I chose Unipd after looking at several options around Europe for a masters in Materials Science. After looking at the options I decided I wanted to live in a student city where there is a lot of student culture but still being big enough for non-student related activities. I also chose Unipd after looking at the curriculum of my course as I wanted to get a technical and hands-on education as my bachelors degree is from a different discipline (Aerospace Engineering). I was also fortunate enough to receive the International Excellence Scholarship which is a huge help for being able to afford to study here.

My programme is a mix of both theoretical lectures ranging from specific fields in chemistry, physics and engineering (so far) and also hands-on labs. I really enjoy the labs as we get to put what we learnt in the lectures into practice.

The classes that stood out to me the most are the laboratory based classes. Alongside those classes I really enjoy the classes focused on sustainable technologies such as the organic functional materials I took in my first semester. This semester my favourite class is the sustainable energies: materials and technologies class where we have both theoretical lectures and laboratory classes.

My main piece of advice would be to fully understand what documents you need for the application. As an international student I had to get quite a few documents prepared in the correct way (apostille etc.) which can take some time. Apart from that just be yourself in the application letter and make sure to mention things about who you are and your values not just your academic/work experiences.

Do it! The pace of life is great here. Socially, everyone I’ve met so far has been super welcoming and friendly. I don’t speak a lot of Italian (yet) but I really enjoy learning the language and my Italian friends are the best teachers I could ask for. Academically, the classes are great and very welcoming. My timetable can be quite full at times and more relaxed at other points. I also like the exam format: there are multiple uncapped attempts at exams which means if you can’t make an exam or are just having an off day, you are able to retake the exams with no penalties. This takes a lot of the academic pressure during exam season.

When I’m not studying I’m often out with my friends for an aperitivo at any of the bars around the city. Quite a few of them are quite affordable and with great vibes. Occasionally I go to other parts of Italy, so far I have been lucky enough to visit places such as Venice, Bologna, Verona as they’re all a quick train journey away. I have also been able to visit regions like Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria with friends. In terms of sports there are loads of opportunities to do individual or team sports. I personally love to go running around the old walls of the city or go to the climbing gym in Arcella. Since moving here I completed the Venice marathon, which was great fun. As of writing this I am going to run the Padova marathon on Sunday so wish me luck!