RGU student Owen shares why he changed his initial course to join the BA (Hons) Business with Data Analytics and his experience on his year-long placement.
A bit about me
I am currently a third year Business with Data Analytics student studying at Robert Gordon University. I have recently finished my placement at SLB under the title Compliance Supply Chain Intern.
Why Data Analytics?
When I first began university, I enrolled into the Business with Marketing course. However, after completion of my first year, I found that the marketing side was not my greatest interest. Upon doing more in-depth research into Business roles, I became particularly fascinated in analytical roles like Data and Business Analysts, and decided to switch my course in second year to Business with Data Analytics as I believed it was better suited to those job roles in terms of learning and experience.
So far in the course I have gained relevant experience in programmes such as Python and Tableau which are both key programmes in data sorting and presenting. Alongside this, I have learned a lot about different types of data and how they can be used differently.
My experience on placement
I began my placement at the end of May 2024 and was scheduled to finish exactly a year on, however my contract was extended for one month. Throughout the placement, I have gained a large amount of experience into supply chain, logistics, finance and data sorting and have been taking on large amounts of workload.
I would highly recommend attempting to get a placement in third year as, no matter the role, you gain valuable experience in almost all fields of business that can be taken after graduation. People and professional skills are also improved on highly, which will help in later life.
My post-graduation plans
Once I graduate from RGU, I plan to apply to internship jobs that fall under business or data analytics roles as, although my current internship has given me relevant experience in the field, having a year’s experience fully dedicated to it I believe will be very beneficial for my learning and will confirm this is the corporate route I would like to go down.
Occupational Therapy student Grace shares her journey moving from Ireland to Aberdeen and her experience studying at RGU including how the course and placement have helped her grow personally and professionally.
The start of the journey
My name is Grace, and I am an Occupational Therapy student at Robert Gordon University. It’s surreal to think that when I return to Aberdeen after the summer holidays, I will be beginning my final year. Time really has flown.
At this point of my studies, it is also surreal to reflect on how things have changed since I first arrived in Scotland, apprehensive about the transition from school to university life, moving away from home, and the associated challenges. I had no idea what to expect. I had never seen the University nor had I visited Aberdeen before I made the decision to pack up my things and move away from home.
Of course, I have recognised huge changes in my academic and professional competencies since beginning my course, but the nature of undertaking my course abroad has afforded me with numerous life experiences and opportunities for personal growth that I feel I would otherwise not have received had I not made the decision to study at RGU.
Making friends as a new RGU student
Prior to my arrival and in the first few weeks of my studies at RGU, my biggest worry was definitely around meeting new people. I had a solid group of friends at home and I worried that I wouldn’t find the same quality of friends while at university. Freshers’ week helped hugely in building a social circle. Various events are organised by students and staff during this week, to support students in their transition into university life. An example of such events is the Freshers’ Fair, where students can sign up for clubs and societies. Joining the GAA team in my first year provided a great sense of community, which really helped to ease the anxiety I felt around moving country alone.
Fast forward three years, and I am living with five girls I met during Freshers’ Week, with whom I have so much in common- from personal interests to sense of humour. Three of them are also Irish, which has offered a sense of comradery when it comes to organising the most feasible times to squeeze in a weekend at home, sorting out UK guarantor forms for rent, or planning for the process of eventually moving back home after university.
Making the most of the course
I feel my confidence has progressed hugely in the past three years following my move away from home. This is likely somewhat attributed to the process of meeting and getting to know so many new people, but also, to the way in which university life and the structure of my course have supported my growth. The care the university staff put into course structure based on student feedback, in my experience, has been the best thing about studying at RGU. Module evaluations and reviews afford us the opportunity to offer feedback on what we have found beneficial to our learning and growth, which is always taken into consideration as far as is reasonably possible.
Discussion with my peers has highlighted the emphasis placed on groupwork and peer review as modes of learning in our course as having been instrumental to the development of our confidence as future healthcare professionals. Presentations and groupwork activities have allowed me to exhibit huge improvements in my ability to articulate my points of view and to deliver these points to a group with confidence.
