Reddit Roundup: October 2024

By April Baniqued. Published 31 October 2024.

Here are this month’s questions: 

• How can I stay physically active as a student?
• What are the SQE payment methods?
• Can I switch from the SQE to the Legal Practice Course (LPC)?
• Does the University’s SQE resources include a question bank?
• Does the University provide good career support for international students?

How can I stay physically active as a student?

Being physically active doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some budget-friendly options for students.

1. Fitness apps

There are numerous free apps at your fingertips (check out our recent blog for our top picks). Here are a few of our favourites for physical fitness:

• Active10: This NHS app records the number of steps you take, your speed and the minutes walked. You don’t need to have the app open - just pop it into your pocket and you’re ready to go. This is an easy and less demanding way to monitor your exercise. The app even rewards you for your progress. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
• Couch to 5K: A 5K run may seem impossible, especially for beginners, but this NHS app serves as a guide in achieving this goal. There's no pressure timewise too, you can take it at your own pace. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
• Nike Training Club Fitness: Nike’s free app provides at-home workouts that require no equipment. Categories include HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), Strength, Yoga, Pilates and Mindset. You can save and schedule workouts, as well as review your completed activities. There are also programmes to motivate you. Before booking these, you can check how long it will take to complete and how many stages there are. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

2. Online videos

If you’re more of a visual learner, video tutorials are a great option. There are many YouTube channels dedicated to helping you achieve your goal. Below are a few popular channels:

• Jeff Nippard: With a biochemistry degree, this YouTuber not only guides you step-by-step through the exercise but also explains the science behind the training. He focuses on strength training, muscle building and nutrition.
• Yoga with Adriene: Adriene teaches yoga with a “find what feels good” mentality. Whether you need a quick wake-up stretch or a more elaborate exercise to improve strength and flexibility, there are various practices at your disposal.
• Chloe Ting: Rising to popularity during the pandemic, this YouTube channel offers weekly home workouts, fitness programs and healthy meal plans.

Above from YouTube, you can also watch videos from well-trusted organisations. Check out the NHS’ Fitness Studio exercise videos. These instructor-led exercise videos include yoga, pilates, strength, aerobic and resistance training.

3. Outside facilities

Check out what’s around in your local area - of course, there are the obvious costly swimming centres and gyms, but don’t overlook the free facilities. There are parks, where you can run or do yoga, cycle lanes for regular rides, outside courts for basketball and volleyball, and open fields for football. Sometimes it just takes a little creativity to make the most of the space you have. If you’re new to the area, it’ll be a good opportunity to explore your new home.

4. Join a class

It can be difficult working out on your own. If you need that extra motivation, you can join a free class or become part of a team. Here are a few websites to help with your search:

• Parkrun: With Parkrun, you can find a community that runs regularly near you.
• Class Finder: Class Finder lists a variety of local classes- pilates, zumba and more. These can be free or low-cost.
• Player Wanted: For a more competitive activity, Player Wanted helps you search for teams looking for players. The sports include football, hockey, rugby and cricket.
• Societies: Of course, we can’t forget to mention our Student Union societies. Simply scroll through our groups at your campus to find the sport of your desire. This is also a great way to socialise with other students.

What are the SQE payment methods?

When you book your SQE assessments, you must pay in full, VAT-exempt. There are two payment options:

1. Use a debit or credit card: This can be Visa, Mastercard, Visa Debit, Maestro or American Express.
2. Enter a code from a voucher: This is provided by your training provider or employer.

You can learn more on the SRA website.

Can I switch from SQE to LPC?

You can still qualify as a solicitor through the LPC route, but you must meet one of the following criteria:

1. You have obtained a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) or an Exempting Law Degree (ELD) before 1 September 2021.
2. You began a QLD or ELD before 1 September 2021.
3. You accepted a QLD/ELD offer by 21 September 2021 and started the course before 31 December 2021.
4. You deferred a QLD or ELD offer for the academic year 2020/21 and began your course by 31 August 2022 (inclusive). Keep deferral evidence for LPC acceptance.

We are still offering the LPC with our next intake being January 2025. You can find out more about the course and how to apply on our course page.

Find out more on the SRA website.

Does the University’s SQE resources include a question bank?

Practicing SBAQs (single best answer questions) is crucial in passing the SQE. Our SQE app has been designed to support SQE1 success and provides our SQE students with free access to a question bank with thousands of practice questions. The free app also gives access to a limited question bank for non-students.

Here is a breakdown of the number of SBAQs you can access depending on your user status:

• SQE Full Course Students: Question bank of over 3,000 SBAQs.
• SQE1 Exam Preparation Course Students: 162 questions which are taken under examination conditions at a set time.
• SQE Study Manual Owners: 40 questions relating to the manual subject matter.
• Free App Users: Limited version. If you provide your email address, you can access a sample of 45 questions.

You can download the app in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

We also have a variety of other resources to help with your revision, which we covered in our previous Reddit Roundup blog.

Does the University provide good career support for international students?

Our international students have access to the same career resources as our domestic students. These include our:

• One-to-one career support: Receive personalised career guidance from our specialist career advisors, practicing solicitors and industry professionals.
• ELITE: Explore a wide range of resources including workshop recordings, interview feedback examples and success stories from past students.
• Support by subject area: Find resources for your specific field, with dedicated career pages for Law, Business, Policing, Criminology, Computer Science and Psychology.
• Resource hub: Watch our useful videos designed to support every step of your job search, from crafting an effective CV to acing interviews.
• Career pathway: Unsure how to reach your dream role? Select the career of interest and we’ll outline the steps and requirements to get there.
• Professional Employability Programme: Gain essential early-career skills through this programme, which covers managing your personal brand, effective networking, conflict resolution, and more.

Visit our student employability page to learn more, or check our page dedicated for our international students.

Have more questions? Our blog resource hosts several topics - simply search for your area of interest.