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.

Lorynne Dowling

Related blogs

My journey from Canada to Aberdeen and RGU

Moving from Canada to Aberdeen to study Physiotherapy at RGU

Studying Physiotherapy at RGU to start a new career

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