What Sepideh says about the Master's in Energy-efficient and Environmental Building Design

Sepideh from Iran

About the programme and the teaching style 

How did you find out about this programme? 

"Previously, I did my Bachelor’s in Architecture, so I have been in this subject (Energy Efficient and Environmental Building Design) before and did some research about it. I also wrote a paper about it, but it was not an in-depth study. That paper piqued my curiosity, and I thought I needed more experience and more knowledge about what I was doing. I looked for different subjects and programmes all around the world and Europe and this programme caught my eye. When searching, I just realised that Sweden, and maybe some other European countries, are really at the frontier of research in the subject of Architecture. When I looked at the programme description, I saw this was a great fit for me!"  

Is the programme like you expected it would be? 

"I didn't expect it to be this interactive! I thought that the teachers would teach, and the students would just listen. Even from the very beginning, I saw that there was a real, strong bond and interaction between teachers and students. Rather than just being teachers, they act like leaders and help students to interact with each other to answer their questions. They do not just stand alone in the corner and watch."

What is the best thing about your programme?  

"One of the best things that I have experienced in my programme is the support from the second-year students. At the very beginning when I just came in, it took me a while to get to know others. I thought I would be a bit alone, but it was not like that! I met the second-year students in the first week and then, because of the group assignments, we were divided into different groups each semester. We had to talk to each other and work together, so I didn't feel alone."

Why should prospective students choose this programme? 

"I think it is a great choice for students who want to be engaged in learning. I think Sweden and Lund University completely fulfilled my expectation because they not only teach you theoretical things but there are also so many practical assignments during each semester. You really learn something, and you implement it into real projects and assignments. It's not just passive learning. For example, each term is divided into two parts. The first part is more theoretical with some small assignments where you can implement the theories to a real little project. The second part of each semester is completely practical, where you have an actual project where you have to implement all the previous knowledge into a new project. I think this really could help you to implement what you studied before and assess your ability. And if you have any questions, teachers are always there for you!"

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

"Maybe during the summer, I would like to have a summer job or an internship. For now, I have participated in career fairs and spoken to recruiters about what they are expecting from students and how it works here in Sweden which has been very insightful."

What do you think of the teaching style at Lund? 

"Teachers really help students in going through their course and pave their way to more understanding about what the course is all about and answer the questions you have. Everyone is so friendly, and this interaction really helps you to find your way. You can ask them what you are doing, how the situation works here, how I can study my lessons better, etc."

How “international” is your programme?  

"There is a huge diversity of countries! For example, the US, China, India, Iran (my home country), Sweden, Germany and the Czech Republic. It's really nice to see other students from different countries in your programme. The teaching style is different everywhere, so when you are exposed to people from other countries they help you with the method of study or to make connections and networks from all over the world. One of the positive points of being in an international environment is that people just help you to feel that you are not alone."

Thoughts on spare time, Sweden and advice for new students 

What do you do in your spare time?  

"Our programme is in Helsingborg (Editor's note: The programme will be based in Lund from autumn 2024), so when there is a sunset, I always go out and sit next to the beach. I also spend a lot of time just studying, watching movies and going to the gym. I plan to go to a "språk cafe" to practise my Swedish there. There are also many activities happening in the unions, for example in Lund, where you can participate and mingle with different people from different perspectives. You can even find students with the same perspective and find friends who are similar to you."

Do you have any advice for other students who are considering coming to Helsingborg? 

Editor's note: The programme will be based in Lund from autumn 2024.

"Everything here in Helsingborg is just as it is in Lund, in my opinion. Maybe it is just more of a normal city – as compared to Lund which is more of a student city. I recommend prospective students to just talk with others when they arrive, everyone is really supportive and they really help you to adapt to new situations. I know that in the very beginning some things might be difficult, or you might feel a little overwhelmed since you're just getting out of your country and coming to another. But there are so many different activities happening all the time, even in your dormitory - so you can just join them!"

What surprised you the most about Sweden? 

"I didn't expect Sweden to be this beautiful! Every day you can see a really beautiful sunset and sunrise that I don't think I ever experienced in my home country! It really is something magical! The other thing is in winter, the forecast mostly says rainy weather. But after that one or two months, you can see the beauty of Sweden and it's not comparable to anywhere else that I've ever been to!"