Balancing an LL.M. program’s rigorous coursework with personal life can feel like a high-stakes act. Packed schedules, heavy reading loads and tight deadlines mean it’s essential to find a rhythm that keeps you afloat.
So we spoke to current students and recent graduates to gather their best insights to help you thrive, not just survive, on your LL.M. program.
Add Structure and a Schedule to Your Day
Structure is essential. George Nalappat who graduated from the LL.M. at Bucerius Law School in Germany this year says, “Planning ahead and creating a daily routine based on class times was essential for me. Set limits and focus on what you’re doing at any given time.”
By structuring his time and focusing on one thing at a time, Nalappat found it easier to fully enjoy personal downtime.
Sweder van Zuylen van Nyevelt, who graduated this year from IE Law School in Spain, also underscores the need for intentional scheduling.
“The foundation of my balance was a strong schedule,” he explains. “Personal life shouldn’t be an afterthought. Whether it’s a coffee break with friends, exercise, or simply relaxing, I made sure to balance both personal and academic tasks.”
Victoria Lapadula, who graduated from the LL.M. program this year from Boston University Law School, recommends looking at the bigger picture to stay motivated and balanced.
“No one should keep you from your goals, but you owe it to yourself to also enjoy the experience and make new friends,” she says. “The people you love are a force that drives you forward, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve with that support.”
She encourages students to build strong connections with classmates and professors, as these relationships enhance both academic and personal life.
Find a Separate Space for Studying
Efficient study habits were a game-changer for Max Meisgeier during his LL.M. this year at University of Chicago Law School in the U.S.
He stresses the importance of avoiding distractions. “Studying efficiently is key,” he says. “Instead of studying in a noisy cafeteria, choose a quiet environment where you won’t be interrupted.”
Meisgeier also separates study and relaxation spaces to help him mentally unwind. “Once I was home, I rarely thought about schoolwork, which really helped me reset.”
Nalappat from Bucerius found value in taking detailed notes during lectures, which helped him study more effectively. “When you go back to your notes, it feels like you’re back in the classroom, and that can really help with recall,” he explains. Reviewing these notes later made it easier to prepare for exams.
Sweder from IE Law, meanwhile, says, “Consistency in study habits was the biggest difference for me. Reviewing material after each class keeps concepts fresh and prevents the need for last-minute cramming.
For retaining information, Meisgeier from Chicago Law also recommends the spaced repetition app Anki, noting that “frequent review is essential because the brain forgets fast”.
Lapadula at BU Law stresses the power of class participation, as it allows students to engage deeply with the material.
“Participating in discussions, even if you’re asking a basic question, makes a big difference,” she explains. “Engaging actively in class helps you stay on top of material, and you’ll be better prepared for exams without scrambling later.”
Take Time to Unwind
Balancing an intensive study schedule with stress relief is also crucial to avoid burnout. Nalappat at Bucerius found comfort in cooking his favorite foods and taking long walks in Hamburg, where the law school is based. “Finding small pleasures that remind you of home helps keep stress levels down and keeps you grounded,” he says.
Meisgeier of Chicago Law underlines the importance of perspective. “Watching documentaries on global issues helped me manage stress by putting things in perspective. Realizing how fortunate I am made it easier to deal with academic pressures,” he shares.
For Lapadula at BU, reconnecting with nature made a huge difference. “Being around Boston’s beautiful parks, listening to the wind, watching ducks on the Charles River, gave me peace,” she reflects. “Those small breaks helped me feel rejuvenated and ready to get back to work.”
Beyond study tips, each graduate stressed the importance of building a supportive community and keeping a sense of perspective. Lapadula encourages students to form relationships with professors and classmates, as these connections can be invaluable academically and personally.
“Bond with your professors. Some of the most amazing people I know today were my professors, and those relationships have enriched my life,” she says.
These graduates remind current and future LL.M. students that thriving in a rigorous academic environment is about more than just hard work — it’s about balance, perspective, and surrounding yourself with people who support you.