Exploring Scotland on placement
The practical elements of my course have also been instrumental to my growth thus far in my studies. My experiences while on placement have hugely supported my development, both personally and professionally. Not only have they allowed me to explore different areas within Occupational Therapy, but also different geographical areas within Scotland.
My second-year placement in January of 2024 was a major highlight! I spent eight weeks on the Isle of Lewis, working as part of the Adaptions & Rehabilitation Team at ‘Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’ in Stornoway. During this time, I was mostly practicing in the community setting as part of this placement, which allowed me to explore the islands of Lewis and Harris.
I was fortunate enough to have been assigned this placement with one of my close friends on the course, and to have made friends with medical students also undertaking their placements on the island. This added an enhanced social aspect to the placement experience as a whole. We felt very lucky to have been assigned this placement, given the opportunities it presented us with to explore the more remote areas of Scotland, and to meet and learn from people we may otherwise have never crossed paths with.
Due to my placement experiences, I now have an enhanced knowledge of the Scottish health system in the context of Occupational Therapy, and of the culture that will shape how healthcare services are delivered to the population.
Final thoughts
Due to opportunities such as the aforementioned and the everyday experiences of living and studying abroad, I feel I have had a very positive introduction to adult life. I expect that as I progress into my final year, I will continue to develop my skills and confidence to the level required to excel personally and professionally post-graduation, of course all while savouring the joys of student life in Aberdeen for one last year!
Here are more photographs that are reminiscent of such joys I have experienced over the past three years while exploring Scotland:
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering student Zaid moved from his home country to Aberdeen to start his academic journey at RGU and shares his tried and tested techniques to make friends when starting from scratch.
When I first arrived in Aberdeen, I thought making friends would be a pretty daunting task as it was a pretty big move going from an environment I was used to, to an entirely new one with even more responsibilities to juggle. However, the more time I spent here, the more I realised how truly easy it was to make new connections as a student at RGU. Here are a few opportunities to take advantage of:
Student Accommodation
When you first arrive in Aberdeen and get yourself situated in your accommodation, it’s best to get to know your surroundings. You may meet fellow students around and about and saying hello never hurts. After all, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, being open and willing to engage with other people will always yield fruitful results.
If the idea of being open with strangers is not appealing, those of you who are lucky enough to stay in an RGU’s student accommodation such as Woolmanhill will get the opportunity to interact with flatmates and may make friends for life. This was how most of my friends knew each other prior to me getting to know them.
Inductions
As an engineering student at RGU, I had a lengthy induction week full of fun activities aimed at introducing each module to us first years. Some of these activities, such as designing a model bridge out of popsicle sticks, required us to be in groups. This enabled a lot of us to communicate with each other and learn about our interests, its an easy way to make friends.
Even when there wasn’t a group activity involved, I felt comfortable around my classmates since I was surrounded by people who have a shared passion, which made it a lot easier to start up conversations. I asked people naturally what brought them to engineering and it may surprise you as it did me, most of us started the same way with our passions whether it be admiring cars and engines or even having a basic interest in maths. I formed connections that helped me through the semester during that induction week.
Students’ Union Societies
During Induction Week, I came to know of the large assortment of societies available for me to join, such as the RGU Motorsport Society, or even societies based on different home countries. The societies will inform you of events and dinners which are easy places to meet and socialise with everyone present. They are meant for you to make friends and long lasting connections.
Bus Journeys
As silly as this sounds, since I take the bus every morning from the Music Hall to RGU to get to my lectures, a lot of familiar faces and some not so familiar show up. With the bus often being full in the morning, I get to sit next to people that I sometimes recognise from the University and even from my course. It’s always a good way to talk about the work or assignments we have due. This also makes time begin to fly, and before I know it, the bus stops at RGU. It’s easy to communicate with someone to circumvent the boredom of sitting on the bus!
Lectures and Group Work
In my experience in quite a few of the lectures I had, the lecturers actively asked us to form groups to answer tough or intriguing questions. This led to a lot of engagement during the lectures that enabled me to get to know people within my module while getting work done and enhancing my learning experience.
