Somayan

What made you choose KTH, Stockholm and Sweden? 

KTH is one of the best universities in Europe and in the world, and I wanted to get a wide exposure to an environment that would help me to learn more about my academic area of interest, to explore my interests, and to get to know people from various backgrounds and to know about their culture and language. Engineering Mechanics gives me the opportunity to tailor my curriculum on my own and to specialise in the track I am most interested in. This high degree of specialization and the good reputation of KTH were significant factors in helping me choose KTH over other universities.

Sweden is known for one of the highest standards of living in the world and for innovations in various fields of science and technology. Stockholm is one of the best cities in Europe in terms of GDP, number of companies having their corporate headquarters, safety, and a lot more.

What do you like most about KTH?

KTH has a vibrant culture of having a bustling student life where you aren’t immersed in your studies 24/7 but you have opportunities for as many activities as time permits. Apart from attending classes, you can hit the gym, play a sport of your choice, attend lunch seminars, participate in various groups, and a lot more. The more time you spend on the campus rather than at home, the more you learn from the people around you.

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?

Sweden is known for plenty of innovations in various fields of science and technology and for people being amicable and warm. It is arguably the most significant country in Northern Europe, and its people have made it what it is known for in this century. Stockholm is a bustling place where most of Swedish innovations occur. Life in Stockholm is always happening, with numerous events and plenty of opportunities around the corner, where one can feel at home and can explore and expand one’s potential. On the other hand, there also are plenty of places where you can find serenity and calmness, such as various parks.

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

I would be inclined to say that I have had a few trips to Gamla Stan and Slussen as part of the introductory THS events. The old quarter of Stockholm is resplendently magnificent and is a must-visit place for anyone who ever visits Stockholm.

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

KTH has tracks in plenty of Master’s programmes. This allows students to specialise in their specific area of interest. Also, most of the courses run for half of a semester, which means that there are two periods of examinations each semester, and there are study leaves for them as well. I also feel that the laboratories are better equipped at KTH, which provides an opportunity for students to get hands-on experiences and to conduct research as well.

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

Given that KTH provides ample opportunities to learn your courses, explore new courses, and participate in various student activities and equips you with all the required skills for a prolific working environment after you graduate, as well as provides time for you to get to explore different places in the city and Sweden, I can say that KTH is an excellent choice to pursue your Master’s. Be receptive to learning something new whenever opportunities arise.

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

The Master’s in Engineering Mechanics is a programme that caters to most of those students who have majored in Mechanical Engineering. There are three tracks to specialise in: Fluid Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, and Sound and Vibration. There are plenty of avenues to specialise in the track that you choose along a minimum number of courses to be taken from the other tracks/programmes as well, which gives one depth as well as breadth in this programme. Most of the courses have a balance between theory, laboratory sessions, and/or a project component, which helps to get a thorough understanding of the course from all perspectives.

Are you taking part in any student activities?

Yes, I have volunteered for Effective Altruism, where we brainstorm ways in which social service can be optimised or be made more effective. It is a platform that devises ways in which community service can be made to reach those who need it the most and thus can have a greater impact.

Do you have a dream job after graduating from KTH? 

I would be thrilled to work as a researcher in the non-conventional energy sector where I could impart my technical expertise in the R&D department to design and manufacture quieter, smarter, more productive, and more economical forms of green energy. I would also love to work in the R&D department in the NVH sector in the automobile industry, where, broadly speaking, the goal would be to reduce the vibrations and noise from an engine to the entire automobile.