Student blogs

As we wrap up our first year in the MSc Nutrition Science program at Karolinska Institutet I can’t help but reflect on how much has changed since I first arrived. In the beginning, I was nervous about so many things—the unknowns of studying in a foreign country, adapting to a new academic system, and meeting new people. But looking back now, I’m so grateful for the experience. I’m incredibly lucky to have met amazing people and built lasting friendships, and studying at one of the world’s top universities has been a dream come true. It’s been a challenging but rewarding year, and I feel so fortunate to be here, learning and growing every day.

To give you a glimpse into what it’s been like, I reached out to three of my classmates—Alina, Christie, and Mahya—to ask them a few questions about their first year. Their responses not only highlight the diversity of experiences in our cohort but also offer valuable advice for those who will follow in our footsteps. Here’s what we had to say:

1. What field did you graduate from in your bachelor’s degree?

• Alina: BSc in Life Science
• Christie: BSc in Clinical Nutrition
• Mahya: BSc in Nutritional Sciences
• Irem: BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics

2. What were your expectations when you started your first year at Karolinska Institutet? How did the reality compare to your expectations at the end of the year?

• Alina:
  “I expected the studies to be very strict and rigid, but all the lecturers are open for discussion, and they actively listen to you to make the best out of your studies. Additionally, I didn’t expect so many presentations as a form of examination, which I really learned to enjoy and found quite helpful.”
• Christie:
  “I expected to gain deeper scientific insights and meet international classmates. I think the reality matched my expectations well. At KI, I met many excellent researchers and lecturers, and I really enjoyed exchanging ideas with classmates from over 20 different countries.”
• Mahya:
  “When I started my first year at Karolinska Institutet, I expected a world-class academic environment, access to high-quality research, and a chance to learn alongside motivated, international students with inspiring teachers. While these expectations were largely met, the reality also included challenges I hadn’t fully anticipated, such as adapting to a new education system, keeping up with assignments, and settling into life in Sweden. However, the support from friends and a collaborative learning atmosphere made a big difference. By the end of the year, I felt much more confident and academically stronger than I expected.”
• Irem (AKA me):
  “I expected intense academic demands but was pleasantly surprised by how interactive and discussion-based many of the courses were. The support from professors and fellow students really exceeded my expectations, and by the end of the year, I felt more confident in navigating both the academic and cultural aspects of my studies.”

3. What were some challenges you faced during your first year, and how did you overcome them?

• Alina:
  “The biggest challenge was creating social connections. I stressed a lot at the beginning, fearing I wouldn’t adapt to the new circumstances. Everything in life takes time. Slowly, you build your circle. Everyone is looking for new friends and connections just like you, so don’t stress too much about it. The right people will find you.”
• Christie:
  “One challenge was feeling a bit lonely and not fully adapted when I first came to a new country, but talking to more people and making friends really helped me overcome it.”
• Mahya:
  “One major challenge was adapting to a new education system and academic culture. The pace and structure of courses were different from what I was used to. I managed this by improving my time management, actively participating in group work, and taking advantage of Karolinska’s academic writing support sessions. Another challenge was adjusting to life in a new country, but focusing on building a routine, staying connected with classmates, and being open to new experiences made a big difference.”
• Irem (AKA me):
  “The initial language barrier and adjusting to Swedish life were tough, but I found that being proactive about seeking help from friends and teachers made a big difference. Also, being patient with myself helped me get through the tough moments.”

4. What are your plans for your second year?

• Alina:
  “I’m really looking forward to my degree project! I plan to soak up as much knowledge as possible and explore Stockholm a bit more. After the degree project, I hope to find an interesting internship.”
• Christie:
  “I plan to do a 45-credit degree project and a 15-credit internship or traineeship.”
• Mahya:
  “In my second year, I plan to focus on my thesis and gain hands-on experience with a traineeship to further build my practical skills in nutrition.”
• Irem (AKA me):
  “I’m excited to dive into my thesis next year. I hope to explore a research topic that bridges my interests in nutrition and public health while also getting some hands-on experience.

5. What advice would you give to new international students who are just starting their first year at Karolinska?

• Alina:
  “The new circumstances might look scary, but take your time. Everything will fall into place. Explore Stockholm! There are many things to see and do, even for free. Go to the lectures as much as possible! You might believe some aren’t relevant to what you want to do later, but you always gain knowledge and practice soft skills. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to your classmates! They’re probably going through the same things as you. Connect! And don’t forget that it’s okay to take your time—everyone has a different pace of doing things.”
• Christie:
  “Try to join as many activities as you can during the introduction week and talk to new people. That really helps you settle in faster and enjoy your time at KI.”
• Mahya:
  “Start networking early, both within KI and outside—opportunities often come from connections. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether it’s academic support, career advice, or navigating daily life. Also, take care of your mental health—moving to a new country and studying can be overwhelming. Create a routine, try to stay active, and talk to someone if you feel stressed.”
• Irem (AKA me):
  “Take your time to get to know Stockholm and the people around you. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t fall into place right away. Also, try to participate in all the student activities—you’ll learn so much and build lasting relationships!”

As we wrap up our first year, I can’t help but feel excited for the second year ahead, especially with the thesis project on the horizon. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I hope our insights help those of you starting your studies at Karolinska Institutet. Best of luck as you embark on this amazing adventure!