Studying Wireless Communications at Lund University: A Student’s Journey from Greece

Antonios pursued his Master’s programme in Wireless Communications at Lund University. He discovered his study path using Online Result. We spoke with him to learn about his journey of finding and applying to a university abroad.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?

My name is Antonios Pateas. I am 30 years old, originally from Larissa, Greece, and I previously studied Informatics and Telecommunications at the Technological Educational Institute of Larissa.

Where are you studying now? What university are you attending and what programme are you enrolled in? What degree are you studying and how long is your programme?

Since September, I have been a student at Lund University, Sweden. I am currently enrolled in the Wireless Communications Master’s programme, a two-year degree taught entirely in English.

Why did you want to study abroad?

As I mentioned, I come from Greece, where the unemployment rate has been a significant challenge. Finding a job in my field—or any position at all—proved difficult, which led me to the decision to pursue higher education abroad.

How did you find your study programme? Why did you choose this particular university?

Once I committed to studying internationally, I had to choose a destination. Sweden was my top choice because its telecommunications industry is highly developed, reflecting the innovation found across the Scandinavian region. Additionally, I found that the cost of living was slightly more manageable compared to Denmark, Finland, or Norway, and everything is exceptionally well-organized.

With the country chosen, I used Online Result to find the perfect programme. The platform was invaluable due to its advanced search filters, keyword functionality, and the comprehensive information provided for each course.

I also found the clear breakdown of admission requirements and tuition fees incredibly helpful for streamlining my application process. I specifically chose Lund University for its strong emphasis on research—after all, it is the birthplace of Bluetooth technology.

I was aware of its reputation as the highest-ranked university in Sweden. Regarding my programme, Online Result provided the essential details. The platform offered the most vital information and direct links to help me further explore the curriculum and university resources.

What were your main priorities when choosing your university and your programme (e.g. academics, accommodation, university services & facilities, personal & professional development, city & culture, cost & funding, practicalities, social life)?

My primary priorities were academic quality, personal and professional growth, future career opportunities, university services, campus facilities, and the social experience.

Was it your first study choice? What other universities did you consider? What was the main reason of your final choice?

Lund University was my second choice, as I initially preferred KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm primarily for its location in the capital.

Naturally, capitals often provide more job prospects. I also briefly considered applying to Germany, given that I had a positive experience there as an Erasmus student.

The decisive factor for my final choice was the application deadline; Sweden’s January 15th deadline was much earlier than other European countries, save for the rest of Scandinavia. I received my acceptance in late March and felt so confident in my choice that I stopped looking for other programmes.

Did you know from the start that you wanted to study in that particular country and city? Why did you choose for this particular location?

As I noted, Sweden was my first choice for academic and career reasons, but the positive testimonials from people I met who had lived there were the final encouragement I needed.

Furthermore, Lund is a vibrant city of nearly 90,000, with 47,000 of those being students. It’s a compact, social environment where it’s easy to meet people from all over the world. Plus, you are just a 45-minute train ride away from Copenhagen.

Did you take a language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) when applying for the programme? If yes, which one did you choose, why and how was your experience with it?

I took the IELTS test because it is widely recognized and preferred by universities internationally. I had prepared to submit multiple applications to various countries as a safety net.

Although I hold a Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) from the University of Michigan, it isn't universally accepted across Europe. I sat for the IELTS simply to meet the specific admission criteria and ensure my application was foolproof.

The process wasn't difficult for me as I use English daily. I took a short preparatory course to get familiar with the IELTS format, and everything went smoothly.

What would be your advice for students from your country that consider to study abroad?

My advice to fellow Greek students considering studying abroad is simple: if you can afford it, go for it. It is a major life step, but the rewards are absolutely worth it.

Before moving, realize that the social dynamics abroad differ from those in Greece, and the cost of living is generally higher. I would advise students to socialize with international peers to improve their language skills and build a global network.

Unexpected opportunities often arise when you are out of your comfort zone. Above all, stay organized, meet your deadlines, and act with responsibility.

How did you finance your stay abroad and what financial advice would you give to future students?

I funded my studies through personal savings and family support. Since Sweden has no tuition fees for EU students, my primary costs are rent and daily living expenses. I highly recommend that future students secure their finances before arriving and research all available scholarship opportunities.

Why would you (not) recommend this particular city / university? How would you rate your experience on a scale from zero to ten (0 – It was a total disaster, 10 – I had the time of my life)?

I wouldn't necessarily recommend Lund to those who crave life in a bustling, massive metropolis. It is quite small and quiet. While Malmo and Copenhagen are nearby, frequent travel can become expensive, and the overall cost of living is notably higher than in Greece.

This is a characteristic of the city rather than the university. Another challenge across Sweden is the housing market; finding accommodation is very competitive, so you must start your search at least three months in advance. Many students opt to rent rooms in shared houses.

To secure housing, you must apply on specific dates to join the waiting list. While freshers might have a slight advantage, the housing shortage in Sweden is a significant reality to keep in mind.

Is there anything that you would do differently if you could do it over again?

No.

What was the biggest surprise in your study abroad adventure?

My biggest and most pleasant surprise was the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. We are even provided with access cards, allowing us to utilize campus study spaces and labs at night.

Were you inspired by Antonios’s journey?