Vishal says that at KTH he can tailor the programme as per his discretion to suit his goals
Vishal comes from Kanpur, India. He got his bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. His favorite hobbies include slack lining, photography, climbing, and cooking, and he enjoys everything related to being outdoors (hiking, kayaking, biking). He studied at KTH between 2018 and 2020.
What made you choose KTH, Stockholm and Sweden?
I chose KTH because it was among the top universities globally, which will open up a gate of opportunities after I graduate. And it goes without saying that I would like to continue working in Stockholm after I finish my master's programme. KTH provides an international platform and leading research, especially in sustainable technology development, which is perfectly aligned with my interests. I can tailor my programme as per my discretion and can choose the courses that suit my goals, so that is incredible.
Stockholm is a beautiful city, and it's a perfect blend of urbanisation and nature. It still amazes me that I basically live a minute's walk to a beach and forest and yet can be in the middle of the city centre in 15 minutes. There are people from all across the world in the city, and you can meet so many interesting people. I love the old town, which has so much culture to offer, and you can find blues and jazz bars with live music.
What do you like most about KTH?
KTH offers so many tools and study facilities that one has access to, and all major journal databases and online libraries are accessible if you're a student of KTH. Aesthetically speaking, I am mesmerised by the sheer beauty of KTH, surrounded by forests with a beautiful courtyard inside and splendid architecture overall. The social life is great, and you can easily meet different people and become friends via different student clubs and activities.
What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?
Stockholm and Sweden, a hidden modern paradise with everything to offer, i.e. beautiful people, places, and weather! This city is composed of different islands in conjunction with lakes, forests, and modern urbanisation, offering a high standard of living. Everyone here believes in the balance of work and life, so people are relaxed and seem happy.
What is your best memory from your time at KTH so far?
On my second day upon arrival in Stockholm, I got invited for a swim by this cool group of people I met the day before. We went swimming in Frescati Lake, which is nearby. First, I was happy to be a part of this blend of different nationalities, and then I was amazed by how clean the water in the lake was. Those people turned out to be my close friends with whom I continue to hang out to this day after one long year.
Are there any differences between studying at KTH and your home university?
Studying at KTH is really different from my home university, and KTH focuses a lot more on practical and research-based project work. The obvious difference is the quality of education, which is way better at KTH. I like the student-lecturer relation, which is so cordial yet so professional at the same time. There are so many activities going on at KTH, and one can easily find where they belong, whether it might be organising events, sports, etc. And last but not least and quite important, which is Fika!
One of the best and major differences would be focusing only on two or three courses at a time because the semester is divided into two different study periods. This helps in understanding the subject a lot more in-depth compared to having 5 or 6 courses at the same time.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for their master's studies?
I would only say one thing to students who are considering KTH as their destination for their academic and upcoming professional life, "Go for it!" It has been one of the best decisions of my life, and no doubt anyone would be more than happy to be a part of KTH.
What do you see as the most significant aspects of your programme?
My programme Chemical Engineering for Energy and Environment, is so relevant to the ongoing industrial practices in Europe. I get to study the most recent advancements in my area of technology, which is renewable and sustainable technology. I feel confident that I will get to apply whatever I am learning at KTH directly in the industry when I graduate as an engineer.
Are you taking part in any student activities?
I have applied to work at the Student's Nobel NightCap this year. I have been part of a student-run club called KTH Fiberteknologerna whose focus is to bridge the gap between academia and industries dealing in pulp and paper and Swedish forest resources utilisation. Also, I worked as a THS Armada Host at Armada Fair 2018.