My advisor at my previous university in Norway had spoken highly of the University of Padua, particularly its strong reputation in materials engineering. Around the same time, I had the chance to talk to a Padua student who was on exchange at NTNU. She described Padua as a beautiful and lively student city that feels active without being overwhelming. I had visited Italy once before and absolutely loved it, so the idea of studying there really appealed to me. Plus, after years of cold Norwegian weather, the thought of a warmer climate was definitely a bonus. Altogether, Padua seemed like the perfect place to continue my studies.

Materials Engineering gives you a detailed understanding of all the main material groups, and as you go further, you get the chance to focus more on the areas you find most interesting. The programme builds a strong foundation that you really start to appreciate as you move through the master's courses. I like the fact that there are several practical elements too, like lab work, group projects, and even company visits.

During the first semester, I really enjoyed the course Solid State Physics. It was very interesting, especially the last part of the course, which focused on semiconductors. This topic was one of the reasons I chose the study track Materials for Energy, since it goes deeper into semiconductors, photovoltaics, and related subjects.
In the second semester, I’ve enjoyed having more opportunities to do projects and lab activities. I think this gives a completely different way of understanding the material. And although it can be demanding, working in groups and overcoming the challenges together can be really fun.

What I really appreciate is how open and inclusive it is. In my experience, it feels like everyone is accepted, no matter their gender, religion, or cultural background. I found it really easy to connect with others here, which made the transition to a new country much smoother than I had expected. Also being a woman in engineering, feeling included in class has meant a lot to me. I’ve never felt out of place or like I didn’t belong, and that’s not always something you can take for granted. It feels good to be in a learning environment where everyone is supported and encouraged.
There’s also a lot of help available if you need it. Whether it's study-related, adjusting to a new country, or figuring out day-to-day things, there’s always someone you can turn to. It makes a big difference when you’re far from home.

I would advise students to start early with the application, because it takes time to gather all the documents, and sometimes you have to wait a while for signatures and approvals. I’d also recommend putting time and effort into the motivation letter. Make it personal and take the time to get it right. I was honestly a bit surprised by how long the whole application process took, so I was really glad I started early.
Another tip is to apply in the first call if you get the chance. I did, and that meant I got my answer from the university early enough to plan everything, including finding a place to live, which isn’t always easy. I started looking for housing months in advance, and I’m happy I did.

I’d really encourage you to be open and not afraid to approach people, both other internationals and Italians. Building connections will make your time in Italy so much more rewarding, and it’ll also make studying a lot easier when you’re not handling everything on your own.
It’s also important to be prepared for the academic side. The courses can be demanding and might be quite different from what you're used to. Personally, I wasn’t used to studying so much theory before exams, and I had never had oral exams before, which are pretty common here. It took some adjusting, but it’s manageable if you’re prepared and organized.

Padova is such a charming city with a lot to offer, especially in the spring when the trees are blooming and everything feels lively. I love biking around town, spending time in the beautiful parks, and stopping for a coffee or spritz at one of the many cute bars. There are markets all over the city, and it’s easy to stumble upon jam sessions or karaoke happening right on the street. The city is also full of cultural activities, like concerts, museums, and events happening pretty often. Areas like Portello are always full of life, especially in the evenings. One of my favorite spots is Prato della Valle. It’s the perfect place to relax, meet friends, and eat gelato.