This was not limited to lectures itself, especially in engineering. In my second semester, for one of my modules we had to form groups of three random individuals from the class to work for the next six weeks together to build a white line follower. Considering we were stuck together for the next six weeks and our grades would be affected by the work we did, we did well to get to know each other to maximise our potential.
At first it’ll be difficult to be put out of your element, as I was, but over time you will learn to overcome differences and understand people and form friendships from group work which makes it all the more fun!
University Events
RGU has a plethora of events available during the year such as Open Days and the yearly RGU Hack. My work as a Student Ambassador for RGU allowed me to meet fellow ambassadors during these days when we were assisting with the event. It was interesting since we were all from different backgrounds, but RGU being a melting point of diverse cultures allowed us to meet.
During the Open Days, it was easy to get to know people as a few of them came up to me to ask for assistance, which allowed me to know them better including their dreams and ambitions. Some of them wanted to enrol in Engineering, which I took great pride in sharing that I was doing the same course. This enabled me to make a few new friends coming next intake.
The yearly hackathon has groups of students competing over 48 hours to complete a challenge, staying overnight at the University and eating snacks while coding away. It was an awesome experience especially getting to know fellow teammates and teams.
While making friends may seem like a daunting and difficult task, the advice I would give to anyone wanting to make new friends at RGU or in Aberdeen is to just be yourself. The city is welcoming and even more so its people. Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and engage in conversation with a stranger. I can guarantee that you will make new friends like I did!
Master’s student Rebecca shares her journey coming back to Aberdeen to study RGU’s Information Technology with Business Intelligence. With a few years between her undergraduate and postgraduate degree, she points out all the new exciting things she is finding at RGU and how she is adapting to life as a student again.
After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in 2021, I have come back to Aberdeen to pursue my master’s degree in Information Technology with Business Intelligence. Now, as I approach the end of my first semester, I’m able to reflect on my experience and share what coming back to Aberdeen has been like.
Rediscovering Aberdeen as a postgraduate student
My postgraduate journey has felt very different from my undergraduate days. When I first moved to Aberdeen in 2017, I was 18, and I took full advantage of things like Freshers’ Week and nights out at Underground or Institution (now known as Aura). Now, coming back to Aberdeen as a 25-year-old, I much prefer spending my days exploring new parts of the city like the parks and open spaces, the coffee shops and the restaurants.
One of my favourite spots so far is Mount, near Marischal College. It’s perfect for studying, with comfy seating, free Wi-Fi, and great coffee – although the prices are a bit steep. Pret a Manger on Union Street offers a budget-friendly alternative with filter coffee for just 99p, and you can stay as long as you like. Other spots in the city that are great for lunch or catching up with friends include Cup, The Tartan Pig, and Food Story.
The positive changes I noticed coming back to RGU
Starting my master’s degree was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Coming from a business background, I was unsure how well I would adapt to studying IT.
Thankfully, at the start of my course, the Course Leader hosted an induction session that provided a lot of reassurance. The session outlined the structure of the course, the semester’s expectations, and what we could anticipate in the coming months. This session addressed most of my concerns, and for any lingering questions, the Course Leader shared his contact details, making it easy to reach out for support.
Returning to university has brought some delightful surprises, one of which is the free gym membership for all students at RGU SPORT. Fitness plays a crucial role in my life, helping me de-stress and clear my mind. It’s very encouraging to see RGU acknowledging the connection between physical health and mental well-being by making gym facilities accessible to all students. The gym itself exceeded my expectations, with modern equipment comparable to commercial gyms like Pure Gym and a spacious setup across three floors. The membership also includes access to fitness classes and the swimming pool, which has been a bonus!
The Students’ Union has seen big changes since my undergrad days. It’s now part of the Riverside Building and spans three floors, hosting events like the Tuesday morning Breakfast Club, where students can enjoy a free breakfast buffet, and the weekly Supper Club, showcasing a different cuisine each week. I’ve been lucky enough to attend nights featuring Korean food (my favourite) and Ghanaian cuisine, celebrating Ghana’s Independence Day. These are just a glimpse of the variety of activities facilitated by the union.
