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Ayush says that the education system is what he loves the most about KTH

Ayush comes from Kolkata, India. He graduated in Chemical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani – K.K. Birla Goa Campus in 2015 and have worked as a process engineer at UltraTech Cement Limited for 20 months before joining KTH where he studied between 2017 and 2019.

What made you choose KTH?

The interdisciplinary approach of KTH with a commitment to meet the technological needs of the global economy and human society perfectly aligned with my personal goals. The acclaimed faculty, industrial partnerships and multicultural perspective with strong emphasis on practical problem solving, interdisciplinary learning, and entrepreneurial spirit are what attracted me.

What made you choose your specific programme?

During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to intern at four different companies in different energy-intensive industries – Iron & Steel, Oil & Gas, Battery, and Cement, where I subsequently worked for almost two years. Soon I realised that there was one thing that is common to all industries, and that is energy – power and fuel. That was when I decided that I want to pursue my master's in a programme that focuses on energy, environment, and sustainability from a holistic view. While searching for different options, this programme particularly caught my attention as this was one of the very few tailored for chemical engineers, compared to mechanical or electrical engineers like most other programmes.

Did the fact that KTH is located in Sweden have any effect on your choice to come here?

A country with a population smaller than my home city, having so many well-known international companies, speaks a lot about the innovative and entrepreneurial environment it harbours. Thus, to be the best, one has to learn from the best, and that's why I chose to study in Sweden.

What do you like most about KTH?

The student support, the infrastructure, the relaxed and open learning environment, the experiential learning with the help of collaborative projects and assignments, the opportunity to network - these are some of the perks of studying at KTH. The programme's flexible and agile structure powered by the multicultural, collaborative and stimulating environment is very appealing! The education system, in general, is what I love most about KTH.

What are your impressions of Stockholm?

Stockholm's cosmopolitan environment is very welcoming. The people here are very kind and helpful. You will find many bike lanes, walkways, green spaces, islands and lakes, so you can explore Stockholm on foot, bike or even by boat. The public transport infrastructure is excellent. There are always events and concerts happening. However, living in Stockholm can be quite expensive, especially when it comes to food. So, I'd highly recommend you to learn cooking before you come here.

What is your best memory so far from your time at KTH?

This is something I will not easily forget: the KTH Welcome Reception for newly admitted students at the Stockholm City Hall - venue of the Nobel Prize banquet! Perhaps, this is the place where I see myself a few years down the line as a recipient of the same.

What do you think are the differences between studying at KTH and your home university?

While BITS also had a very flexible, credits based education system, studying at KTH is a different experience altogether! There are some striking differences between studying at BITS and KTH; the course load and possibilities for re-examination are two of them.

What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master's studies?

Go ahead! You are going to make one of the biggest and probably the best decision of your life so far. The quality of education that KTH has to offer and the quality of life that Sweden has to offer is impeccable! It's a world of opportunities.