February 16, 2025
Everything You Need to Know About the Masters Programme in Aeronautical Engineering – A Student's POV
Welcome, Future Engineers!
Are you considering the Master’s Programme in Aeronautical Engineering at Linköping University (LiU)? Wondering what the experience is really like? Well, you’re in the right place!
I recently sat down with my good friend Marino, a second-year international student from Croatia, to get his firsthand insights on life at LiU, the challenges and rewards of the program, and his biggest takeaways. If you’re curious about what studying here is like, grab a cup of fika ☕, sit back, and let’s dive in!
Meet Marino ✈️
Marino is an avgeek through and through, he can name every plane flying overhead (whether you ask or not!), has tracked almost 100 flights, and even competes in aerospace design competitions. When he’s not geeking out over planes, he’s either doing yoga, traveling, or taking on exciting student projects.
Expectations Vs. Reality
What were your expectations before starting the Aeronautical Engineering program at LiU?
Marino: I expected a structured, hands-on learning experience, and my first impression was really positive. However, after the honeymoon phase (aka Week 1), I realized that the learning approach was quite different from what I was used to. Here, it’s very self-directed, professors are available to help, but they won’t guide you step by step. It took me a few months to adjust, but once I figured out how to thrive in this system, everything became much smoother.
Why LiU?
What made Linköping University stand out?
- Great balance: Linköping isn’t too big or too small—everything is within biking distance, including affordable student housing.
- A tight-knit community: The student atmosphere is welcoming and supportive.
- Hands-on learning: The program emphasizes real-world applications rather than just theory.
Favorite Courses & Projects
Most Memorable Project?
📌 SAE AeroDesign Brasil Competition:
- Worked in a 10-person team to design and build an RC aircraft.
- Competed internationally in Brazil.
- Gained experience in team management, industry collaboration, and problem-solving.
📌 Aircraft Conceptual Design Course:
- Designed an aircraft to fill a gap in the commercial airline market.
- Imported the design into VR software to step inside the virtual aircraft.
Biggest Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Adjusting to Sweden’s Learning Style
- The challenge: The system here is more self-directed. Instead of structured guidance, you need to research, make assumptions, and piece things together.
- How I overcame it: I learned to start with whatever information I had, then approach professors when I needed clarification. Over time, I adapted and learned to balance multiple projects effectively.
Balancing Academics & Student Life
What’s life outside of academics like?
📌 Student Associations: Marino is part of LUFF (Linköping University Aeronautical Association), which brings together aviation enthusiasts for projects and networking.
📌 Traveling:
- He has visited every Nordic country while studying at LiU.
- Balances work and travel through productive train rides and airport study sessions.
📌 Social Life: Student organizations host fun events all year, but Marino also makes time for working out, yoga, and relaxation.
Advice for New Students
- Stay persistent: The first few months can feel overwhelming, but push through and you’ll find your rhythm.
- Get involved: Join student groups like LUFF for hands-on experience and networking.
- Stay organized: You’ll juggle multiple projects, so time management is key.
- Brush up on coding (and sewing!): You’d be surprised how useful these skills are for student life!
Marino’s Final Words ✈️
“If you feel lost at first, don’t panic. I nearly dropped out in the first few months, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. Eventually, things clicked, and now I’ve completed all my projects, passed every exam on the first try, and had unforgettable experiences. The key is to keep going, stay curious, and make the most of every opportunity.”
Marino’s top two memories
First week at LiU: BBQs, volleyball, and making new friends in the late summer sun.
SAE AeroDesign Brasil trip: An unforgettable international competition experience.
If you’re considering the Aeronautical Engineering Master’s at LiU, this program offers a unique learning experience, hands-on projects, and a vibrant student community. It might be challenging at first, but the rewards make it all worth it!
Want to know more? Check out LUFF’s Instagram @findus_liu to see the latest projects and competitions!