Navigating challenges
Despite the overwhelmingly positive experience of returning to Aberdeen, the transition hasn’t been without challenges. After three years of full-time work in the private sector, shifting back to student life was a significant adjustment.
Balancing study time with personal well-being has been tricky, particularly learning to prioritise self-care without feeling guilty about taking breaks. Talking openly to friends and family has been invaluable, and sharing experiences with my course mates who are navigating similar pressures has helped a lot.
I have also made sure to make time for personal hobbies that I can enjoy outside of my studies, as they are essential for maintaining balance and preventing academic stress from becoming overwhelming. One of my favourite activities has been joining the K-Pop society at RGU, which has allowed me to attend weekly dance classes and connect with others who share my interest in K-Pop music.
All in all, coming back to Aberdeen for my master’s has been a great experience. With studying a new and interesting area, exploring new parts of the city and having access to fantastic university facilities, I’ve made the most of this opportunity. If you have any questions about student life at RGU, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on UniBuddy – I would be happy to help in any way I can!
RGU alumna Oluwatosin Abikoye shares her learnings from her time at RGU and how the University helped her build a career as a Petroleum Engineer.
Pursuing a master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Robert Gordon University (RGU) was one of the best decisions I ever made. Known for its industry-focused curriculum and strong ties to the energy sector, RGU equipped me with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that have been instrumental in shaping my career as a petroleum engineer. This blog takes you through my journey, from being a student at RGU to navigating the complex and dynamic world of petroleum engineering.
Life as a Petroleum Engineering Student at RGU
My journey at RGU was a blend of rigorous academic learning and engaging extracurricular activities:
Coursework: From production operations to well completions, the course covered all essential aspects of petroleum engineering.
Practical Labs: Working on drilling simulators and performing fluid property analysis in labs gave me hands-on experience.
Industrial Visits and Guest Lectures: Regular interactions with industry professionals kept me updated on the latest industry trends. I had the chance to attend the SPE iCota conference.
Networking: Being in Aberdeen allowed me to attend industry events and connect with professionals from leading energy companies.
Starting My Career in Petroleum Engineering
After graduating, I began my career with a strong foundation. My first job was with an oil and gas company, where I worked as a Field Operations Engineer. This role exposed me to the operational side of the industry, including:
Problem-Solving: Quickly adapting to challenges such as unexpected formation behaviour or equipment malfunctions.
Team Collaboration: Working with multidisciplinary teams, from geologists to mechanical.
My practical knowledge from RGU helped me quickly adapt to the fast-paced environment of the oilfield.
Growing in the Industry
As I gained experience, I transitioned to more specialized roles and got to share my knowledge and experience with others in the industry. Some of these specialised roles include policy and decision making, but also:
Production Optimization: Working on techniques like gravel packing to enhance well productivity.
Project Management: Leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex well projects.
I was invited to speak at the technical conference at Egypes 2025 where I also got to meet with other industry experts and network with top oil and gas executives.
My education at RGU not only gave me technical skills but also developed my problem-solving and leadership abilities, which have been crucial in my career growth.
How RGU Continues to Benefit Me
Even years after graduation, the connections and knowledge I gained at RGU continue to benefit me.
Alumni Network: Staying in touch with fellow graduates who are now in various roles across the industry.
Continuous Learning: Access to RGU’s online resources and webinars helps me stay updated with the latest industry developments.
Credibility: Having an RGU degree on my resume is recognized and respected in the energy sector worldwide.
Advice for Aspiring Petroleum Engineers
If you are considering a career in petroleum engineering, here are a few tips:
1. Choose Your University Wisely: Look for a course with strong industry connections and hands-on learning opportunities, like RGU.
2. Gain Practical Experience: Internships and field training are invaluable for building confidence and competence.
3. Network Actively: Build connections with industry professionals during your studies and early career.
4. Stay Adaptable: The energy industry is constantly evolving; keep learning and be open to new challenges.
Conclusion
My journey as a Petroleum Engineer began at Robert Gordon University, and the skills, knowledge, and connections I gained there continue to support me every step of the way. From field operations to advanced production optimization, my RGU education has been the foundation of my success in this dynamic industry.
