Learn Law and Life at Leiden University

Queen Mary, University of London

7.2(25 Reviews)

Reason for choosing my college

• A chance to study the EU framework with respect to banking and financial law.
• A chance to study in a legal system different from the Indian system.
• 1/4th of expenses if compared with the overall expenses of the UK or US.

King's College London

7.7(26 Reviews)

Reason for Rejection

• Can't say, maybe it was the year after the Covid lockdowns that led to increased competition and more applications reaching from various countries.
• Also, Kings College is a reputed college, so their admission standards are pretty high, with respect to previous academics and experiences.
• Also, LORs play an important role in the selection process of Kings.

• Prepare a proper SOP and gain experience in India if you plan to work after completing your study.
• Research well before deciding on a course. If you want to practice law, either get yourself registered with the UK SQE or prepare yourself mentally to leave practicing and enter a different domain of law.
• Even getting registered with the UK SQE is not a sure-shot method but with correct practical experience and registration, it might prove beneficial. ( Research before going ahead.)

• I chose the Netherlands, as I got an opportunity to study in a different legal system than India.
• Leiden University, and especially Leiden Law School, is globally recognised and famous because of its heritage and faculties.
• I chose Advanced LLM in Law and Finance as it gives a lawyer exposure to financial nuances a financial or corporate lawyer should know.
• Leiden is a peaceful city and a perfect destination for learning, both academic learning and also learning life lessons.
• Career opportunities mostly depend on one's previous experiences. The EU law courses help but with extensive work experience, things become much easier.
• My overall experience is really good because the professors not only guided me in my studies but also in life.

• There were usually 5-6 classes a week.
• There were usually 1 or 2 classes in a day and their schedule depended upon the professor's schedule, as most of the professors were also practicing lawyers or legal professionals while teaching us at the university.
• There were 3 Indians in my course.
• On a daily basis, you need to study for at least an hour or so so that you can keep up with the pace, as well as, for assignments, it required more sitting as all the assignments were research extensive.

• All of them are approachable.
• I feel Prof. Peggy, Prof. Ebbe and Prof. Rank are the best ones, as they guided me the most through thick and thin.
• Yes, faculties help a bit in getting a job by guiding you and referring you, but up to a certain extent. Mostly it depends upon your calibre and qualifications.

• The campus was spread out in the whole city of Leiden and also in The Hague.
• More than 4 libraries, 2 sports centres in both Leiden and The Hague and a famous medical college, LUMC.
• Leiden Law Campus, famous events- OWL, Leiden Day and a trip to EU Parliament in Brussels. Clubs—FINSTAS
• All sorts of extracurriculars are present; it depends upon your interests.

• Indians, while studying, usually work in restaurants; some of them also get an opportunity to assist lawyers or work as an assistant in law firms or banks.
• Non-EU citizens are allowed to work only after they have completed their studies, typically after submitting their thesis.
• Pay is variable and depends upon the place you work. Cannot be predicted.

• Non-EU students can't work until their course finishes but after that, they can get part-time jobs with their networking.
• Some part-time jobs are also mentioned on FB pages or some part-time job-related apps.
• Some professors also hire research assistants to assist them in their research or work-related projects.
• Before the search year visa- 20 hours per week. After getting a search year visa, 36 hours per week.

•  I worked as a Junior Legal Counsel in Rabobank in the Benchmark Transition team called R4.
• Since you get a search-year visa, your initial salary will depend upon your experience, but once you get a sponsorship, the pay will be somewhere above 3500 euros per month.
• 70% of students get a job in and around the Netherlands.
• Pay range depends upon your experience and what you bring to the table.

• Search FB, housing rent, XIOR and various other websites.
• Challenges:
  • There is a housing crisis in the main cities of the Netherlands, so plan your accommodation even before coming to the Netherlands.
• Just don't fall for scams. When you get shortlisted for Leiden University, you will get a mail for Leiden University account, and you will be entered in a waitlist, but if you get it, its the best, as you will also be able to connect with other students of the university or from other universities.