What Zi Yao says about the Bachelor's in Sciences, Physics

Zi Yao from Malaysia

About the programme and the teaching style 

Why did you choose this programme? Why in Lund, Sweden?  

"I was searching for a Bachelor’s in Physics in Europe and there were only a few that were taught in English and Lund was the highest ranked. Since I pay tuition fees as a non-EU student, Lund was also one of the most affordable options, compared to the UK or Australia, which I appreciated."

What do you think about your programme so far?  

"It is pretty tough to study physics, but most of the teachers are really helpful. The student life here is pretty good, so you have time to hang out with friends and de-stress during the weekends."

What is the best thing about your programme?  

"I would say that the best thing is that the teachers help you out with a lot of things. You can just knock on their doors and if they are there you can ask them for help. There is no hierarchy here, everybody is on the same level. Also, the equipment and the facilities are well equipped, such as the accelerator, Max IV and ESS."

Learn more about MAX IV and ESS

Why should prospective students choose this programme? 

"If they want to challenge themselves, I think it's a good way to study physics here. The programme is pretty tough, but if you can do it you will be well-equipped in the future. Lund is also, in my opinion, one of the most international universities as you meet people from all around the world. You also make connections with people from all around the world which I think is one of the best things about learning."

What is your favourite course so far and why? 

"I really like my current course, Nuclear Physics. It is pretty interesting because it is about nuclear and particles and these are the two portions that I think are fascinating. I did not encounter them when I was younger. It is completely brand new and it is something that is still highly researched."

Have you been able to gain any practical experience during your studies so far?  

"Not for now, but we have an excursion to an accelerator in Germany in a couple of months that I’m looking forward to. Regarding practical skills, we have a lot of lab work and some job fairs that you can go to and apply for summer jobs."

What do you think of the teaching style? 

"I think it depends on the professors. Some professors teach lectures as you would expect them, but some are more experimental – they would ask you to research things on your own and come back to talk about the findings. I think it depends on what they are teaching as well because not all subjects can be taught in the same way. It is refreshing that there is some change in the teaching style."

How “international” is your programme?  

"In my class, there are people from Asia and all over Europe. I am not really sure but I would say definitely around 10 countries represented."

Thoughts on being an international student at Lund and tips for prospective students 

What is it like to be an international student at Lund University? 

"At first, it was a bit challenging because everybody just assumed that you speak Swedish of course. But it also depends on which group you are in, if you are in a more English-speaking group, I think you will be fine. I find most Swedes to be really friendly. They will try to explain or translate things to English, for example when I am at an event or a ball and most of the events are held in Swedish. It is a bit of a struggle, as it would be in any foreign country, but if you try to speak a little bit I think it is fine. You don't really have to know any Swedish to live and learn in Lund."

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

"I am not too involved in extracurricular activities except for working in the student nations sometimes. I think it is a good experience as you get to meet a lot of people, and it is also fun to work with people and see how everything works when you go to a club or a pub or any nation events. You can see how it is organised so you learn a lot of things as well."

Do you have any advice for other students that are considering coming to Lund? 

"I came here without expecting anything, so I just tried to take it in. I think that mindset is pretty good, as you can’t realistically know what to expect in a new country. This will also allow you to be more open and fascinated about things you will see firsthand, instead of reading what other people think. Other people’s experiences might be different from what you will experience, so I think it is important to come with an open mind. As long as you think that the programme suits you, Lund is a great city for international students!"