The main reason I chose the Water and Geological Risk Engineering degree programme was its academic content. I was very interested in the fact that it includes a component on climate change analysis for the evaluation of hydrogeological risks. Additionally, it is highly specialized, focusing specifically on water-induced risks and the study of their mitigation.
Another very important reason for making this decision was the university's prestige, being one of the most important in Italy and having many well-known research recognitions worldwide. Also, the track record of several professors in the master's program, who are leading researchers in the field and whom I admire greatly.

One of the most essential components of this programme is the study of water resources, both surface and groundwater, for the analysis of water and geological risks (mainly floods and landslides).
It is a highly applied study programme, meaning that while we study a lot of theory in all subjects, we are also provided with real data and case studies so that we can apply what we've learned and make our own analyses, predictions, and designs.
It makes use of many software tools for analyzing climate, spatial, hydric, and geotechnical data.

What I have enjoyed the most about the program are the field trips. We have visited different places in northern Italy to learn how water and geological data is collected, observe infrastructure already implemented for flood risk mitigation, and see in real life how everything we learn in the classroom is applied.
I have also really enjoyed some specific subjects, mainly those related to the study of landslides, landslide susceptibility models and maps, subsidence due to the extraction of underground fluids, river geomorphology, and coastal dynamics. I have also greatly enjoyed the cultural exchange with my friends in the master’s programme. Since it is an international programme, people from different parts of the world come together and share not only the challenges our countries face regarding water and geological risks but also exchange our languages, food, and ways of living.

Without a doubt, the best advice I can give is to carefully prepare the motivation letter and the curriculum vitae. These documents reveal our interest and also the skills that make us suitable to study what we want to study.
For this reason, it is definitely worth dedicating time to them, re-reading them, having others with experience in the field and academic environment review them, and providing feedback to improve them and make our application stand out more. I would also recommend carefully reading the master’s syllabus so that you have a very clear idea of the programme and its content, and only apply to the programme you truly want to study, the one you are genuinely interested in and passionate about.

One very important piece of advice that helped me a lot is: learn some Italian before coming. Even better if you arrive with a more advanced basic level. This will make your arrival easier, facilitate your adaptation to this country, and also open many doors if you want to work and immerse yourself in Italian culture.
Something that was very difficult for me, which is quite common in Italy, are oral exams. I recommend practicing your communication skills, especially for presentations and debating arguments, as this will help you defend yourself and your knowledge better in this type of exam.
I would also recommend studying in this country. I have felt very comfortable here; it has beautiful landscapes, a lot of history and culture, art, delicious food, friendly people, and great weather.

There are three things I really enjoy doing in my free time:
Going on hikes with my friends along natural trails and visiting nearby tourist cities like Verona, Bologna, Venice, Lake Garda, etc.
Reading many novels in different languages, and I’m now starting to read in Italian.
Going to museums and art galleries/exhibitions.
When I have longer breaks, I like to travel to other nearby countries or to other regions of Italy.