What kind of studier are you? ((Quiz and article!))

With the rise of nerd/geek culture comes one handy little fashion craze that suits me – and most aspiring lawyers to a tee. Study chic is a cute, little fashion quirk that has been holding my eye for a long time.

((Apologies to my male readers, many of the clothes I will suggest are female cuts – but I am aiming to show agendered clothing in the style of study chic where I can))

Below are the four types of studiers and the outfits they should try out!

1. The mess-maker

This person spreads their things everywhere. It doesn't matter where they're sitting from a tiny cafe to a massive library table their things are guaranteed to be spread from a-z every time! They're messy and for those of us who love to be tidy, they're infuriating.

However they're also wonderful study partners. They have a visual spatial mindset and a genius ability to gather a mess of seemingly unrelated pieces into one superball of knowledge. The perfect outfit for them is not  skinny jeans and a jacket but a loose outfit that gives them the freedom to think without feeling restricted.

Like...

Red, Plain Chunky Knit Loose BaggyOversized Jumper Top from Amazon.com 

Straight legged ripped jeans from Zaful.

Simple black boots; like these Dr Martens from Zappos 

Of course a neat little beanie from JC Penny, nothing like keeping warm while burning the midgnight oil! 

But don't forget the piece that you can shove all your stuff in when you head down to your favourite study hidey-hole 

2. The study aesthetic

We all know this person – for those of you who don't – it's probably you. They love to make sure that when they're studying it looks perfect. Undoubtedly, there will be an elaborate desk set up usually involving a candle, a neat set of stationary and delicately arranged study notes.

Warning, don't be fooled, it may look like an instagram image but the hard work is all there. These types of people have a unique take on studying that often leaves them ahead of the game. The perfect outfit for this kind of study-person looks a little something like this;

A warm fuzzy sweater for the inevitable air conditioning at the library from Rotita

A relaxed white tee and jeans; but paired with this stunning light pink necklace  ((comes in multiple colours))

And a neat little pair of grey high heeled boots these were spotted from allhpfashion.

3. A little bit arty

I knew a girl like this at my highschool and every casual day (for americans this is where we wear normal clothes instead of our uniforms) she would wear the most amazing outfits and her notes always reflected her fantastic creative flair. There were freehand patterns drawn all over her notes and text carefully weaved through diagrams and title banners.

Forgive me, the fashion gene has alluded me but after a little digging I found some unique artistic pieces that I hope will be an inspiring outfit for those creative students!

I found these gorgeous leggings from topatco.com;  the colours and cute design reminded me a little of the leggings you see in mainstream stores. But the reason I chose to shout out about this pair is that they're designed and supported by independent artists and they're top quality. A lot of the clothes I'm recommending today do not offer a high commission to the artists that created them and so it's important to support the artists where we can. 

Pair it with a simple scoop neck tee and some cute canvas sneakers from Toms 

4. The sleep-in

We've all been this kind of study-person before. Thankfully it's the most simple outfit of them all, and probably the most comfortable. Roll out of bed, plonk yourself down in your desk chair and -yes- stay in those very comfy pajamas because at the end of the day you're studying!

 It's not a fashion parade, in fact there are conflicting studies about the effect on clothes on your productivity. In the end it's just like study methods – whatever method helps you the most is the way that you should choose.

 But if you're not sure – I've made a little quiz to help you find out what type of studier you are!

What kind of studier are you? [Interactive Quiz]

1. When you wake up in the morning you...

Hunt around for that shirt you know you have stored somewhere....
Climb over your latest art project to get ready
Roll over and go back to sleep
Check through your planner for today's activities


2. When you're studying you listen to...

Taylor Swift
Whatever's on the radio
Paramore
Disparition


3. Your favourite place to study is...

A hipster cafe
The library
A park
Why would I go out to study?


4. The best part of your day is...

Seeing my desk tidy and feeling ready to begin a new day
Coming up with an awesome new idea
Your first cup of coffee
Meeting up with friends


5. Your favourite study snack is...

Chocolate biscuits
Freshly sliced fruit with granola and tea
Whatever's in the house
Something recreated from pinterest


6. When people see you studying they say...

I wish my notes looked like that!
How can you work in this mess?
How do you fit so much information in one page?
Wasn't that due last week?


