SQE: remote or in-person?

[morashwan]

I'm due to start the SQE this September and haven't decided whether I should do it in-person or online.

Just for some context, I am extremely lucky to have secured a TC and my firm will sponsor fees and provide a maintenance grant. However, I'm not in a position where my family would be able to support any of my additional costs (whether that be travel, accommodation, etc.) and given that London is expensive, I've considered studying for the SQE virtually to save costs and time.

During my undergrad, I rarely attended/watched lectures and relied on self-study. I was able to absorb the material better by reading and devising my own study plan, and ultimately ended up graduating with a first. I know, however, the SQE is going to be challenging and I have started to refresh my knowledge of the undergrad material in preparation for September. I also appreciate it would be great to meet my cohort beforehand to make those connections ahead of my TC. But in light of how expensive it is to live in London, and given the fact I would waste a lot of time commuting to and from campus, would it be such a bad idea to study the course remotely?

I'd be really interested to hear from those who studied (or are currently studying) remotely and in-person, and any recommendations - thanks in advance!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Have you checked with your firm as to whether you can study remotely?

 

[morashwan]

Have you checked with your firm as to whether you can study remotely?

Hi Jessica - thanks for the reply. Yes, I have done and I’m waiting to hear back. But the majority of my peers who’ve secured TCs have told me their respective firms strongly encourage in-person attendance but they have the option to do it remotely.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica - thanks for the reply. Yes, I have done and I’m waiting to hear back. But the majority of my peers who’ve secured TCs have told me their respective firms strongly encourage in-person attendance but they have the option to do it remotely.

A lot of firms will expect the SQE in person, especially if it is a bespoke course, but may look to provide other support, such as interest free loans, salary advances or holiday work to help people afford living in London.

 

[morashwan]

A lot of firms will expect the SQE in person, especially if it is a bespoke course, but may look to provide other support, such as interest free loans, salary advances or holiday work to help people afford living in London.

This is really useful information to know, thanks Jessica!

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hi Jessica - thanks for the reply. Yes, I have done and I’m waiting to hear back. But the majority of my peers who’ve secured TCs have told me their respective firms strongly encourage in-person attendance but they have the option to do it remotely.

if u dont mind me asking, can you tell me what firm this is? as per my knowledge only bakers allow remote sqe prep. if u can't give away the name of your firm cos it'll make identifying you easier, that's also fine and understandable. thanks

 

[LillyandSilver]

I did mine online for SQE 1 and I found it fine but i think it depends on the course. I was with a course which was only online so it was tailored to that whereas i feel like some courses expect you to make bonds with other students in person and therefore dont have a lot of online support or community

 

[morashwan]

if u dont mind me asking, can you tell me what firm this is? as per my knowledge only bakers allow remote sqe prep. if u can't give away the name of your firm cos it'll make identifying you easier, that's also fine and understandable. thanks

Hey! I'd rather not for the reason you mentioned - but this is good to know. I'll just to have wait and see what the firm says but I'm guessing it'll be the case that they'd want me to study in-person.

 

[morashwan]

I did mine online for SQE 1 and I found it fine but i think it depends on the course. I was with a course which was only online so it was tailored to that whereas i feel like some courses expect you to make bonds with other students in person and therefore dont have a lot of online support or community

Thanks so much for sharing @LillyandSilver - do you mind if I private message you with a few questions on your experiences?

 

[LillyandSilver]

Thanks so much for sharing @LillyandSilver - do you mind if I private message you with a few questions on your experiences?

Of course!!