AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ GUIDE TO LAW SCHOOL
Introduction
Beginning a law degree in a new country isn’t just about navigating the academic rigours of a new environment, it’s also about adjusting to an entirely new life. While exciting, this transition period often brings homesickness, culture shock and the daunting feeling of being an outsider in an unfamiliar environment. In the fast-paced world of law school and trying to build new social networks, the journey can be both challenging and isolating. Of course, you are not alone as many others will experience the same. Whether you are seeking practical advice on adapting, looking for communities to join or exploring professional support services, here are some tried and true tips and essential resources to help you find your footing and build your confidence in a new environment.
Homesickness/Culture Shock
Homesickness and Cultural Differences
For international students, arriving in a new country is not just a big jump from high school to university - it is adjusting to a completely new rhythm and culture. Once the initial excitement fades, many international students often find themselves quietly hit by homesickness. It is not even dramatic; sometimes it is the small things that sting the most. The comfort of family when one gets back home, the taste of comfort food that no restaurant here can quite replicate, the familiar chaos of high school friends…everything familiar suddenly feels very far away.
Then comes culture shock. International students talked about decoding accents, understanding Australian slang, and adjusting to Melbourne’s famously ‘chill’ pace. Even everyday tasks like commuting or waiting for certain administrative replies felt different from home. These weren’t overwhelming challenges, but they do require patience and time. Eventually, students will still be able to find themselves adapting to the new rhythm and learning how to navigate the quirks of life in a once foreign place.
The Hidden Norms & Adapting as an ‘Imposter’
Even after settling in, many international students described moments where they felt like outsiders - not because of the language or ability, but because of the hidden norms of law school. Conversations moved quickly, humour did not always translate, and group discussions sometimes felt intimidating.
And then international students always asked themselves: “Am I already behind?”, “Am I not competent enough?”.
Law school often assumes you already know how everything works - how to read cases, how to voice up in tutorials, how clerkships work, how to network, or even how to email academics or professionals. Domestic students may not find these things easy either, but many international students are navigating all of this while adjusting to a new country, legal system and social culture. Confidence becomes its own hidden rule - and silence is sometimes misread as disengagement when it may actually come from uncertainty or cultural differences.
Despite these challenges, international students were still able to find themselves slowly finding a place for themselves. According to some students, small routines are important in this - facetiming family, staying active, or watching an episode of favourite TV or YouTube channels from home - gave them a sense of stability while they figured things out here. Joining clubs and connecting with people who share any kinds of similarities (e.g. cultural communities or interest groups) also helped them feel more like active participants in university and grew their sense of belonging.
Besides that, law school’s expectations that are not found in textbooks may create the false impression that everyone else has a head start, but international students found that showing up consistently to LSS events, keeping track of what is happening on campus, and most importantly, staying open-minded and being willing to step out of their comfort zones, are critical to slowly building their confidence.
If there is a single takeaway, it is this: Give yourself time. Feeling like an imposter is normal - it is never about your competency.
As you slowly find your people, your rhythm - you will find your place here.
Joining Clubs & Making Friends
Showing up to a new university in a new country can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t know anyone there. The best way to get to know new people is to get yourself involved in many events/activities!
Is it easy or difficult to make friends?
Don’t put pressure on yourself to feel at home right away. The first few weeks are often a mix of excitement and loneliness, which is perfectly normal. Try to establish routines from the start: attend class on campus, join activities, explore Melbourne and avoid trying to hide in your room once class is over.
In terms of making friends, it’s really dependent on you as a person: your attitude and mindset, as well as your willingness to take the chance. While loneliness can be real, Monash offers plenty of opportunities for you to mingle with like-minded people. You don’t necessarily need to be a great conversationalist; it’s more about your willingness to show up.
Monash Law Students’ Society (LSS)
Within the LSS, there is the International Students’ Office, which runs most events specifically for international law students. To reach out to them, contact interofficer@monashlss.com for undergraduate students and pg.interofficer@monashlss.co for postgraduate students.
