Renti's thoughts about Skövde
Where do you come from originally?
– I was born in the beautiful land of Albania and at the age of 10, I moved to Greece, where I grew up. I hold both Albanian and Greek nationalities, and embracing both cultures has greatly enriched my perspective, shaping who I am today.
How is it to study in Skövde?
– Studying in Skövde is a unique experience, thanks to its internationally friendly culture, a wide variety of extracurricular activities, beautiful places to visit, and an amazing campus that provides students with everything they need to succeed.
Why did you choose to study this program?
– My academic journey began in Greece, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Land Surveying and Geoinformatics. This led me to pursue a Master's in Geospatial Technologies, where I was introduced to artificial intelligence and machine learning. For my thesis, I focused on computer vision which sparked my passion for data science and its potential to uncover hidden patterns and insights. Thus, motivated by this newfound interest, I decided to enroll in the Data Science program at the University of Skövde which is one of the first of its kind in Sweden, to further develop my skills in this dynamic field.
What do you want to do for work in five years?
– In five years, I would love to be working as a data scientist, with a primary focus on the marketing field. I’m passionate about using data to uncover insights that drive decision-making and improve business strategies. My goal is to leverage my skills within the marketing area to help companies better understand customer behavior, optimize marketing campaigns, and make data-driven decisions.
What tips would you offer a new student?
– My biggest tip for a new student would be to start networking from day one. Participate in as many activities as possible as they’re a fantastic way to meet people and make friends. Everyone at this university is more than willing to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or assistance from professors, fellow students, or staff. Both the university and the town offer plenty of opportunities to broaden your horizons, so be sure to get involved. Last but not least, being a student isn’t just about studying, it’s also about building connections, growing personally, and enjoying the journey!
What is the biggest advantage of studying at a small school like the University of Skövde?
– Even though the University of Skövde might be considered a small school, it offers incredible resources. The library is fantastic, providing a calm and productive space for studying. There are also group study rooms where students can collaborate on projects, share ideas, and work together. The computers are fast and up-to-date, ensuring everything runs smoothly. The overall atmosphere really helps you focus, and the campus feels like a mix between a study spot and a second home. In addition to that, one of the best things about being here is the chance to meet students from a variety of programs, from bioscience to business and game development. It’s great to share challenges, solutions, and fresh ideas with each other. In short, the university’s small size brings everyone closer together, making it easy to connect, communicate, and form meaningful friendships.
What is the best thing about the University of Skövde?
– It’s difficult to rank the advantages of studying at the University of Skövde, as there are so many. If I had to start, I would highlight the Swedish educational system, which not only emphasizes theoretical knowledge but also encourages you to think like someone who is solving real-world problems. You’re encouraged to formulate your own questions and come up with solutions, which makes the learning process feel more practical and hands-on. The professors here are amazing too. They’re not only helpful but committed to seeing their students succeed. They go the extra mile to motivate you and help you refine your skills. Another great aspect is the university's diverse, multicultural community. It’s amazing to be part of an environment where you meet people from all over the world, enriching your perspectives and broadening your horizons.
What is the best thing about Skövde?
– The best thing about Skövde is its location and its people. Surrounded by beautiful nature, lakes, hills, and forests with scenic paths, it really took my breath away when I first arrived. The people here are incredibly friendly, and it’s easy to communicate in English. Everyone is always willing to help. Skövde offers many of the things you'd expect from a bigger city, including cultural activities, cinemas, restaurants, bars, student bar and also athletic centers, so you can enjoy a variety of things to do. Additionally, being close to cities like Gothenburg, Stockholm, and Jönköping opens up plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, travel, and work. The city is well organized, so even in harsh winters, life runs smoothly. It’s a small city with minimal traffic, and the calm atmosphere helps keep stress levels low. With all of this, Skövde is a wonderful place to live a peaceful, balanced life.
What did you know about Sweden before you moved here?
– Before coming to Sweden, I was aware of its great education system, good standard of living, tough winters, and beautiful nature. When I arrived, not only did I find that all these aspects were true, but I was also pleasantly surprised to discover that they were even better than I had expected.
What was the biggest surprise to you about being a student here?
– One thing that pleasantly surprised me is that, despite the cold winters and very low temperatures, the feeling temperature is much more manageable, and it’s actually fun to walk in the snow. I also couldn't have imagined how beautiful Sweden is in the spring, with flowers blooming and vibrant colors everywhere. One thing I would like to highlight is that, before moving to Sweden, I thought Swedish people might be a bit ‘cold’ and not very social. However, after meeting many Swedes, I have completely changed my mind. While they may seem reserved at first, once you get to know them, they’re warm, friendly, and incredibly welcoming.
How do you like the student accomodations?
– I currently live in Norra Trängallén (Plutonen-Bataljonen), which makes me very happy. These are corridor apartments, meaning I have a 24m2 room equipped with everything I need. In addition, each floor of my building has a shared kitchen and living room, where we often gather to cook and spend our free time together. I can honestly say that all my needs are completely covered.
What do you do in your free time?
– I spend most of my free time with friends, cooking dishes from our home countries and sharing our experiences and dreams. I also love biking, swimming, and playing floorball, which is where I’ve made most of my Swedish friends.
What is your favorite course you have taken at the University of Skövde?
– Every course presents its own challenges and sparks passion. However, I would pick Data Mining, Predictive Analysis, and Explainable AI as the top three. The first covers a wide range of data science challenges, the second encourages you to dig deeper and critically question the solutions you propose, and the third helps you understand why and how a model works, allowing you to reason about the outcomes.
Describe your programme in three words.
– Challenging, Insightful, Rewarding.
Ask Renti
Feel free to contact Dawn with questions or thoughts!
Send an email to studentambassador5@his.se