A week in the life of a Law Training Centre learner

Studying law online can feel daunting, especially when you’re juggling work, family responsibilities, and everything else life throws your way. To give a real insight into what studying week by week at Law Training Centre is actually like, we spoke to one of our CILEX learners, Louise Dyer, about her daily routine, challenges, and experiences of studying online with Law Training Centre so far. Here’s what she shared…

Getting started: first impressions matter

From the very first week, one thing stood out: support.

Louise described being pleasantly surprised by how helpful everyone at Law Training Centre was right from the start, particularly in receiving emails from her tutor and having clear points of contact.

“I didn’t get that with my previous provider. It makes a huge difference knowing exactly who to contact.”

It’s important to choose a provider that works well with you and your learning style. Having a provider that suits you will likely result in a much more positive learning experience, allowing you to reach your full potential and achieve your goals.

Getting set up online was equally straightforward. Even as a self-described “57-year-old technophobe,” Louise was logged into the learning platform within minutes – proof that the system is designed to be accessible for everyone, regardless of technical confidence.

What a typical study week looks like

There’s no one-size-fits-all study schedule at Law Training Centre, and Louise’s routine reflects the flexibility that online learning allows.

With a full-time job and responsibilities as a full-time carer for her 85-year-old mother, study time happens early for Louise.

“I usually study between 4–7am. It’s peaceful, my head is clear, and the day hasn’t started throwing problems at me yet.”

This approach means that by the time the working day begins, study is already done, allowing her to focus on work and home life guilt-free. At the moment, she spends around 15–20 hours per week studying, topping this up at weekends when possible.

Rather than rigidly dividing time between lectures, reading, and tasks, she works methodically through the course materials in order, fitting everything into the time she’s allocated each day.

But not every learner will have the exact same routine. That’s why we work closely with our learners and have open communication to offer the right support and create study schedules that work for them.

Staying motivated online

Motivation can be one of the biggest worries with online study, but for Louise, accountability is key.

“I have to stay motivated. My career depends on it.”

Having a mentor who she can check in with daily helps keep her focused and on track, particularly when distractions creep in. It’s a reminder that while online study is flexible, it doesn’t mean you’re doing it alone.

Tutor support and communication

Louise highlighted to us the importance of having tutors on hand as a point of contact throughout her studies, even when she’s studying units aligning with her professional experience and she doesn’t need much tutor support. And when it comes to units she’s less sure on, she knows her tutors will be there to guide her through. With Law Training Centre’s unlimited tutor support, there really is a helping hand for every stage of your course.

When discussing the importance of tutor support with us, Louise highlighted that this element is what really set Law Training Centre apart, comparing it to her past experiences with other providers where tutor contact was minimal or unresponsive.

Balancing study with life commitments

Early-morning study has become the cornerstone of balancing qualifying with a busy and demanding life. Over time, Louise has adjusted her routine as circumstances changed, and those changes have made a real difference – including moving home in mid-2025.

“Since moving, I’m flourishing with my studies.”

It’s a powerful reminder that personal wellbeing and academic progress are closely linked. Surrounding yourself with positivity where possible is a great starting point to allow you to develop a healthy relationship between studying and learning. Remember to make time for yourself and do things that you enjoy outside of studying!

Reflecting on the Law Training Centre experience

When comparing Law Training Centre with previous study experiences, the difference is clear.

“With my old provider it felt like ‘there’s the course, off you go’. No individual tutors, poor communication, and no real support.”

Law Training Centre aims to make sure that learners feel seen as people, not just as students. One moment in particular stood out: after not logging into the online platform for a while, Louise received a message simply checking in and offering the option to pause her course if needed.

“They don’t just care about your studies – they care about your mental health too. How lovely is that?”

Advice for anyone considering online legal study

For anyone worried about staying on track with an online legal course, Louise offers reassurance. Tools like the built-in study planner help guide progress, while tutors are always available to advise if you fall behind.

She also highlighted the value of community, whether through WhatsApp groups, study buddies, or simply knowing someone is there to help.

“With Law Training Centre, there is always someone available – whether it’s about course content, IT, or even finances.”