Rong
Rong was born and raised in southern China and moved to Panama with his family when he was 14. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of California, San Diego, and is now pursuing his master’s degree in Software Engineering of Distributed Systems at KTH. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, roaming around the city, and exploring languages and cultures.
What are some of your favourite courses so far?
Distributed Systems Advanced Course is an all-time classic in our programme, and after just a few lectures, it is easy to see why it is so popular among students. The course covers some of the most essential topics in the field. Many concepts, theories, and algorithms can be difficult to wrap one’s head around at first, but we have an experienced and passionate professor who breaks them down clearly and makes the material much easier to understand.
My second favourite course is Programmable Society and Smart Contracts. I had already been interested in blockchain technology and its applications for quite some time, so when I saw that this course was available, I decided to take it without hesitation. The course is designed as a flipped classroom with a well-structured topic plan. Students often need to do their own research, present their findings, and discuss them in class. It explores a comprehensive range of topics in the Web3 field and lays out a solid foundation for students who want to go further in this domain. The professor also made the course fun, engaging, and highly interactive.
How is student life in Stockholm?
KTH really works hard to make new students feel at home while still giving them plenty of fresh experiences. We had all kinds of interesting THS events where we could meet and hang out with other new students, as well as buddy groups that helped us become familiar with the city.
You can also meet new people if you are willing to make the first move - in lectures, language cafés, campus pubs, student events, and many other places. At one of the best technical universities in Sweden, you naturally get access to excellent educational resources, plenty of space to study or relax, smart and hardworking peers to learn with, and flexible exam arrangements that encourage you to achieve the best grade you can.
I have been to many places around the world, but Stockholm is the loveliest city I have lived in. Whether you stay here for a two-year master’s programme or remain longer after graduation, I think there is a good chance you will fall in love with it.
How would you describe your time at KTH so far?
So much fun, and so much growth. I have learned exactly the things I was looking forward to learning. I have made adventurous friends who inspire me to become a better version of myself. I have explored new things in a supportive environment, and I now have a clearer idea of who I want to become, both now and in the future.
What do you want to do after graduating?
After graduation, I would like to explore job or research opportunities in Sweden, likely in the fields of Web3, distributed systems, and smart contract engineering.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?
Come with curiosity, courage, and an open mind. KTH gives you a strong academic environment, great resources, and many opportunities, but the experience becomes much richer when you actively take part in it. Talk to people, join events, explore the city, ask questions in class, and do not be afraid to try something new.
Moving to a new country for a master’s programme can feel challenging at the beginning, but that is also what makes the journey meaningful. At KTH, you are surrounded by people who are ambitious, kind, and willing to grow. You will not only gain knowledge from your courses, but also learn from your classmates, your professors, the city, and the whole experience of living abroad.