Studying the LPC during lockdown: An interview with Faaiza Iqbal

Faaiza Iqbal is currently studying the LPC at the University of Law. Alongside studying she runs her Instagram page @simplyyfaaiza and her own business. The reason she is studying law is because she found it to be an interesting topic at college and realised that there was so much that be can be done to help people within the legal sector. She also didn't think there was enough BAME representation within the legal field which further motivated her to study law.

1. The LPC (Legal Practice Course) is arguably the driest course there is (maybe after the GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law)); any tips on how to make it a bit more bearable?
I think you should always set goals for yourself to achieve and remember them when working through the course as all the hard work will be pay off in the end.
In terms of getting the work done, checklists can be helpful to break down the difference parts of the tasks. It's important to find what revision method suits you and find ways to make that more fun. I prefer handwriting notes so I try to make them colourful so they look more interesting and I will want to me revise from them.

2. How has lockdown affected your studies?
I have had many moments were I didn't have any motivation to do work and it was quite overwhelming because of the workload which didn't help my anxiety either. But I think it was also the sense of uncertainty as I didn't know what would happen in the future due to the current situation.

3. If you were not pursuing a career in law, what would you do?
I would want to purse a career in the medical field as that was what I planned on doing before I chose to do law.

4. What advice would you give a first-year law student or anyone wishing to pursue a similar path to yourself?
I think it can be really easy to compare yourself to other people and whether you can get through the course as it can be quite difficult at times. But my advice would be to be positive and acknowledge all your achievements no matter how small they are. Also being organised throughout the course is really helpful.

5. What book(s) have made an impact on you and why?
"Good Vibes, Good Life" by Vex King is an amazing book to read. It's a book on self love and how to manifest you goals that has really helped in moments where I've wanted to give up. It really makes you think about you outlook on things and how you approach certain situations.