Law students of course choose to study in Groningen for various reasons, for example our top ranking for Public International Law or the study abroad opportunities for both LLB and LLM students, to name a few. Nevertheless, a re-occuring theme that can be seen within both our LLB student testimonials and LLM student testimonials is that Groningen is a nice place to live and study as a student. And we can't help but also think this is another reason why students come to Groningen for their LLB or LLM programmes. This is no surprise as the city of Groningen is reported in various media to be, simply put, a nice place to live.

For example, in January 2024, it was announced that Groningen ranked third "happiest" city (overall satisfaction) in Europe, in a European Commission 2023 survey on quality of life. Groningen also scored high in several of the specific survey categories (see graphic below). Beginning in 2007, this survey has been conducted every few years, and offers a curious insight into feedback on city life from the experiences and perspectives of city inhabitants throughout Europe.

Beyond being ranked in a general city context, Groningen has also been evaluated specifically with regards to being a desireable city in which to pursue higher education. This echoes the testimonials of our law students. The Campus Advisor recently published their Top 50 Best Student Cities in Europe for 2024, in which Groningen ranked 24th. According to The Campus Advisor, "The rankings are determined solely by the data we collected from students, reflecting the real experiences and opinions of those with firsthand knowledge. The definitive list evaluates key factors such as the proportion of students in the population, academic environment, student friendliness, cost of living, cultural diversity, nightlife, public transport, amenities, safety, and more, identifying the top cities that provide a comprehensive student experience."

In summarizing what makes Groningen so great, one respondent to the Campus Advisor survey exclaimed: "Groningen is an awesome city with so much to offer! It's super cool because it's not too big, but it's also not too small. You can easily walk or bike everywhere, which makes it feel cozy and friendly. One of the best things about Groningen is that it's super bike-friendly. There are bike lanes everywhere, and you'll see people of all ages riding their bikes around town. It's a fun and easy way to get around, and you can explore all the cool shops, cafes, and parks on two wheels. The city center is bustling with energy! There are always events happening, like markets, concerts, and festivals. Plus, there are tons of cute cafes and restaurants where you can grab a delicious bite to eat or hang out with friends."

For those that are thinking about which LLB or LLM programme to pursue in the future, we always like to remind everyone...it's not only about what you study, but where you study. And Groningen is, empirically, a nice place to live and study.

- Dr. Chris Brennan, Marketing Advisor, Faculty of Law

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Interested in more information about our international programmes? You can ask questions directly to the Faculty by filling out our information request form.