Lorenzo is having a wonderful experience at KTH

What made you decide to start studying at KTH?

I applied to KTH because it offers high standard of education and I have been able to choose a master’s programme that I really like as it mixes software engineering with distributed systems. Additionally, KTH is one of the best universities in Europe in the fields of technologies and it also offers collaboration with the most important companies of the world in that field.

Another reason why I applied to KTH and wanted to study in Sweden is that I in 2006 had a cultural exchange with Sweden and fell in love with the country. Sweden is a very nice country, that offer high standard of living as well as a lot of green areas and I believe it is the best place where to study for my characteristics. So I decided to end my cultural exchange with this wonderful experience at KTH that I am enjoying right now.

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?

I believe that Sweden is a wonderful place, because I love the nature and here I can find all the green places I want. Stockholm is a very dynamic city that offers everything from culture to technologies, from wild nature to metropolitan areas. I really enjoy spending my time in this city because, when I am free from studies, there is always something interesting to do. I have noticed that people are always available to help you, and this is really important, especially if you come from a different nation with different culture. People and organisations here always do their best to make you comfortable, and as far as I know they have always succeed. I am actually a member of the student group KTHAK where I play the flute. 

Is there something about life in Stockholm and Sweden that has surprised you?

One thing that has surprised me about the city of Stockholm is the technology used in everything in the city. For example, I have a badge for entering the university, I have a badge to open the door in the apartment, I have a badge for the laundry room, and I can do everything on the internet. The technology is widely used in everything and there is no fear in using it. It might be obvious for Swedes, but for me it is something surprising.

Do you have a place in the city that you enjoy spending time at?

There is no particular place in the city where I enjoy and spend my time at because the city itself is enjoyable. It offers everything you need and you can notice the contrast between the metropolitan area and the nature. If I had to choose a place I really like it would be Gamla Stan. I like hat place because it is in the heart of the city and it is very dynamic. There is the right mix of historical building and modern stores.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my spare time I love to practice my instrument and study music as well as go for a run or some physical activity in general. Sometimes I also go for a walk and explore the areas of the city that I don't know too well. Of course I am also trying to find the time to study Swedish as I believe it is fundamental to know the language of the place where I live - even though I get by with only using English very easily. All Swedish people I have met are great at English. 

What do you want to do after you have received your degree here at KTH?

When I graduate from KTH I dream of having a job that mixes computer engineering to music. This is actually a pretty cool coincidence because the founders of both SoundCloud and Spotify are actually KTH alumni. 

Is there any advice you would like to give others that will live in Stockholm and study at KTH in the future?

If I could advise prospective students looking to study at KTH I would tell him or her that KTH is the perfect environment to grow as a person as well as a student. This is possible since it is really easy making new friends from all around the world at KTH. And the reason for this is simple – at KTH there are really people from all around the world. During the group assignments and projects we have the opportunity to know many things about other countries and to exchange ideas with classmates is always there.

Another tip I would tell a future student is to join to the Student Union at KTH. They organize events and activities for all students. This makes it easy to meet new friends and expand your network. But the most important thing is that Student Union at KTH really cares about the education and they are always available to help us students at any moment. If I could end this story with another advice to future KTH students it is to be open-minded and interact with people, share ideas and be passionate in the studies. This is a way to succeed and get the maximum gain from this experience.