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Sana

Sana is from Iran and is studying the bachelor’s programme in Information and Communication Technology at KTH. Before coming to Sweden, she graduated from a mathematics and physics school in Iran. In her free time, she loves swimming and hiking.

Why did you choose this programme at KTH?

This all started way back in middle school, once I figured out what really excited me. I started hunting for bachelor's programmes in Europe taught in English, which turned out to be harder than I expected, since there aren't many out there! 

The country mattered, of course, but what I cared about most was the university itself - its ranking, and whether it would genuinely open doors for me. A move like this is a big deal, so I wanted to be sure it would be worth it. Just as important to me was finding a place that cares about its students and their everyday experience. Moving abroad is a lot, especially when you're young and doing it for the very first time, so I really wanted a supportive environment with a clear system - something challenging, but not overwhelming. 

When my brother moved to Sweden during my last years of school, I came across KTH - and everything just clicked. The moment I saw it had an English-taught bachelor's programme that matched my interests, it became my top choice. KTH's strong reputation and its connections with leading companies only confirmed it for me.  

And then there was Stockholm - a wonderful bonus on top of it all. It's a city known for innovation and a really high quality of life, which made the whole idea even more exciting. With my brother cheering me on, and after thinking it all through, I knew KTH was the right choice. It had everything I was looking for. 

What are the best aspects of your programme?

It's broad - it isn't tied to a single area, so you build a wide foundation. I really enjoy the balance between theory and hands-on work; we don't just learn concepts in a lecture hall; we actually apply them, which makes learning both more effective and more enjoyable. Flexibility is another strength, along with the range of options it opens afterwards, whether you head into industry or continue studying. There's also a strong emphasis on collaboration, with plenty of group projects that build the teamwork and communication skills you need in any career. 

What are some of your favourite courses so far?

Two stand out: Digital Design and Concurrent Programming. Both are hands-on, which makes them genuinely fun as well as useful. In Digital Design, we built a series of boards and spent a lot of time in the computer lab - a great way to put the theory into practice. Concurrent Programming was hands-on too: through programming assignments and lab work, we learned how to write programs that handle several things happening at once, which is trickier than it sounds. It really taught me to think carefully about how a program behaves, and working through it that way made the ideas click in a way a lecture never could. 

How is student life in Stockholm?

There's always something going on - from the warm welcome at the introduction events to weekly student gatherings and end-of-semester celebrations, whether on the main campus, the other campuses, or out in the city. Before I arrived, I was nervous about settling in, but those worries disappeared almost immediately. There's so much to get involved in, from group outings to sports. And Stockholm itself is a wonderful city for students: cultural events, museums, beautiful parks, forests, and lakes all within reach. There's never a dull moment, whether you're having a cosy fika at a local café or out at a festival. Being a student here has been a genuinely enriching experience. 

What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH?

Trust your instincts and go for it. Starting university life at KTH in Stockholm is something you won't regret - a fantastic mix of personal and academic growth, with opportunities everywhere. And don't worry if you don't speak Swedish; almost everyone here speaks English. As an international student who has been exactly where you are, I can honestly say I've never looked back. That said, I won't pretend it's always easy - there are challenges and bumps along the way, and some days are harder than others. But the supportive environment and friendly community make a real difference, and bit by bit you adjust, find your people, and figure out your own way.