I nostri testimonials: Pankhuri - India

About myself 

If there’s one word that I could use to describe myself, then that would be “curious”.  It was my curiosity that got me here and will take me further. I am pursuing my master’s in Physics of Data here at the University of Padova.
People who know me, know how much I love traveling! I love visiting new places and trying out different things. I love cooking (especially Indian food) and I really like feeding my friends. Oh, I can’t forget how much I love reading books! I have many hobbies which I try to do as and when I get time.

Why did you choose the University of Padua and our degree programme in Physics of Data? How did you learn about our institution? 

I got to know about this program from one of my seniors in undergrad who was doing the same course as mine. She really liked the university and the flexibility available in selection of the courses and their exams. At that point I really wanted to pursue astrophysics and unfortunately did not get into that course. But after coming here, my interests changed and I started learning new things. Unipd allowed me to explore the subject, and carry the degree at my pace. When I talked to the alumni and other students studying here, it was clear to me how good the professors are and that was all I needed to know before I submitted my application.
The diversity here was the best part of it all! Being able to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, having different experiences, makes you pause for a moment and see the beauty of it all!

What aspects of our university’s culture or values have resonated with you the most? 

How can I talk about the university culture and not mention the Wednesday parties! I had never experienced such a strong sense of community before, people from all parts of the world come and sit across you, talking about life and what got them there. Padua really makes you social! The environment is so welcoming that it is impossible to not have fun. I love how diversity thrives here, along with the quality of education. For international students the ESN is also very active here, organizing parties and trips every once in a while, giving great opportunity to meet new people.

What are the main features of your degree programme? 

My degree is a little peculiar, in a way that it was started here in 2018. Fairly new, I love how “Physics of Data” as a course perfectly captures the wide range of applications of physics in other areas. Through this degree, I was able to explore finance, biology and data science. Whenever I tell someone about this course they always get confused about what does data do with physics? And that is the best part for me, I love explaining what the courses offers us and the wide range of interdisciplinary applications it has!

What advice would you give to prospective students when it comes to preparing a successful application? 

I think the importance of a good SOP can never be denied. During my entire application process, in Padua as well as in other universities, I realised how easily the application results could change by a strong motivation letter. Apart from that, I personally struggled a lot with the documentation because the rules and process in my country made the entire application delayed and stressful for me. So, I would recommend all the students willing to come here make sure all the documents are prepared beforehand so that any last-minute troubles are avoided.

What advice would you give to students thinking of studying in Italy? How have you settled in here? 

Honestly, I feel it took me almost an entire year to settle here. But this totally depends from person to person, for me the city was too quiet in the beginning and the lack of sun made me severely deficient and slightly depressed. The only reason I survived and thrived my first semester was due to my friends! I was lucky enough to find really supportive people who helped me through every setback. I was still homesick, but having them around made life a lot easier. 
So, my only advice to anyone coming here would be to go out and enjoy. You might not realise how important making good friends is, not just to hang out and travel. But to go to when you are sad, when you are sick and alone. In times like these all you need it someone next to you and that makes everything better!

What do you like to do when you are not studying? How do you like to spend your free time? 

I would go out, grab some spritz with my friends at flybar or just walk around the center. I also love hosting people and feeding them my favourite indian dishes! Me and my friends, we love partying and dancing so whenever we get some time, we make sure we go out and have some fun together! And if I get the time to spare a few days out of my schedule, we plan a trip, which honestly to me is the best therapy possible!