Isabel says being at KTH has broadened her view of the world
Isabel Spence is from Cambridge in the UK and studied at KTH between 2017 and 2019. She studied her bachelor's degree at the University of Bath. Outside of her course she loves exploring the city with friends and finding great places to spend time.
What made you choose KTH and your master's programme?
After studying in the UK, I decided that for my master's studies I wanted to go to a new country, to experience a new culture and perspective of how I see the world. I have always admired Swedish Design, and with KTH's excellent reputation and facilities at its Architecture School, it was the obvious choice of where I wanted to study. I was so excited to get to know Stockholm and embrace Swedish lifestyle.
What do you like most about KTH?
I love the multiculturalism and diversity: everyone is from all over the world. Often, I may be sitting around a table with friends having fika (Coffee and often Swedish pastries, a lifestyle concept I have very quickly embraced) and everyone is from a different country! I find this fascinating, as everyone has different perspectives, worldviews and I love getting to hear about people's backgrounds. I think being at KTH and in Stockholm has broadened my view on the world. In addition, everyone is very friendly and easy to talk to.
What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?
Stockholm and Sweden have a strong connection to nature, the environment and wellbeing. Stockholm is made up of a series of islands, with beautiful views across the water. Even walking home, I can come from the metro and soon stumble across running deer. It is really easy to transition from city life to stunning forests to amazing landscapes. The sunsets are beautiful, and you can also swim in the water anywhere in the city.
Although the winter will be dark and cold, I can't wait to see Stockholm covered in snow! Besides nature and environment, Sweden has a strong focus on wellbeing and having a high quality of life.
What do you like most about being here?
Stockholm is a fantastic city to live and study in. I love how the city has so many different characters. For example, Gamla Stan (the Old Town) feels very quaint and is completely different to Södermalm (the South Island), which again is completely different to Sergels Torg (a large shopping area in the city centre). All these different character areas, in close proximity, offer different things and combined with the beautiful natural setting, mean Stockholm provides a lot of diversity: there is something for everyone and always something to do.
What is your best memory so far from your time at KTH?
In 2017, KTH's main campus celebrated 100 years, so a pretty fond memory for me was when there was a large celebration on the campus marking this anniversary. The event included beautiful music from different orchestras and a firework display from the rooftops of the historic university buildings. There was a wonderful atmosphere and it was great to share this with my newly made friends.
What do you think are the differences between studying at KTH and your home university?
The master's programme in Architecture offers you the freedom to pursue your interests. For instance, you select from a wide range of studios which allow you to focus and explore a theme, but at the same time, it encourages you to try new things out and challenge your way of thinking.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master's studies?
You will not regret it! KTH and Sweden are full of fantastic opportunities, and you will be surrounded by incredible talent and wonderful people from all over the globe.