I was flipping through the collections of
albums that I had during my undergraduate days. Some are funny but there are
some, which makes my eyes teary. What a mixed feeling I had. But what intrigued
me the most was my method of study during my undergraduate time. I stick to my
method through out 6 years of enduring IIUM law school, and alhamdulillah, it
works just perfectly amazing with me. Here are some of the tips to share with
you my beloved juniors in Ahmad Ibrahim Kuliyyah of Laws.
1. Focus
in class
I always have a specific notebook for
every subject, which I love to wrap it beautifully (usually it’s pink, of
course) in every class. In order to help me to stay focus, I will sit in front
of the lecturer, so I will not be bothered by my handphone or anything. Not
only that, avoid sitting beside a friend who loves to talk. You can’t help but
to entertain his/her rambling while the teacher is teaching. Alhamdulillah, I
am really grateful to have a skematik letronik bestfriend as well, you know who
you are J
2. Nescaffe
To be honest, this is my personal weapon to
stay alert throughout the day. I will make sure to have a cup of a
yellow-stick-packet of mild nescaffe. But, every person has their own tastebuds
and there are some that I know, who never drink nescaffe throughout their law
school. So, it’s really a personal method. Depends on your level of addiction.
Heh.
3. Attendance
For me, attending the class is not only
obligatory, but it is a sign of respect to the lecturer, and to myself. I am a
person who cannot read other people’s note, nor do I like to read the
powerpoint ones. Thus, I have no other choice but to attend the class to jot
down the note myself. I also love to see my lecturers teaching in front of me.
I know it’s weird, but I really love to see their efforts and technique in
teaching. For me, it’s a way to understand the subject deeper. Their face
expression, their smile and frown, all of them are just priceless.
4. Mind
map
I will do this every time the exam is coming, be it mid term
or final exam. By doing mind map, I can save my time and it helps me to
memorise hundreds of cases and principles of law. I remember when I was in
second year; the subject of Family Law really kills every one of us because we
have a lot of cases and quranic verses to remember. Alhamdulillah, by doing
mind map, the law cases and quranic verses just flowing like water from my
memory when I was in the exam hall.
5. Consultation
During study week, I will spent extra time in doing the past
year exam questions. It is very important because we can ask the mercy of the
respective lecturer who will also be our examiner to check our answer script
before the examinations. This method helps us to know their way of marking, and
their demand. Some lecturer really want their students to put extra cases while
some are just fine with one case for each legal principle. So familiarise
yourself with the lecturer’s way of marking so you may suit yourself with their
style during the real examination.
6. Spiritual
strength
Being a Muslim, we must believe that after we have put our
utmost efforts, the result still lies at the hands of our Creator. Before exam
is coming, purify yourself by doing a lot of Taubat Prayer. While waking up 2
or 3 am to revise your notes, remember to pray Tahajud first because it really
works wonders. Do not miss your Dhuha prayer every morning before going to
class. I was so blessed to be surrounded by friends who also love to pray
Dhuha, so we will always remind each other about this. Every time before the
exam started, I will sms my parents and ask them to pray for me. I believe in
the magic touch of the prayer of our parents.
