What Álvaro says about the Master's in Sustainable Energy Engineering

Introducing Álvaro 

Hi! My name is Álvaro and I'm the student ambassador for the Master's programme in Sustainable Energy Engineering. I am happy to answer any questions you might have about the programme, courses, student life, and life in Lund and Sweden via the Unibuddy Platform, where you can chat with me (see below). Please note that I cannot answer questions about the application process, scholarships, or residence permits.  

About the programme and the teaching style 

Why did you choose Lund University? 

"Lund offers a unique mix of history, culture, science, and innovation, all within walking distance of cozy cafés and independent shops. It’s a vibrant student city with rich traditions, cultural activities, and great travel opportunities. Besides being close to Denmark, Lund is well-connected to the rest of Sweden and even Norway and Germany via rail or ferry. I felt like it was an ideal place to grow both academically and personally – and I was correct!" 

What do you think of your programme so far? Does it meet your expectations? 

"It truly feels like I'm finally on the path I’ve been aiming for since my Bachelor's. The programme is continuously updated to reflect real-world energy transition developments, and the teaching staff makes sure we work with the most relevant and current materials."

What is the best thing about your programme? 

"While the programme has a strong theoretical foundation, we also have frequent lab sessions that help solidify what we learn in lectures. These hands-on experiences are invaluable for understanding the science behind key concepts, making the learning process more engaging and practical. The multidisciplinary nature of the programme also means you get to collaborate with classmates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, which enriches the learning experience even further." 

What do you think of the teaching style in Sweden? 

"The teaching style here is quite different from what I was used to. Instead of long, non-stop lectures, classes include breaks and encourage group work and active participation. This dynamic approach really supports collaboration and helps you stay engaged. If you're self-motivated, it’s an ideal environment to learn, grow, and keep developing your critical thinking skills." 

How international is your programme? 

"It’s a very diverse programme with students from all over the world. In my cohort alone, we have classmates from Germany, India, China, Greece, Costa Rica, Iceland, and many other countries. This diversity adds so much value to discussions and group work."

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

"Yes, especially through group assignments that often allow you to explore either pre-defined or self-chosen topics. For example, during the Solar Energy course, I focused on a more practical topic and learned in-depth about the working principles of PV cells. It really depends on your initiative and interests, which makes the learning more flexible and meaningful."

Why should prospective students choose this programme? 

"This programme offers a solid academic foundation with strong ties to real-world energy challenges. If you're passionate about sustainability and want to work in a global, forward-thinking environment, this is a great place to start. It supports both academic and personal development through hands-on work and group collaboration. You also have the flexibility to tailor your learning by choosing courses that match your interests. Personally, I selected Turbomachinery and Wind Energy in my first year because I was curious about them and wanted to build a strong foundation in those areas."

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

What is it like being an international student at Lund University? 

"It’s a welcoming and inclusive environment where you quickly feel part of a larger community. From housing support to student nations and events, there are plenty of ways to get involved and meet people. You’re not just studying but also, you’re living a full international experience."

What do you do in your spare time?

"Outside the classroom, I try to keep a good balance. I go to the gym, relax at local cafés, spend time at the library, and try to learn Swedish day by day. I’m also involved in the student ambassador programme and other student-led initiatives like ARKAD (A career fair designed for and by engineering and architecture students)."

What have been the highlights of your first year in Lund? 

"For me, it’s been the mix of studying what I feel passionate about, renewable energy and global decarbonization, while also having the freedom to explore other countries and join meaningful activities. Being surrounded by a diverse, social environment has helped me grow both personally and academically while also building strong, lasting relationships with people from around the globe."

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

"If anything I’ve mentioned resonates with you, I’d really encourage you to take the leap. Lund has so much to offer beyond high-quality education. Do a bit of research on cultural aspects, everyday living, and how to stay active during the winter months (it makes a big difference). Go for it!"

Have more questions for Álvaro? 

You can chat with him and other current students directly via Unibuddy by clicking the card below.