"With an ICT engineering background, it has been easy to pick a university which is highly reputed in technology"
Sikandar comes from Pakistan and his home university is COMSATS Institute of Technology Lahore/University of Borås. He has travelled to 18 countries within four continents, he loves reading and socialising with friends and colleagues.
What made you choose KTH and coming to Sweden?
With an ICT engineering background, it has been easy to pick a university which is highly reputed in technology. KTH is one of the leading technical universities in Europe. It is one of the best, largest and oldest universities in Sweden and also has ties to the founders of some terrific startups including Spotify and payment group Klarna. KTH is an international university with many international researchers and exchange programmes that allow students to go to reputed universities in Europe, US, Australia, and Asia.
Stockholm, the ‘Venice of the North’, is situated on 14 islands and is indeed one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There is a lot to do in this awesome city, and it is easy to get around by public transportation and by bicycle. People here are friendly and very supportive.
One nice thing with Stockholm is that you could experience your favourite bands while at KTH, since most major bands visit the city on their European tours.
While being in Sweden, you will experience the Swedish fika. I will not tell about it - it is up to you to come and explore this remarkable part of Swedish tradition, but one thing I would like to share with you is that Swedes love to talk about the weather.
What is special about your programme?
I choose the master’s programme in Communication systems (Wireless Networks Track) at KTH Kista campus because of my keen interest in Information and Communication systems.
I have been affiliated in the Telecom field for some years, and I found this degree more practically aligned with the telecommunication field. If someone who’s genuinely interested in the area of Wireless networks, Internetworking, Cloud technologies or other modern technologies you should choose this programme.
What do you like most about KTH?
KTH is more than what you expect; it gives you the latest knowledge, skills, confidence, and experience to help you make your world better. At KTH you can broaden your horizons by meeting new people from all over the world, facing new challenges and making use of the vast range of new activities, student clubs, and societies on offer.
You even have exchange studies opportunities by taking part in some courses overseas and will be able to experience new cultures and traditions while studying. KTH helps you to develop your skills throughout your degree, such as information technology, communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving. KTH have the best-qualified faculty imaginable, and you have the opportunity to learn a lot about the latest technologies.
What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?
I thought it would be hard to communicate with Swedish people. However, it was the opposite since most of them speak English. Sweden is a beautiful place you can find lots of lovely forests and lakes; I must say that Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities I have seen in Europe.
Swedish people are very nice, polite, shy and quiet but friendly. Stockholm is little expensive, but it is worth it to live here. Stockholm is a clean city and has very punctual and excellent public transport.
What do you like most about being here?
A fascinating thing with being here is your freedom to chase your dreams while living in the home country of the Nobel Prize. It feels nice and secure when you are living in the home country of giant companies such as Ericsson, Skype, Volvo, Klarna, H&M, and of course IKEA.
What is your best memory so far from your time at KTH?
Every single moment becomes unforgettable when you are surrounded by smart classmates, and learning from talented and world-class professors.
What do you think are the differences between studying at KTH and your home university?
I would say that main difference is the relation to practical and theoretical studies. In KTH the primary focus is on learning through practical projects, and for me more than half of my course credits are courses like that.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?
Well, I would like to say a lot but in few words, that you do not need to worry about your future. While you are studying at KTH, the most important thing to learn is time management! You will never regret living in the beautiful city of Stockholm. Studying at KTH opens up new opportunities, lets you take control of your future and makes you attractive to employers. Welcome to KTH welcome to Sweden!