If you are passionate about energy, problem-solving, and making an impact on a global scale, a career in petroleum engineering might be the perfect path for you.
Communication Design student Jake Irvine won both the Imajica Brand Evolution Emerging Talent Award and the FortyTwo Studio Emerging Talent award at the 2025 Gray’s Degree Show opening night last Friday. He answers our questions about his last four years at RGU and the work he is exhibiting in this blog.
What project are you presenting at the Degree Show?
For my Degree Show project, I wanted to show a variety of my video work from my Honours year. However, my spotlight project is an experimental short film exploring a small part of the Aberdeenshire coastline from Portsoy to Pennan. I chose to display this film as it represents a direction for my personal filmmaking style and journey, capturing the way I see a place, the details I noticed, and transports the viewers there with me through the lens of the camera.
How did the creation process go?
I enjoy every step of creating a film, researching and developing the first ideas I have into a plan and beginning to narrow down visuals and narrative elements as I go. For a film focusing on a space, I like to explore the area through photography, using this to capture quick moments or compositions I can refer to later, and possibly refine for the final product. I will eventually narrow down the shots I want, and over a few days start to record everything.
Finally, the place where the magic happens – editing. I love to use Davinci Resolve for the incredible scope the colour grading offers, in this case creating a vintage inspired film look based on Local Hero, adding grain, colour shifting, and warmth to the final image. This is the part I enjoy most.
What excites you the most about the Degree Show?
It’s incredible to finally see everything come together after four years of studying at RGU, not only for my own work, but being able to see everyone else’s, and share this with them across an amazing week to celebrate all the hard work and creativity we have built together. It’s an amazing feeling to have come this far, and see everyone else being there with you. We all create totally different work, but together it becomes the possibility of what we as a group can do.
How was your experience at Gray’s in the last four years?
I have experienced so much over the past four years at Gray’s that has shaped me as a creative but also provided a direction and purpose for my work. The later years really helped to build the independent feeling for my work, where it has become just what I do rather than feeling like studying for exams or coursework.
Having so many opportunities available to work with others inside and out of my course and develop skills and a portfolio different to any of my course mates is something I think is unique to Communication Design at Gray’s, and something that has helped me to become the creative I am and strive to become in the future beyond RGU.
The 2025 Gray’s Degree Show is opening its doors on Friday 6 June to staff, students, and members of the public. Ahead of the opening, some of our students from across a range of disciplines tell us more about their artistic projects, their time at RGU, and their career aspirations beyond graduation.
Julie – Communication Design
Throughout my studies, I have been exploring the concept of national identity and how a nation presents itself visually to both its own citizens and globally. I have created a new fictitious nation called the Sona Isles, and have been investigating how visual and national elements including colour and symbolism can reflect and shape a collective sense of belonging and national pride.
During my time at Gray’s and RGU, I have really enjoyed learning and developing new skills. As a mature student, I have really appreciated the opportunity to challenge myself and grow creatively.
I’ve also had the chance to get involved in a variety of interesting projects including ‘Beyond the Grey’ which is a project that celebrates the creative and cultural scene within Aberdeen. I’m interested in pursuing a career within the creative industries; perhaps the world of graphic design and creating graphic props for film and television production.
Aberdeen is a great place to live and study and I particularly like having the seaside and the countryside all on my doorstep. It’s a time of renewal in Aberdeen as we transition into a bright new future of renewables and I believe that the local, creative scene will play a valuable part in this and provide lots of opportunities for creatives.
Sophie – Fine Art (Painting)
During my time at Gray’s, I have been exploring symbolism and slight motifs, re-imagining Victorian portraiture paired with the exploration of feminine layers through delicate handmade materials.
I have really enjoyed the conversations and support from staff and other students, and I have been encouraged to try new things and make the most of the workshops and unique equipment. I’ve had the chance to get involved in some fun and interesting projects including the mid-year Interim Show with the Look Again team.
