Vilma Nikolaeva

I came to Groningen in 2020 to start my LLB in ‘International and European Law’, specialising from my second year within the Technology Law track - which I highly recommend! At first the choice was related to the fact that not many other institutions allowed the studying and research of International Law starting from a Bachelor’s and this was, and I think still is, a very unique opportunity provided by RUG. The field of Technology Law is quite novel and I had the luck to be part of the second batch of students to participate in the program, which made me absolutely passionate about themes in Data Protection, Digital Human Rights, as well as AI Regulation & Governance. A great feature of the LLB is also the mandatory exchange program, through which I was able to visit Australia and learn more about the common law legal system.

RUG has been one of the very first institutions in the Netherlands to provide this unique track, and I am very satisfied with having pursued a further LLM in ‘Technology Law & Innovations’. I believe the program to give quite the competitive edge to its students, especially when later entering the job market - since risk and compliance roles at tech companies are currently very in-demand. The Master’s and generally the Faculty of Law are well equipped to prepare you for your future career in law, with professors that are absolutely passionate about what they teach. The smaller cohort size (around 30 people) makes it so that interactions are deeply personal and authentic, with the courses being often personalised to the group’s needs and interests. The style of teaching is one that will encourage you to engage in critical debates and dialogue with your peers, rather than just reproducing knowledge for an exam. A great feature is also the LLM’s ‘Masterclass’, which includes on-site visits to companies such as Deloitte, Microsoft and Google.

I have spent the past 5 years in the city of Groningen, a life experience that I will always carry in my heart. Not one year looked the same as the previous one in this city, which is known for its international environment and welcoming spirit. You will never get bored here, with tons of student organisations and a rich evening life, there is something for everyone. Most importantly, I have made friendships for life with people from all over the world! The size of the city is perfect to engage with a tight-knit community of students without being overwhelmed.

Although my time in Groningen has come to an end, I will always cherish the memories and skills acquired at RUG. I am very satisfied with both the network, academic and professional skills I have built during these past years, and I am confident that these will help me pave my way into the next chapter of my life. I am currently looking at regulatory and policy training roles in various EU institutions, as so are many of my coursemates, as both the LLB and the LLM have given me the optimal skills to thrive in these environments. If you are looking for a city that will inspire you, help you grow, and ultimately give you the tools to thrive in international settings, RUG is definitely the place to be!

Vilma Nikolaeva, LLB in International and European Law graduate & LLM in Technology Law and Innovation graduate

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