as you.
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2. Exams are OPEN BOOK
Most, but not all of your exams will be open-book. You will have access to your CANS, textbook and other course materials. This DOES NOT mean you don’t need to properly prepare. Your success on Law School exams, like the LSAT, is positively effective by good time management.
HINT: Become familiar with a printed copy of your notes that are colour-coded and tabbed.
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3. uWindsor now offers COMPUTERIZED EXAMS
As of last year, students have the choice to write their exams by hand or on the computer. Either way, you will still get a hard copy of the exam questions. Typing your answer will allow you to easily add in additional notes or case references, and I bet you can type faster than you can write.
HINT: Download ExamSoft even if you think you want to write by hand. The option to switch to typing is definitely worth the $50.00 fee.
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4. CLEW is uWindsor's online portal
This is your online access to your all your courses; you’ll be able to download lecture notes and additional course materials (articles, online discussion posts, the syllabus, etc.). Profs will also post your grades in a secure and confidential manner.
HINT: Check the main page of your CLEW for updates from profs, librarians, and other faculty members.
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5. Grades are adjusted to fit a B-CURVE
Some students get very anxious about this – but it’s a good thing! Law Schools across Ontario must maintain a “B” average. It controls for everyone’s transition into law school, and for everyone’s understanding of the material.
HINT: Everyone that made it to Law School is smart and will work hard. Try to set realistic goals; for example, strive to be at or just above the class average.
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6. Detroit has a lot to offer
You can cross the border through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or the Ambassador Bridge. I highly recommend going to see the Detroit Lions at the Ford Stadium or the Leafs/Red Wings at the Joe Louis Arena. There is also a lot of good shopping at Somerset Mall or Twelve Oaks.
HINT: Go to Mexicantown (specifically Xochimilco) for inexpensive and DELISH enchiladas.
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7. Windsor Transit needs improvement
The buses in Windsor do not run very frequently. I recommend making friends with someone with a car. It will make it much easier to get around the city to grocery shop, visit Detroit, and run other errands.
HINT: The Law School organizes a bus to take students to and from Loblaws on Tuesdays, which allows you to take advantage of the weekly 10% student discount.
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8. Parking around the school...
If you plan to drive to school every day, you’ll need to arrange a place to park your car. Check out the availability of a spot in the Askin Parking lot (just down the street from the Law School).
http://www1.uwindsor.ca/parking/students
There is street parking available. You must put money in the meter –Parking Enforcement is always on the lookout for expired meters.
HINT: There may be availability in nearby buildings, include Cantebury College.
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9. There are various ways to travel to and from Windsor, Ontario
- VIA Rail: Trains leave multiple times a day, and if booked early can be as low as $80.00 round trip (estimated from Windsor to Toronto)
- Greyhound: Definitely a less common option when travelling to Toronto; a roundtrip can cost approximately $110.00, but since the bus makes frequent stops, additional hours may be unnecessarily added to the trip
- Porter/Air Canada: Flights can be costly, but if you need to get home quickly, this is a great option (depending on when you book, flights can range from $200-$600)
- Rideshare: There are individuals who travel back and forth from major cities; you can arrange a ride on website such as Kijiji (prices vary)
- Carpool: A personal favorite – get together with a few friends and make the drive home. This keeps costs low as each person is responsible for his or her portion of the tank of gas
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10. Pack a lunch!
There are a number of vending machines in the Law School, but there is nowhere in the building to purchase a meal. You can go to the food court in the CAW (for Tim Horton’s, Subway, Pizza Pizza, Pita Pit, and Teriyaki Experience). There is also a Subway and a restaurant called Bean’s Ladle just outside the Law School, on University Avenue.
HINT: If you are in a rush between classes or around lunchtime, consider going to William’s Café in the Leddy Library to avoid the long line at Tim Hortons.
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11. Be confident to go speak with faculty and staff
If you have a concern or question regarding a course, professor, exam format, or anything else, feel free to speak with the faculty. Everyone is very approachable, and more than willing to sit down and chat. You’ll quickly learn where everyone’s office is located.
HINT: Take the time to go to your professor’s office hours. It will give you more of a presence in large classes – you’ll feel more comfortable to speak aloud.
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12. The deal with your "Small Group"
Your entire 1L class will be subdivided into smaller groups of approximately 20 people, creatively called your “small group.” You will have all classes and tutorials with these people.
HINT: Your small group is a great way to make close friendships – use these people to help network and expand your social circle.
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13. What the heck is the Pit?
You will quickly learn the nicknames for all the areas in the Law School, but here are a few CLEWs (pun intended):
- Moot Court: Set up like a traditional courtroom, this is where you will have most of your classes.
- Lower Pit: Located in the basement of the school, set a few steps lower than the rest of the floor, there are tables, couches, and a TV. This is a great place to schmooze between classes, conduct meetings, and engage in group study during exams.
- Gavel: Located just beside the Pit, there are microwaves, tables, couches, and wall-to-wall windows
- Upper Pit: Located outside the Moot Court, there are some couches and an interesting bright yellow jungle/gym art sculpture.
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14. Bathrooms are a rarity
Meant as somewhat of a joke, but there are just not enough bathrooms around the school. There is only one bathroom in the library!
HINT: There are a few hidden around the school (i.e. there is a handicap accessible one in the basement near the side door).
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15. You'll start your workout on the way to the gym ;)
As part of your tuition, you will be granted access into the St. Denis Athletic Centre. It is about a 10 minute walk from the Law School, but it’s worth the trek. The gym has a section for both cardio and weights, and it has a pool.
HINT: If you are interested in playing for any Varsity teams (GO LANCERS GO), check out the website http://www.golancers.ca/
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