Tony

Why did you choose this degree programme at KTH?
Choosing KTH was quite an easy decision for me because of its strong reputation in engineering, both in the Nordics and internationally, as well as its close connection to industry. As an international student, I also found KTH particularly attractive because fully English-taught engineering bachelor’s programmes are still relatively uncommon in Europe.

More importantly, I wanted a programme that would give me a broad technical foundation rather than forcing me to specialise too early. BSc Information and Communication Technology covers programming, algorithms, mathematics, electronics, computer hardware, databases, networks, cybersecurity, and project work. After studying the programme for several years, I appreciate that breadth even more than I did when I applied.

While building Aurem Group, I constantly return to concepts that I first encountered in my KTH courses. The programme gives you enough breadth to understand how different parts of technical systems fit together while still developing the depth needed to actually build things.

What are the best aspects of your programme?
Combination of strong theoretical foundations and practical work. Mathematics and computer science courses teach you how to reason precisely, while many of the other courses include labs, assignments, or larger projects where you have to turn that theory into something that actually works. Instead of only learning how to use existing tools, you gradually understand what is happening underneath them. I think that becomes particularly valuable once you start working on more complex projects independently.

KTH also offers a lot outside the formal curriculum. Through KTH Innovation, for example, I have been able to scale my own company and meet other founders and relevant stakeholders from industry. Experiences like these have made KTH feel much larger than just the courses I take.

What are some of your favourite courses so far?
Some of my favourite courses have been the mathematics courses, Algorithms and Data Structures, Data Storage Paradigms, Networks and Communication, Introduction to Computer Security, and Project in Information and Communication Technology.

The mathematics courses have probably influenced the way I think the most. Subjects such as calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and probability teach you to break complicated problems into smaller pieces, reason from assumptions, and be precise about why something is true. That way of thinking carries over into programming, engineering, finance, and many other areas.

Algorithms and Data Structures was particularly useful because it changed the way I think about solving computational problems rather than simply writing code that works. Data Storage Paradigms connected database theory with real implementation choices such as relational modelling, queries, transactions, and system design. Networks and Communication gave me a much better understanding of the infrastructure behind the internet, while Introduction to Computer Security showed how those systems can fail, be attacked, and be protected.

I also really enjoyed the ICT project course because it brought many of these areas together. Having the freedom to independently design and build something made it feel like a bridge between university coursework and the kind of engineering work I now do outside my studies.

How is the student life in Stockholm?
Student life in Stockholm can be very active, but you can also choose how involved you want to be. At KTH, there are activities organized by many different chapters, THS Student Union events, career fairs, company events, sports, and many informal social events throughout the year. The IT chapter is very international, and most activities are accessible in English, so not speaking Swedish should not stop you from participating :)

Stockholm itself is also a major part of the experience. It is an international city with a particularly strong technology, startup, finance, and engineering ecosystem. Being a student here gives you access not only to KTH but also to companies, other universities, startup communities, and events happening throughout the city.

Through the IT chapter, THS, Armada, my work as a KTH International Student Ambassador, and KTH Innovation, I have met people with very different ambitions and backgrounds. Some are interested in research, some want to join large technology companies, some are building startups, and others are still figuring out what they want to do. That diversity is something I really enjoy about studying here.

What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH?
If you enjoy solving difficult problems, understanding how things work, and combining theory with practical engineering, KTH is a very strong place to study. The programme is demanding at times, especially when several exams, labs, and assignments happen simultaneously, but you also have a lot of support. Teaching assistants, senior students, classmates, and course discussion forums are extremely useful, and learning how to ask for help early is an important skill in itself.

I would also recommend thinking beyond simply passing courses or getting good grades. Learn the fundamentals properly, but then try to use them. Build a project, join a student organisation, attend a hackathon, apply for an internship, explore research, or bring an idea to KTH Innovation. Even a small personal project can make a theoretical course suddenly feel much more relevant.

The same applies to new tools such as AI. They can make you significantly more productive, but they are most useful when you actually understand the fundamentals well enough to evaluate what they produce. Use them as leverage rather than as a replacement for learning.

Finally, take advantage of being in Stockholm and of the people around you. Some of the most valuable parts of my time at KTH have come from opportunities I could not have predicted when I first applied. KTH gives you a very strong technical foundation, but there is no single correct way to use it. The more curious and proactive you are, the more you can get out of the experience.