Savina
Savina is from Sofia, Bulgaria, where she obtained her BSc in Chemistry, and was actively involved in research. She is currently pursuing an MSc in Macromolecular Materials at KTH. Outside academia, she enjoys reading, drawing, travelling, learning new languages and having a cup of coffee while doing all of the above. Savina has also cross-trained in different sports, including tennis, basketball and swimming, and likes to stay active through going to the gym.
Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?
The reasons are several. I discovered the world of polymers while working on my BSc thesis, and realised that polymer science offers a wide spectrum of applications in both industry and academia. That, combined with my desire to pursue an MSc at a world-renowned university with a strong international component and strong academic performance, motivated me to apply for the MSc in Macromolecular Materials.
Another aspect that influenced my decision was how easy it was to find information about the different courses and the transparency of their learning outcomes. I was particularly drawn to the strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability throughout the programme, as well as the focus on solving real-world problems, working with novel materials and techniques, ultimately aiming to prepare you for the world outside university.
What are the best aspects of your programme?
I would say that the best aspect of the programme is that its structure is designed to help students develop professionally. There are several mandatory courses, some of which are quite challenging, but I believe they are essential for building a strong foundation of knowledge and preparing you to face similar challenges later in your career. In addition, each course is structured differently and highlights important aspects of the subject through seminars, laboratory exercises, and group projects. This creates opportunities to meet with researchers from different divisions and collaborate with students from various programmes, as well as get to know your peers.
Another aspect is the international community and having the opportunity to learn from each other as well as together as a group, ultimately creating a close-knit community.
How is student life in Stockholm?
It’s nothing as I expected, in the best possible way! There are so many events at KTH almost every day that it’s nearly impossible to feel left out or alone. On top of that, everyone is incredibly friendly and open to meeting new people. You can end up making friends in the most random ways, like chatting to someone on your way to class and then grabbing matcha together a week later, or sitting next to people from a completely different programme and somehow finding yourself at a coal painting class with them a month later. That’s honestly what makes student life here so exciting: you never really know who you’re going to meet or where those connections might take you, but a lot of the time they turn into genuine, long-lasting friendships
Another aspect is that many of us are navigating life in a new country together, and because of that, the connections you build quickly become deeper, more meaningful, and sometimes even family-like. There truly is something for everyone, from board game nights and international potlucks to sip and paint events and parties.
I would say that being a student in Stockholm enriches you both academically and personally. The student community here is incredibly strong, and you will discover so many different sub-communities and meet people from all over the world, ones with whom you’ll create lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.
What do you want to do after graduating?
That’s the big question, isn’t it? Depending on your background and interests, the possibilities after graduation can look very different. The Macromolecular Materials programme prepares you for opportunities in both industry and academia, with applications ranging from cosmetic materials to high-performance and advanced functional materials.
Personally, my interests stretch across multiple fields because, at the end of the day, everything is chemistry, and there is always something new to learn. As of now, I hope I will find a position that will challenge me, push me beyond my comfort zone, and allow me to keep expanding my knowledge within the field of Materials Science.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?
I cannot decide for you, but I can outline what you will gain from doing so.
From an academic perspective, you will receive world-class teaching, along with enough resources and support to prepare you for exams and help you tackle real-world scientific problems, ultimately strengthening your problem-solving skills.
From a personal point of view, because the semesters are divided into two study periods lasting around two months each, you will quickly adapt to a fast-paced environment. In the process, you will learn how to push your limits, manage your time effectively, and avoid procrastination in order to keep up with deadlines. All of this goes hand in hand with curiosity-driven learning, allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of the subjects you study and gradually unlock your full potential.
To sum it up, if you want to challenge yourself and learn something new every day, do it. You will undoubtedly face difficulties along the way, whether in your studies or in adapting to life in Sweden, but you will also learn how to overcome them, prioritise, and find balance. And remember, diamonds are formed under pressure, but true stability comes from structure.