The University of Law student Lewis Francis gives an insight into life on campus, the best things about studying in city and how he keeps busy outside of his studies
As Lewis Francis navigates his journey through the three-year LLB programme at The University of Law (ULaw) in Leeds, he’s already making strides towards a career as a lawyer. With the Legal Cheek in-person workshops and networking event just around the corner on 30 October, we caught up with Lewis to get an insider’s perspective on what life is really like as a ULaw student and how he spends his downtime.
What course are you studying and why did you choose The University of Law?
I am currently in my third and final year of my LLB law (honours) degree, which has come around rather quickly. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure what degree to do; however, my mind was made up through consultations with family. What drew me to The University of Law was their different approach to teaching. Whilst most people can succeed with the more traditional model of teaching at university, I was concerned I would find it harder, having been diagnosed with severe dyslexia at the age of 17. The more interactive way that The University of Law teaches the LLB degree suits my style of learning much better.
How did you become a campus ambassador and what does this role involve?
I knew I wanted to be a campus ambassador before I even joined the university. The ambassador who showed round was so kind to me whilst I was considering the tough decision of which university to choose. Once I became settled in my life at the university, I applied for the position through an application form and an interview before being given the role. One of the many reasons I enjoy being a campus ambassador, is the variety of events that are available to get involved with, ranging from post-graduate open days all the way to events held for local schools. One of these is the University’s highly successful criminal investigation day, where school students work through a case, review the evidence and see how a trial unfolds. Being an ambassador has been a great journey for me as I have been given opportunities to take responsibility and represent the university in a variety of settings, whilst hopefully inspiring others to study law.
What has been your favourite module you have completed so far in your degree?
While I have enjoyed pretty much every single module I have completed at the university, I would have to say that the Employment module and the Legal Technology and Innovation module which I completed in the second year of my studies have been my favourites.
I thoroughly enjoyed some amazing workshop sessions on employment law. I found it clearer and easier to understand than some other areas of law that I have studied.
On the other hand, I enjoyed Legal Technology and Innovation for a completely different reason. I loved this module because of its constantly evolving nature and up-to-date application. It allowed me and my fellow students to think critically about how technology, particularly artificial intelligence, has helped make the legal sector more efficient and the possible future application of these technologies.
What’s the best thing about campus life at The University of Law in Leeds?
The best thing about the ULaw campus is its position. Being located right in the centre means that everything you need is right outside the university. This includes several cafes, pubs and food stops. Just like most of the people in Leeds, I thoroughly enjoy the options, but a personal favourite spot of mine is the Pinnacle beer and gin bar. This bar has great options for drinking, as well as pool tables and darts boards.
On top of the activities, there are several screens which allow you to have a drink and enjoy sporting events, and it is especially exciting when Leeds United are playing! This spot is excellent for letting off steam after hard work, but if there are deadlines approaching and work that needs to be done, there is a Santander work cafe around the corner that does excellent coffee and hot chocolates. This is a great little spot to get work done as it can be a change of scenery from your usual working spots but also gives you that motivation needed as those who are also in the cafe are getting on with their own work, whether that be on business or personal projects.
What’s the best thing about studying in Leeds?
I personally think that the best thing about studying in Leeds is the variety that the city offers. Due to Leeds being home to lots of different cultures, the city represents that mix, which, as a student, is fantastic as you can satisfy every need that you possibly have. This is not just limited to food; it stretches to entertainment, shopping and opportunities. It also helps that it’s so easy to get in and out of Leeds as a city with multiple options each day. I tend to use the trains due to the university being a 5-minute walk away from Leeds train station. These transport links out of Leeds mean I can get in and out of Leeds pretty much anytime of the day and night.
How do you spend your time outside of your studies?
I have always been someone who finds it hard to sit around and do nothing, so I have plenty of commitments outside of university, including a part-time job and several sports and family commitments. I find that while these outside commitments mean, I have less time to do my university work, they have helped me to rest after long weeks at university as well as having helped me to be efficient with my time when it comes to my work. From a personal point of view, I have always liked being an in-depth planner of my time to make sure I can balance my commitments and make sure each gets the attention they need. However, in this fast-paced world we live in, a bit of flexibility is needed, which hasn’t always been my strongest skill. However, I believe I have gotten significantly better at it through the last two years at university.
What does a typical week in your life look like?
As I like to keep busy, my week tends to be quite full on. I try to make the most out of every single day. I once told a close friend of mine about my week’s plans, and their response was ‘I do less than that in a month!’ My busy week includes university lectures and workshops, working three days a week, four gym workouts, and a team sports training and match on the weekend. On top of these consistent commitments, I also try to see my ageing grandparents, as well as visit the aunties and uncles who live close to me. Then I try and fit as many campus ambassador events into my routine as I can while prioritising my family and academic study.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your degree so far?
I would say that the biggest challenge has been the large amounts of reading necessary for my degree and trying to balance university work with applying for work experience and training contracts. I was warned about the amount of reading that was required in a law degree, however I still didn’t anticipate the amount that I have had to do.
What has the academic and pastoral support at ULaw Leeds been like?
There isn’t a bad word I can say about the academic and pastoral support staff at the university. No matter what the issue is, they are more than happy to help and, from my personal experience, can get things sorted quickly and correctly. I personally think these support staff roles go under-appreciated — they are a group of such kind and helpful staff. The university has worked out an effective system and provides every student with an academic coach who can help with any non-subject-based academic questions. As well as the academic coach, each student also gets a Student Journey Advisor who is there to help answer non-academic questions. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the careers team work tirelessly to help students take their next steps after finishing their degree. They arrange the yearly careers fair event, email about possible job opportunities, and even go as far as proofreading and advising on students’ CVs.
The University of Law Leeds campus will be hosting an in-person workshops and networking evening with Pinsent Masons, Shoosmiths and Squire Patton Boggs’, on Wednesday 30 October. Apply now to attend.
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