After graduation, I will be travelling to Florence with the RSA John Kinross Scholarship; I am so excited and grateful to receive this award!
I have had a great experience in Aberdeen overall, with lots of laughter and support of friends within Gray’s and across RGU.
Hannah – Fashion and Textiles
During my Honours year, I explored how modular fashion can support sustainability—extending a garment’s life and using materials that are easier to recycle. I’ve been weaving in elements of my Celtic heritage, giving traditional patterns and silhouettes a bold, modern twist, and bringing them to life with creative mixed media touches.
My time at Gray’s has been great for exploring and figuring out my design style. I made the most of the open workshops, and the laser-cutter this year and trying out cyanotype. There’s a really nice sense of community too, a cool collaborative atmosphere!
I’ve also had the chance to be part of some really exciting projects, but a standout was my study abroad semester in Hannover, Germany. It was such an eye-opening experience and definitely a highlight of my time at university, I’m really grateful I got the opportunity to do it.
I’m interested in pursuing a career in modular fashion design, where I can keep exploring innovative ways to create with purpose. I’d love to continue blending heritage-inspired concepts with modern techniques, while focusing on responsible material choices and thoughtful design that encourages longer-lasting, more meaningful connections with clothing, while still keeping it fun!
Aberdeen has been a great place to live and study over the past four years. Meeting so many interesting people both inside and outside the art school has also given me fresh perspectives on so many new things. As a student in the city, there’s always something happening, and the crazy nights out are full of memories that I’ll cherish and laugh about for years to come!
Maryanne – Photography
During my studies, I have been exploring both fashion and portrait photography as I enjoy working with and learning about people the most! I have really enjoyed the fast pace of the creative environment. I have pushed and tested my abilities as a photographer both physically and intellectually and I have had the freedom to explore and produce work based on my own ideas and ambitions.
I’ve also had the chance to get involved in some fun and interesting projects including a collaboration on a magazine with the Fashion Management students and I received a ‘Highly Commended’ award after entering the new Charles Skene Photography competition which really boosted my confidence.
I have enjoyed meeting a variety of people from different backgrounds within the Gray’s community. In fact, that’s what I focussed my Charles Skene project on. Aberdeen is full of sparkling granite and people.
Dawn – Product, Ceramics & Jewellery
During the last four years, I have been exploring how design can help us find value in the undervalued, both in terms of materials and in ourselves. As a neurodivergent designer, I’ve found deep meaning in the process. My final project transforms wastepaper into mindful, functional objects that promote calm, presence, and self-worth.
Throughout my time at RGU, I have really enjoyed discovering my voice as a designer. The variety of skills, materials, and perspectives available here at Gray’s combined with the freedom to experiment and trust my intuition, has allowed me to grow personally, creatively, and professionally.
I’ve had the chance to get involved in a variety of interesting projects and activities, including live client briefs, exhibiting at Aberdeen Art Gallery, and developing a range of hands-on processes including my own plant-based glue and paper lamination techniques.
Each experience has helped me to build confidence and expand my creative thinking. I’m interested in pursuing a career in mindful craft and sustainable design by continuing to grow my creative business which is called Deefyne Design. My aim is to make work that connects people through materiality, storytelling, and care.
I enjoy living in Aberdeen and I particularly like the closeness to the sea; the long walks along the beaches are relaxing and calming. I have also benefited from the support and connections that I’ve made within the creative community at Gray’s.
Read more student stories on the Gray’s School of Art Instagram. Find out more about the Degree Show including dates and opening times on our website.
Physiotherapy student Lorynne shares her experience living in Aberdeen and discovering the region and gives advice to other international students to step out of their comfort zone while studying in Scotland.
You’ve made your decision, now what?
Making the decision to study internationally does not come lightly. There are several factors to consider, sacrifices you may have to make, and the process itself can seem daunting. Personally, choosing to pack my suitcases (those zippers were tested!) and move across the Atlantic Ocean was the best decision I have ever made.
