Is this programme right for you?

How did you choose your programme?
– I knew I really wanted to continue with physics, and I fell in love with particle physics during my bachelor’s thesis. I was very interested in the research the high-energy physics group here is doing and wanted to keep working on projects with them.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– The student life and the fact that you can tailor your education as you wish and essentially make your own personal study plan are what really stand out to me compared to other universities. The lecturers are also very approachable, and it feels like we are all on equal footing.

Was there anything you found difficult or surprising when you started your studies at Uppsala University?
– Finding a balance between studying and having a life outside of university is something that took some time. Luckily, even during the most stressful periods, people are very keen on studying together, and we encourage each other to take breaks as well.

Describe the student life!
– There are many ways to engage in the student life, both through our nations and through the physics section. The nations also have pubs with very affordable food and drinks. An honorable mention is Valborg!

Name three things you are doing this week!
– This week I’m going to a student council meeting where students can bring up feedback on their courses. I’ll also join the theoretical high-energy physics journal club on Friday, and then I’ll go out for dinner with some friends at a nation.

What is your reason for studying, or your ultimate goal?
– I am in the process of applying for PhD positions right now, and I want to keep studying physics for the rest of my life through doing research. I'm hoping to find a permanent position as a researcher somewhere in Europe in the future.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for this programme?
– My advice would be to find a group of people to study with and do a research project! I also encourage everyone to get involved in the student life somehow, whether that is working at a nation or joining the section board.

What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
– The city forest, I really like the fact that you’re never far from nature in Uppsala!

Where is the best place to study?
– Where my friends are studying, which is usually in the southern part of the Ångström building. There is a specific corridor there where the physics students have been studying for many generations. If I want a change of scenery, there are plenty of nice cafés around where you can study as well.

Spring 2026

How did you choose your programme?
– During my Bachelor's degree in Munich I did an Erasmus semester in Bologna and I really enjoyed the experience of living in a different country. Therefore, I decided to do my Master's abroad. Considering the quality of research, the possibility to get through everyday life by only speaking English, and the absence of study fees, Uppsala University seemed like a good choice. I study physics because I am genuinely interested and having fun with it.

What is it like to be an international student?
– It's so much fun! I'm surrounded by other international students, which leads to a culturally diverse environment, and I learn something new about other countries and cultures every day. I also like the challenge of adapting to different surroundings.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– Academic hierarchy feels less strong and researchers of different academic ranks seem to treat each other with more mutual respect than I experienced it in other places. There are courses and student projects where already as a student you can be trusted with a lot of responsibility (for example over expensive laboratory equipment).

Name three things you are doing this week!
– I'll go to the sauna with my friends, I'll try to see some northern lights, and I'll watch a game of bandy in the stadium.

Describe the student life
– Student life in Uppsala mainly consists of the student nations, which provide housing, pubs, clubs, sports and music groups, and more. Since there are so many international students everywhere the atmosphere is welcoming and open. My best experience must have been when at the beginning of summer for several days the whole city was flooded with people for the celebration of Valborg, just during the time when it was finally warm enough to spend all day outside.

Three quick questions:
What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
– The surrounding nature with its hiking tracks, fireplaces and huts for camping.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
– Somewhere in Europe working in Particle Physics research and/or machine learning.

Where is the best place to study?
– The working spaces in Ekonomikum, especially the silent room there which resemble the interior of a science fiction spaceship.

Spring 2023