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"The teaching helps me to explore different ways of learning"

Yulia comes from Russia. She got her bachelor's degree in nuclear physics from the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute and was working as a teacher in mathematics and physics before she decided to apply to KTH.

What made you choose KTH and your specific programme?

I chose KTH because I heard a lot about the university when I was studying in Russia. It has a great reputation as a university that provides high-quality education at an international level. The Nuclear Engineering Programme, for example, offers a unique range of courses that are both theoretical and practical. There are a number of courses in the programme that provides students with an opportunity to meet industry professionals and to visit interesting and relevant locations and companies. The fact that KTH is located in Stockholm is a bonus. Stockholm is such a vibrant and multicultural city that it gives me great joy to be living and studying here.

What do you like most about KTH?

I like the fact that there are a lot of international students at KTH. It is effortless to make friends and find things in common with a lot of other students. The campus is well designed to accommodate a large number of communal areas, where we can study or work on group presentations and projects. There are a lot of student restaurants and cafes, where it is comfortable and convenient to have lunch or coffee during breaks. The classrooms of KTH are all very well equipped with the latest technology, allowing lecturers and students to use various ways to deliver lectures and presentations. KTH campus is located very close to a number of Stockholm attractions, as well as public transport, shopping and fitness facilities.

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?

I love Stockholm! It is the most inspiring and magical city. It is beautiful and vibrant, full of character and always buzzing with excitement.

I like the fact that Stockholm is located so close to the water. It is possible to go swimming in the summer in the middle of the city, without having to travel far. There is a lot of nature in Stockholm – beautiful parks, forests, canals, and outdoor swimming pools.

Sweden is a very friendly country, where everyone is happy to speak English if they realise that you do not speak Swedish. It is very useful to be able to express yourself and to be understood when going to the bank, the local grocery store or the doctor.

What do you like most about being here?

I like that Sweden is so multicultural. It makes it possible to socialise with people from all over the world. I meet people from different backgrounds and different universities, and it is amazing that we can learn a lot of new things about the world around us just by living in Sweden.

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

My best memory so far is the summer course that I attended about the geological storage of nuclear waste. The course was held in Oskarshamn, and all the course participants moved there for two weeks. We were provided with accommodation in very comfortable holiday cottages at the summer camp facilities. Even though we had lectures and study visits every day, we all had a lot of fun. We visited Blue Maiden – the most beautiful island, we had barbeque parties and socialised with each other. It was the most amazing two weeks of my life.

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

I think the main difference between my home university and KTH is the way of teaching. At KTH we have a lot of group projects, presentations, field trips and “flipped classrooms” (students are in charge of preparing and giving a lecture). This method of teaching helps me to explore different ways of learning, practising my presentation skills and getting self-confidence and self-esteem.

At my home university, we rarely had group presentations and almost never had to prepare and deliver a lecture to other students. I have come to appreciate the teaching methods employed at KTH, and I think it is a very innovative approach to learning.

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

I would like to say that they have come to the right place! KTH guides students through their master’s studies with support and understanding. Each programme is designed to help students find their special interests, providing opportunities for internship programmes and exchange programmes. Professors and course coordinators are extremely helpful and always try to find an individual approach for each student. KTH is the right choice for master’s studies – no doubt about that!