Luyao feels that the academic atmosphere at KTH is perfect and the education is international
Luyao comes from China and got her bachelor’s degree in Energy Engineering at Zhejiang University. She likes swimming and travelling in her spare time. She studied at KTH between 2016 and 2018.
What made you choose KTH and your programme?
I've always had an interest in environmental protection and sustainable development. I got my bachelor's degree in energy engineering, which mainly focused on how to improve efficiency or to reduce emissions of power plants. However, I hope to know more about sustainability from a broad perspective and to learn about environment improvement from both technical and strategic ways.
Europe has a long history of sustainable development. Sweden, which is the home to many famous industrial brands, is among the leading countries pursuing sustainability. KTH is a prestigious university all over the world, especially in the fields of technology and engineering. Thus, the master's programme in Sustainable Technology became one of my choices during my third year of undergraduate studies. I found that courses within this programme not only provided an introduction of a sustainable framework but also teaches a set of analytical tools to solve problems. There are not only environmental management courses but also technical courses. So you can either apply for a management position or an engineering position after graduation.
What do you like most about KTH?
The academic atmosphere at KTH is perfect and the education is international. . Both professors and classmates speak good English. And the infrastructure is also perfect, which means you can balance your life between study and various activities.
What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?
Sweden is an innovative country, and it is also the home of the Nobel Prize. Stockholm is a safe and quiet city, which is perfect for living and studying. Both the natural and built environment is clean, and sustainability is underlined everywhere. Besides, people enjoy "fika"! Whether you are working at a company or studying, fika is indispensable. It's a way to relax and exchange ideas beyond office time.
What do you like most about being here?
The transportation in Stockholm is convenient. And people can speak fluent English everywhere, so there is no problem with communication at all. Also, student housing areas are perfect. Taking "Lappis", where I'm living as an example, there is a beach nearby where you can even see the aurora borealis during winter. There are also lots of exciting events in Stockholm, like cultural festivals, halloween parades, and New Year fireworks.
What is your best memory so far from your time at KTH?
I have lots of memories of when I just arrived here. KTH holds plenty of welcome events for new students. The welcome reception was held at the city hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet takes place. And the firework concert on the KTH campus was amazing. Besides those, KTH organises a series of buddy activities. For example, the visit to Skansen, which is an open museum, was unforgettable. And I experienced kayaking for the first time in Stockholm.
What do you think are the differences between studying at KTH and your home university?
Firstly, there are many project courses here at KTH. And students can choose topics that they are interested in within the are of the programme. Teamwork and creative ideas are highly valued. Almost every course has a project assignment, where students need to work together and finish a report as well as an oral presentation. Apart from the project work, there are also field trips in some courses, which are very interesting. Visiting industries on-site can help students to connect more knowledge with actual industry, and in turn, get a better understanding of the courses.
Furthermore, KTH often holds a lot of seminars with lecturers from different companies. You can listen to the experience and ideas shared by employees from Skype, Ericsson, Scania etc. There is also a career fair each year, where students can get more in touch with their dream companies. Some course projects are associated with companies, where you get the opportunity to apply your knowledge into practice.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master's studies?
KTH is the perfect place to continue your studies. It is competitive in many subject areas. Everyone here is open-minded, and you will get inspired. It will present a new way of studies and life, and there are lots of opportunities to learn. Prepare to meet new friends and participate in colourful activities. Do not hesitate to choose KTH - it will never let you down!