7. The best part about studying is...

The great sense of achievement
Doing something you love
Knowing you'll have more free time later
that while you're studying your don't have to tidy up your room


8. Your goal for the future is to...

Improve your grades
Inspire others to achieve their goals
Work in the career of your choice
Get the work done on time!

0-8 = The Mess Maker
9-17= The Study Aesthetic
1-26 = A little bit arty
27-35 = The Sleep-in

Are you struggling? Great!

Welcome back, I took a break to focus on taking my exams – and I hope those of you who were or are doing them are making/made the most of it. I know I have lots of readers from America and Europe that are just getting started on their exam season. So Good Luck to all of you and I hope that you can find some good study tips and motivation on this blog!

The first half of my exam season is over now,

and high school is officially behind me as I have completed my final high school exam. I started a studyblr during my exam time, which I know sounds like a waste of time but actually, it helped me.

Firstly, what is a studyblr?

It's a blog, (usually on tumblr but also found on other social media sites such as instagram) that focuses only on studying.

Why did it help you?

Well to be honest the study-community on tumblr is the most friendly, supportive and caring group I've seen on a social media platform. I've seen blog posts with individuals helping each other with homework, millions of messages of encouragement, well wishes and random compliments. The kind of friendly social interaction is unprecedented and all of it is great motivation to continue studying.

As a naturally competitive person I was surprised to find that I didn't feel motivated to 'beat' my followers or look better than them but that I felt more like it was the effort that was important. I posted pictures of my notes, my desk and my coffee and every time I did so I received a wave of encouragement to keep going. The motivation was awesome and it totally took the edge off the isolation that studying for hours can often bring.

It was this little bit of social-interaction that pushed me to spend the extra few hours of study that I wouldn't have otherwise put it. The people I met and interact with also helped meto gain a new perspective on my work. One that I'd like to share with you all.

Exams are truly great opportunities;

What other chance do we get to spend hours in bed, lazing about in sweat pants and eating two minute noodles without anyone looking at us strangely?

Exactly. Never.

In all honesty, there is a plus side to exams and I must give credit to university teacher because I didn't think of it by myself.

As a student in the thick of exams for both high school and university, it's hard to not always be complaining the hours I spend studying. However, rather then patting me on the head my teacher told me I should ask for more exams and less time to prepare.

I was obviously horrified 'no!' I exclaimed, 'you don't understand, exams are /hard.'/ Yet this only seemed to prove her point as she went on to explain that employers don't want employees that take time to finish work. Employees, particularly lawyers, need to be able to work hard and fast and provide a piece of work that is presentable to a client.

As painful as it is to admit, this means that exams really are relevant for your future career. It's easy to understand that in the real work-life, there's no time for proof reading, asking a friend and handing it up to the teacher. The real world is a hard and fast paced race track and those of us who can't jump to attention get left by the wayside.

It begs the question, is this what we should be trained for? The majority of us will work for someone at some point in our lives and our level of employ-ability is the most important quality that we can offer to any potential law firm.

In Australia, why are we so focused on making education fun and attractive; when it should be making it practical and applicable for a future in the work force. Surely it's up to the students to find outlets like tumblr to make their education fun and not the role of an educator. It seems almost like we're jeopardizing our education standards in order to make things easier.

So often Australians – and I'm sure other countries too – allow themselves to run away with misery. We sulk over things that are actually great opportunities and we make fun of qualities that are traditionally 'uncool'.

For example I love the law, and it so happens that I enjoy reading legislation. This is 1000% not what the general populace consider an enjoyable activity and often in conversations I will make some joke at my own expense.

But why is this so wrong?

Essentially it's wrong because it perpetuates a society that wants everything to be easy.

Exams are hard, so we don't like them, being different is hard so we make fun of it. Yet in the work life our employ-ability is boosted by our individuality. So why do we not encourage individuals to take the difficult route find what makes them unique and work hard to build on their skills and qualities.

We've created a society that's so desperate to appear successful we've forgotten that the biggest step to success is hard work. No one becomes an instant success. Even those with raw talent must to things that are difficult and unfavorable in order to succeed.

Pre-law students, law students, young lawyers and everyone in between and outside of those categories, take an oath today to take the hard route. Allow yourself to struggle, give your mind permission to fail but don't let it overtake your life. Change your perspective to rejoice when you're working hard – because when it gets the hardest is right when you're about to succeed.

Love,

The Underage Lawyer