Harshit

Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?

I chose the master’s programme at KTH Royal Institute of Technology because it felt like the perfect mix of challenge, curiosity, and opportunity, basically everything I was looking for, all in one place. I was especially drawn to its strong focus on machine learning and the balance between theory and real-world application. Another big reason was the international environment. I wanted to meet people from all over the world, work on diverse teams, and maybe even get used to hearing a few interesting accents in group projects along the way. Combined with Stockholm’s amazing vibe and KTH’s strong industry connections, it felt like a place where I could really grow both academically and personally. So far, it’s been a great mix of learning, late-night coding, and slowly accepting that coffee is less of a choice and more of a survival tool, and I’m enjoying every bit of it.  

What are the best aspects of your programme?

The best aspects of my programme are the balance between challenging coursework and the freedom to explore interesting ideas. One moment you’re trying to understand a complex machine learning concept, and the next you’re wondering if your code will ever compile without errors; it keeps life exciting. I also really like the practical focus. Instead of just learning theory, we get to build things, break things, fix things, and sometimes break them again just to be sure that we really understand what’s going on. Another highlight is the people. Working with classmates from all over the world means every group project feels like a mix of different perspectives, coding styles, and occasional “wait, that’s how you do it in your country?” moments. And of course, the coffee culture deserves a special mention; it quietly powers every deadline, project, and late-night debugging session.  

How do studies at KTH differ from your previous studies?

At KTH, the way of studying feels quite different from my previous studies. The biggest change is the shift from a more structured learning environment to a more independent and research-oriented approach. Instead of being guided step-by-step, we are encouraged to explore problems more deeply and find solutions on our own, which really helps in building stronger problem-solving skills. Another difference is the emphasis on application. At KTH, a lot of the learning is connected to real-world scenarios and projects, so it feels more practical and relevant rather than only theoretical. Group work and collaboration also play a much bigger role, which helps in learning how to work effectively in diverse teams. Overall, studying at KTH feels more challenging but also more rewarding, as it pushes you to think critically, stay self-driven, and continuously improve.  

How is student life in Stockholm?

Student life in Stockholm is a great mix of studies, exploration, and trying to survive the weather with dignity. On the academic side, most of the time is spent between lectures, group projects, and figuring out how to optimise assignments without over-optimising your sleep schedule. But outside studies, Stockholm really makes up for it. The city is incredibly beautiful, especially when you’re walking between islands and suddenly realise you’re supposed to be in class, but you’re just standing there thinking how nice everything looks. There’s always something to do, from cafes and study spots to museums, nature walks, and just exploring different parts of the city. 

The balance between city life and nature is also special. One day, you’re in a modern metro station that looks like an art gallery, and the next day, you’re in the middle of a forest, wondering how you got there. Overall, student life here is busy but exciting, independent but fun, and full of moments that make you stop and say, “Okay, this place is pretty amazing.”  

How would you describe your time at KTH so far?

My time at KTH so far has been a mix of learning, deadlines, and slowly realising that “I’ll do it tomorrow” is not a valid academic strategy here. Most days feel like a combination of lectures, group projects, and assignments that start out looking manageable and somehow end with me questioning my entire understanding of the subject at 2 AM. But the good part is, you end up learning a lot, not just concepts, but also how to think, break down problems, and stay calm when things don’t work (which is often). Group work is another big part of the experience. It’s honestly interesting to work with people from different backgrounds. Every discussion turns into a mix of ideas, coding styles, and at least one person confidently saying, “This should be easy,” right before everything gets complicated. Outside academics, Stockholm and campus life make it all balanced. Between study sessions, fika breaks, and trying to be productive in libraries that look too nice to be stressful, it never feels boring. Overall, it’s been intense, sometimes confusing, but always rewarding, and a place where both your knowledge and your coffee consumption level go up at the same time.

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

If you’re thinking about choosing KTH for your master’s studies, I’d say go for it, but come prepared. It’s the kind of place where you’ll learn a lot, grow a lot, and occasionally question how one assignment managed to take over your entire weekend. The courses are challenging, but in a good way; they push you to understand things instead of just memorising them for the exam and forgetting everything the next day. You’ll meet people from all over the world, work on interesting projects, and quickly realise that “group work” is both a learning experience and a soft skill bootcamp. And yes, coffee slowly becomes part of your personality here. But overall, KTH gives you an environment where you can really grow academically and personally, surrounded by ambitious people and plenty of “aha” moments (and sometimes “oh no” moments too). All in all, if you’re curious and ready for a challenge, you’ll probably end up loving it here or at least loving it after your assignment deadline passes. Plugg, kaffe, överlevnad.