Sri Nirmal
Sri Nirmal comes from Chennai, India. He is studying for an M.Sc. in Nanotechnology at KTH, and previously he studied a bachelor's in Electronics & Communication Engineering from Amrita University. Sri has competed in several hackathons (from the NASA Ames Space Settlement Contest to the STM ARM Inventors Challenge) and enjoys applying engineering to big problems. Outside of studies, he’s a multi-talented performer – a trained dancer (17 styles!) and a weekend DJ – blending science with creativity in his student life.
Why did you choose themaster’sprogramme in Nanotechnology at KTH?
My passion for electronics and VLSI ignited in high school when I first started tinkering with embedded devices and systems. This curiosity only grew during my undergraduate studies. I found myself constantly wondering: What powers all these incredible technologies? How are they built from the ground up? How have we harnessed computing to achieve so much? These questions drove me to delve deeper and understand the fundamental principles. My research and interests naturally converged on Nanotechnology, as it offers the tools and knowledge to explore these questions at the most foundational level. KTH’s programme stood out due to its strong research focus and cutting-edge facilities in this field, making it the perfect place for me to take the next step.
How do studies at KTH differ from your previous studies?
At KTH, each semester is split into two intensive study periods, allowing deep focus on just 2-3 courses for two months. This is a game-changer for in-depth understanding and significantly reduces stress compared to juggling many subjects at once. The assessment methods are also varied – from challenging 5-hour written exams and oral exams (a new experience for me!) to practical seminars and lab presentations. I especially appreciate the chance for re-exams to improve grades; it fosters resilience and encourages new learning strategies. What truly stands out is how current and relevant the course material is, directly connecting us with state-of-the-art knowledge and real-world applications.
How is student life in Stockholm?
Stockholm is a fantastic city for students! It’s remarkably calm yet brimming with fun opportunities. Whether you're intoexploring vibrant clubs and pubs or hitting the gym, there's something for everyone. Student life is made easier and more affordable with the Mecenat card, offering great discounts on public transport (SL), tech, and entertainment. What I love most is how safe the city feels, day or night. It’s a beautiful blend of stunning natural scenery and urban life, with excellent libraries and bike-friendly streets perfect for exploration.
Initially, I felt that people were more reserved in the winter, but I quickly learned that striking up a conversation leads to wonderful connections. There's always something happening – from social dances and cultural festivals to inspiring street art. It’s a city that genuinely promotes a balanced, happy, and active student life.
How would you describe your time at KTH so far?
My time at KTH has been, without a doubt, one of the best decisions of my life. The university offers an exceptional environment, from world-class infrastructure to a genuinely supportive and international community. I love that classes can be on different campuses or parts of the main campus, giving us nice breaks for a 'Fika' (a Swedish coffee and cake break!), a walk with friends to discuss assignments, or even plan a bouldering trip!
The faculty members are incredibly talented, with strong research profiles, numerous patents, and real-world innovations; learning from them is truly inspiring, and they're always approachable and ready to help. Beyond academics, KTH promotes a holistic student life. KTH Hallen offers free access to an amazing array of sports and fitness activities, from callisthenics and aerial fitness to Pilates and dance. It's fantastic for keeping both mind and body strong. Another highlight is the strong alumni network – hearing guest lectures from people like the CTO of Silex Microsystems, who once sat in our classrooms, is incredibly motivating and eye-opening!
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master's studies?
If you're seeking a truly wholesome and transformative master's experience, I wholeheartedly recommend KTH. The university excels in its hands-on approach to learning, boasts strong industry connections, and provides world-class infrastructure. For instance, in Nanotechnology, we have access to incredible cleanroom facilities and tools to fabricate CMOS or MEMS chips right here! Beyond the cutting-edge academics, KTH offers a vibrant student life with free sports facilities, lively student pubs, and a genuinely supportive atmosphere.
A fantastic resource is KTH Innovation, which empowers you to turn your entrepreneurial ideas into reality, and impressively, you retain the rights to your innovations. KTH is more than just a university; it’s a place where you cultivate your educational, professional, and life skills, equipping you to aim high, achieve your goals, and ultimately, contribute to making the world a better place. It’s an investment in your future that you won’t regret!