The School of Law gets social: 40+ events, countless laughs, and free food
If you thought studying Law or Criminology was all about casebooks and caffeine, think again.
In 2024/25, the School of Law’s Student Support Team, led by the ever-enthusiastic Anna Nixon, put on a showstopping lineup of over 40 events that brought students together, celebrated cultures, and occasionally involved free fish and chips.
Operating out of their HQ in room G.27 of the Liberty Building (aka the party planning command centre), Anna and her dream team, Jimmy, Kirstie, Lou, and Zuer, make it their mission to turn the School of Law into a community, not just a campus.
“We just want students to have fun and feel like they belong,” says Anna, modestly downplaying the logistical wizardry behind organising everything from quizzes to theatre nights.
Eat, meet, repeat
The ‘Eat & Meet’ events were the undisputed crowd-pleasers. Picture this: a free meal, a chilled-out vibe, and your lecturers chatting to you like actual humans. One student summed it up perfectly:
The fish and chips were great, and really well planned! Loved that the lecturers were speaking to students.
Honestly, who doesn’t bond over battered cod?
Culture, snacks, and childhood nostalgia
The team also threw some seriously heartwarming cultural celebrations, including events for Canadian Thanksgiving, Spring Festival, and Christmas, all under one Liberty Building roof. One student from China shared:
The snacks prepared were really good and reminded me of my childhood. I don't know if students in other countries have eaten these snacks before, but as a Chinese student I used to eat Mimi shrimp sticks and White Rabbit milk candy as a child.
Theatre nights and big feels
Off-campus adventures were just as magical. Theatre trips gave students a chance to see powerful performances, without the price tag. One student said:
The show was amazing, great atmosphere. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.
Another added:
The theatre is something I don't have expendable cash to spend on and it was a real treat. As someone that is queer, to see this play tell black queer stories was amazing. It was so needed and the staff were so friendly it made me feel more like a School of Law student seeing staff and students together socialising.
Representation matters, and so does a good night out.
The Student Support Team also took students beyond the Liberty Building to explore some of Yorkshire’s most charming spots. From the literary cobbled streets of Haworth to the riverside beauty of Knaresborough and the rolling moorland views in Ilkley, these trips offered a breath of fresh air, literally. Whether students were snapping selfies by the viaduct or hiking up Ilkley Moor (with or without a hat), these outings gave everyone a chance to unwind, discover local gems, and bond over shared adventures.
Want in? Here’s how
These events are wildly popular (read: they sell out fast), so if you’re keen to join the fun, keep an eye on the School of Law’s social media, newsletters, and the Student Support LinkTree.
Whether you’re in it for the snacks, the theatre, or just a break from tort law, there’s something for everyone. And who knows? You might even make a few lifelong friends along the way.
