Is this programme right for you?

Name: Deepika Arora
From: India

Teachers are not only those who teach, but they are also the mentors, guides, and coaches who are in a position to motivate and inspire their students.

How did you choose your programme?
– In India, I gained several years of experience in accounting and auditing, and I also spent a few years teaching accounting. I am passionate about teaching, and this combo of accounting and teaching paved the way for me to continue my academic journey and join a Master’s programme in accounting and finance.

What is it like to be an international student?
– For me, Uppsala University is close to my heart. It has provided me with a lot of opportunities. I wish to mention two of them. First, I did my internship here. It was a research internship, and I learned a lot, especially from my supervisor, who was very helpful and guided me throughout my internship. Second, I recently got selected for a scholarship-driven exchange course that includes one week of physical classes in Germany. I am very happy and excited about this and am looking forward to gaining even more international experience that Uppsala University has made possible for me.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– Among others, supportive professors and other staff are the best at Uppsala University. In my opinion, teachers are not only those who teach, but they are also the mentors, guides, and coaches who are in a position to motivate and inspire their students. They have always been very supportive throughout the entire duration of the Master’s programme. Communication with them has always been very smooth. In a way, I can say that it was easy to reach out and ask my doubts and questions, along with sharing my perspective on different topics across various courses.

How did you experience your first few days in Uppsala?
– I must say, it was a kind of magical experience. Well, I am from the capital city of India, Delhi. It's hot in summer and cold in winter, but “not that cold”. I have experienced snow only a few times in my lifetime (for that, we usually have to travel to a little north of India). Here in Uppsala, when the temperature dropped to zero, my heart was filled with joy. I remember Christmas time when I was outside the Gränby Mall, and it started snowing, and the Christmas tree was just in front of me. It was beautiful and memorable!

Describe what a normal day is like for you.
– For me, a normal day includes attending lectures and working on assignments in teams. Chit-chatting with classmates during my first year and later with colleagues during my internship, along with enjoying a few fika breaks in between. A walk to the city centre for sightseeing and grocery shopping is always a favourite time-pass activity for me.

What is your ultimate goal?
– I strive to make a meaningful impact through research and teaching. My ultimate goal is to build a long-term academic career as an assistant professor at a leading university in Sweden, where I can contribute to research while pursuing my passion for teaching and mentoring.

Describe the student life
– It's full of challenges and opportunities. It’s about giving your full time to your studies, working on approaching deadlines for assignments, preparing presentations for seminars and finally preparing for your written exams. There is a lot to learn; it's up to you how much you want to gain from it. If you see any opportunity that comes your way, don’t hesitate to grab it. It will open up ways for exploring fruitful experiences and will ultimately cultivate your path towards achieving your ambitions.

Three quick questions
What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
– Sunnersta is my favourite place in Uppsala.

Where do you like to study?
– When it's about working in a group for an upcoming seminar, it’s the campus, and when it's about working at peace with approaching a deadline, it's my home.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
– I want to see myself as a PhD and continue exploring opportunities in research and teaching.

Autumn 2025