Some examples of these events include:
PG International Chai & Coffee
International Welcome Picnic
International Student Dinner
International Students Rage Room
International Students Clerkship Night
Or some interest-based clubs:
Social Basketball and Netball
Run Club
Law Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Choir
Other Monash Clubs and Societies
Although the LSS is a great starting point to meet other law students, students should not overlook the large selection of recreational and cultural clubs and societies offered on campus. Debaters’ Society, Korean Appreciation Student Association, Monash Film Society, Role Players’ Society, a Snow Sports Club, and so many more. There’s a little something for everyone!
But what if joining a club is daunting?
The International Student Guide outlines many affordable ways to explore Melbourne, such as visiting the NGV, ACMI, Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, the Royal Botanic Gardens, beaches, and seasonal events. It also highlights student discounts, MSA memberships, community groups, and campus activities. These options are not just leisure activities but accessible ways for students to engage with the city without waiting to form a “perfect” friend group.
By attending low-pressure events, joining clubs, going for walks, and exploring the city, students can build a routine that goes beyond lectures and assignments. The guide’s focus on free and accessible experiences reinforces that wellbeing should not rely on constant spending. Simple activities like visiting markets, beaches, galleries, and gardens can meaningfully help students feel more connected to their new environment.
Where to Seek Help
If you relate to any of these experiences and wish to seek help or additional guidance, here are some resources that many students utilise to help them navigate university life.
Monash Counselling
Monash Health services offers free counselling to all enrolled students. With a vast selection of trained professionals, they provide confidential support for a wide range of personal and academic challenges, whether that be adjusting to overseas university life or coping with homesickness, to managing depression, anxiety, or addiction. Counsellors can be a great avenue to help you identify underlying issues and develop practical strategies to help you cope with these challenges.
Appointments are available in person on campus, or over the phone – support is also available even if you are outside Australia.
Within Australia:
In-person or Telehealth consultations: (03) 9905 3020
24/7 phone consultations: 1300 STUDENT (1300 788 336)
Clayton campus location:
University Health Service
21 Chancellors Walk
Campus Centre, Ground floor
Outside Australia:
Phone counselling:
From Malaysia: 1800 818 356 (toll free)
From Italy: 800 791 847 (toll free)
From India: 000 8000 503 298 (toll free)
From China: 10 8003 610 233 (toll free)
From Indonesia: 8001 503 463 (toll free)
From elsewhere outside Australia: +61 2 8295 2917
Monash Disability Support Services (DSS)
DSS provides a range of support for registered students, including flexible deadlines, academic support workers to help with note-taking, and accessible accommodation. For students managing a disability, mental health condition, injury or similar challenges, registering with DSS can offer essential support throughout your studies. Even if you feel you are managing well now, having these safeguards can make a significant difference when unexpected difficulties arise.
To learn more about what DSS offers: https://www.monash.edu/students/support/disability/services
Career Connect
Naturally, international students often do not have a clear understanding of the Australian job market; resumes, cover letters, clerkships here are likely to operate differently. Whether you are applying or thinking of applying for casual work, internships or graduate roles, Monash Careers is a useful tool to help you understand your visa conditions, work rights and employer expectations in Australia.
Monash Careers and Internships Studio organises drop-in sessions for students to speak with experienced staff and hosts various career-related events throughout the year.
Fellow LSS international students encourage students to consult Career Connect early in their degree to explore their options, not only when they are panicking in their final years.
To learn more about Monash Career Connect: https://www.monash.edu/students/careers/skills/studio
Conclusion
Hey, look at you - you have made it this far, you’re already doing great. Truly. Also, making it all the way to the end of this article means you are doing something right too. Being an international student is not easy, and the fact that you are here, learning, adapting, and even reading this piece shows you are supporting yourself in all the best ways possible.
Adjusting to a new country, a new university, and a considerably difficult degree takes time. Some days will feel great, some will feel confusing, and some will feel like you are just trying to keep up - and that is totally normal. Every international student goes through it, even if they don’t say it out loud.
So keep showing up. Keep trying new things. Keep your mindset open. You are growing into your place here, with every small step taken at a time.
And if you ever need a reminder or guidance, you can always come back to this article - we will be here cheering you on! :)
Written by Audrey, Leonie and Jade