The process to getting here however may pose its challenges (I’m looking at you, student visa), but bear with it, it will all be worth it when you get off that plane and are greeted with your first friendly Scot. My first day, I landed in Glasgow and on zero sleep had to make the journey up to Aberdeen with my 3 over-packed suitcases, all while trying to figure out a new transit system. I was honestly so relieved to find that any person I asked for help along the way was more than willing to take time out of their day to help a lost Canadian.
Scottish people are incredibly friendly, and although they may have their own vocabulary that you have to try to decipher (see: wee, daft, crack on), I have yet to come across someone here that wasn’t happy to help.
What should I pack?
The number one thing I can suggest is to leave your umbrella at home. I know that seems counter-intuitive with all the rain that Scotland gets, but the wind is too strong on the east coast that your umbrella won’t stand a chance. On that note, bring a good quality raincoat. You’ll need it.
Other things you might want to consider bringing are objects or pictures that remind you of home. It is inevitable that as an international student you might feel homesick at one point or another so it is helpful to have your favourite sweater or a picture of your family to turn to. Also don’t be afraid to turn to other people in your course because chances are, they are feeling the same way, or have at one point. Most of the people in my class are international students, many being Canadian, so home really doesn’t feel so far away.
Living in Aberdeen
If you’ve done your research into Aberdeen you may have come across the term ‘Granite City’ or have heard of how grey Aberdeen can be. While this is true, don’t let this stereotype deter you from experiencing all that Aberdeen has to offer. With two universities in Aberdeen, the city runs many events throughout the year to bring vibrancy to its streets. The first event that I attended was the Spectra Light Festival which is held in February. Pictured below are some of the bright structures that were placed in Union Terrace Gardens for the festival.
If you’re on the hunt for stunning views, head down to Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven, just a 15 minute train ride from Aberdeen. Scotland has a rich history, so take this time to explore as much as you can. I never saw myself as a castle person, but I have been amazed at the castles I have come across and the stories that they hold. Dunnottar Castle can be viewed for free (as pictured below) or you can purchase tickets to enter the castle and explore. While you’re there, make sure to check out the small town of Stonehaven and grab a bite to eat at one of the local cafes.
Exploring the rest of Scotland
As a physio student at RGU, your placements can be anywhere across Scotland. For my second placement, I was at the National Treatment Centre in Inverness. Inverness is located in the north of Scotland with easy access to the beautiful Scottish Highlands. There wasn’t a weekend where my friends and I weren’t out exploring the picturesque landscapes that Scotland is known for. My favourite adventure was to the Isle of Skye. In a short two days, we were able to see the Old Man of Storr, meet some furry friends, and Kilt Rock, among many other sights that the Isle of Skye has to offer.
The great thing about Aberdeen is that it has many connections to the rest of the country. It’s not difficult to get a bus or train to Glasgow or Edinburgh, meaning that as an international student without a car, you are not limited to exploring only Aberdeen.
My piece of advice
Take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you. Think of these two years as your “yes” years. It can seem intimidating at first to go out with your class when you hardly know anyone, but one karaoke night at Triple Kirks and you’ll walk home with friendships that will last you beyond the course (that, and we should all stick to Physiotherapy, leave the singing to Kelly Clarkson).
During my first Connect and Reflect Week I was approached by a couple people in the course to take a trip to Edinburgh for a few days. I did not know them well, but these are my “yes” years. So to Edinburgh I went, and it was honestly so much fun. I got to know the other people in my course better and got to see the historical city of Edinburgh.
In addition to the advice I just gave, push yourself to do solo adventures as well! On Valentine’s Day of last year, while couples were out on dates and my partner was back home in Canada, I took myself out on a date to Cove Bay. This was such a cool experience, right on the coast of Aberdeen! The walk along the coastal path is a must-do while in Aberdeen.
As cliché as it sounds, use this opportunity to explore out of your comfort zone. In one year of studying here I can honestly say that I have accomplished many feats (big and small) that I never imagined I would be capable of. As I enter my final year in the course, I can honestly say that time flies, so stay in the present and enjoy this amazing opportunity that you have. I will never forget my experiences here at RGU for the rest of my life.
