Written by Alexandra Cherk and Adapted from the ‘Being Guide’ Published by the LSS
The App-Solutely Productive
Law Student
Embarking on your first year of law school will be a journey marked by trial and error in honing study skills. I know all too well that the myriad of readings and lectures demands consistent review, efficient note-taking, and staying on top of coursework.
However, law students like me are equipped with technology that can leverage various productivity applications to streamline their study routine. Having survived my first year of law school, I’ve curated a selection of apps tailored to assist Monash law students, categorised under concentration, note-taking, organisation, and flashcard management!
1. Google Workspace (Calendar, Drive, Docs, Slides) – iOS, Android, Mac, Windows
Category: Note-taking, organisation
Cost: Free
If you’re looking for a seamless note-taking and organisation experience, the Google Workspace applications is my number one pick. One of the major benefits is that it facilitates document sharing for class collaboration, or making joint notes. In addition to the apps listed above, there are several more including Keep, a digital to-do list, and Sheets, which functions like Microsoft Excel. Using your Monash email to access Workspace will grant you access to unlimited storage provided by the university.
2. Goodnotes 6 – iOS, Android, Mac, Windows
Category: Note-taking, organisation
Cost: Subscription ($9.99/month)
Are you someone who prefers to handwrite notes? Given the sheer volume of content bestowed upon law students, this may prove difficult. Goodnotes allows the possibility of a hybrid note-taking system, where handwritten notes can be made alongside typed ones, diagrams and lecture slides. The app can also be used to import digital textbooks, annotate and highlight them.
3. Notion – iOS, Android, Mac, Windows
Category: Note-taking, organisational
Price: Free (+ optional Plus Plan)
Notion is a great all-in-one workspace, with a wide and versatile range of features including, but not limited to, off-line note-taking, goal tracking and even grade calculation! Your personal Notion page is highly customisable, both to your aesthetic and organisational tastes. However, I found a drawback was limited options in terms of text fonts and sizing, which made formatting an issue when printing notes.
4. Anki – iOS, Mac, Windows
Category: Flash-cards
Price: Free (OTP mobile app)
Although law exams are open book, they are often a matter of speed and efficiency. Anki offers a scientifically-proven algorithm bolstering long term learning and content retention through digital flashcards. Its usage of spaced repetition is also a great method of systematically reviewing content. The app does consist of an initial learning curve, however is relatively intuitive to use.
5. Forest – iOS, Android
Category: Concentration
Price: OTP
Are you finding Tik Tok is just too enticing compared to that essay that’s due tonight? The Forest mobile app is a fun way to distance yourself from distraction, logging your study hours in the form of planting trees which grow as you focus on your work, but die if the app is left before the timer expires. The app also allows you to add friends and see their progress, adding a friendly competitive element to your study.
Although these apps may provide a place to start, the transition to university study is also a time for personal discovery. Everyone’s learning curve is unique, and while apps offer support, it’s important to remember that finding a workable combination to support one’s individual needs is an ongoing process!