Evdoxia feels that the approach to learning at KTH has been life changing

What made you choose KTH?

I am interested in sustainability, and KTH has an excellent reputation for preparing professionals in this field. Additionally, all around Sweden, there is a culture that sustainability is an important issue. That's why I came here, to learn about sustainability, not only from school but also from Swedish society.

What do you like most about KTH?

KTH is a great place for learning and exploring. Being a KTH student gives you the unique experience of interacting with interesting people from all around the world and being in classrooms where student voices are valued.

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?

Stockholm is a vibrant city and is full of interesting places to visit. There is something for every taste – there is a rich culture, associations to be socially active in, and so many sporting activities that you are sure to discover a new sport here! Swedish people enjoy being active – it is not uncommon to see people exercising next to you any time of day – but they also know how to relax and take a break – the famous Swedish fika!

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

Looking back, my best memories have to do with working with my classmates. It might seem silly, but there is nothing that bonds you to others as much as an intense group assignment. In this environment, you get to share, not only your ideas and creativity but also your stress and your fears, with your team. The memories that stand out are the moments when you walk into a room to start working, and you and your team are all so nervous about the project, but by the end of the meeting, you walk out of the room feeling on top of the world because something clicked and your work was great. It is also the moments you get to enjoy later, like meeting and cooking together and having dinner because you have now become true friends. These are my fondest memories!

Are there any differences between studying at KTH and your home university?

Coming from Greece to Sweden, I got to experience two different engineering universities. Although I am truly happy I got my previous master's degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, studying at KTH has been life-changing for me because of its approach to learning. At KTH, you will of course, have lectures and labs on various courses, but you will also have many interactive and collaborative ways of learning through seminars, workshops, and study visits. KTH also cultivates close relationships with industry, and for many courses, you get to interact with companies and build real-life case studies. The beauty of KTH is not only its international environment but that there are also so many student associations to be a part of. No matter your interest, you can find your community here, and I believe this is as important as any aspect of your university education.

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

By choosing KTH for your master's studies, you are not only making a choice of high-quality education. You are also choosing to be among the very capable people that KTH attracts from all around Sweden and the world. Your teachers will be experts in their fields, and your fellow students will be just as passionate as you in your field of studies. You will get to become part of a vibrant community of scientists and engineers that KTH fosters. You will also get to live in Stockholm and experience a new culture. Finally, you will be exposed to Swedish work environments that will help you gain work experience and start your career.

What do you see as the most significant aspects of your programme?

The Sustainable Technology master's programme has a unique approach to sustainability. The programme is based on the concept of industrial ecology that prepares graduates to understand the connections and interactions between socio-technical and ecological systems. No matter your background, this programme helps to open your mind and look both at the big picture with systems thinking, but also to focus on issues that are relevant to your professional field, by letting you choose from a wide selection of interesting electives. The background of my fellow students varies from engineering and natural sciences to political science and economics. This makes for the most interesting discussions both in and outside the classroom – after all, this is an interdisciplinary field of studies.

Another significant aspect of the programme is that in many courses we get to deal with real-life issues that companies or organizations present as case studies. This way, you get some first-hand experience in solving sustainability issues. It also teaches you how to interact with the professional world by having study visits or visiting lecturers from the industry.

This programme allows students to choose their own way through the course and to learn from both tracks if they like. This programme prepares you with a mix of solid theoretical knowledge on sustainability and practical experience.

Are you taking part in any student activities?

KTH has so many student activities to choose from. There are lunch lectures on various interesting, current scientific topics that students can attend and learn about issues outside their field of study. There is also an active student union with many student associations. I am most involved with an association called KTH Students for Sustainability. My role there is one of the KTH Student Sustainability Council Coordinators. With the support of the student union (THS) and the university's Sustainability Office, our team puts on monthly workshops for students on topics of sustainability in order to spark ideas on how we can make our campus more sustainable.

However, there are many more student activities one can engage in, from designing cars, rockets, and KTH Hyperloop, to theatre and choirs, sports, trips, a student magazine, volunteer service groups, equality groups, KTH Innovation, and so much more.

Do you have a dream job after graduating from KTH?

Coming to study Sustainable Technology at KTH has been a dream come true for me. This master's programme has given me the confidence to try for my dream career, which would be continuing for a PhD and becoming a researcher and teacher on sustainability.