InnoBlog: 5 points to keep in mind when embarking on a Master’s programme

It is best to secure accommodation in advance if possible; many universities offer an accommodation service with a variety of housing types. Also make sure you have health insurance coverage and the relevant visas and residence permits; often, government websites are the best source of information, and the university can help with these, too. Upon arrival, I do recommend opening a bank account in the country you are in, because it will in general make your life easier. Another great pro tip is to open an account with an internet bank such as Revolut.

You might think you are coming for a traditional Master’s programme, but really, your experience will be so much more. Take advantage of opportunities for field trips and extracurricular activities from your universities. It’s also possible to partake in initiatives in local communities; for example, in Stockholm, many students join Greta Thunberg in her Fridays for Future strikes. 

When I arrived in Stockholm from the U.S.A. to begin my Master’s in Smart Electrical Networks and Systems, little did I know I would make such great friends along the way. Here we were, a melting pot group coming from all over the world and joined by our shared interest in energy. You will likely have a similar experience, and my recommendation is to embrace the people you will meet and get to know them as much as possible, as the new perspectives you will encounter are a key advantage of the Master’s programmes.

Moving to a new city, alone, can be daunting. But in the end, everyone is new to the city and will have to start on a blank page. So my final piece of advice is to just jump in: be spontaneous, accept the random invitations. You’ll get the most out of the experience.