PRALIVOMEXA

Fourth-year Fashion Management Rachel left the Highlands to study at RGU in Aberdeen and now shares her top tips when moving away to university, with specific insights on Aberdeen and why it is a great student city.

It sounds cliché, but your time at university really does go in a flash. Between studying, socialising and attempting to navigate independent life (like figuring out how to use a washing machine) for the first time, I can’t quite believe I’m (almost) at the completion of my studies already…

Having grown up in the quiet, somewhat rural Highlands of Scotland, moving away from home for university was of course, scary, and if you are anything like me, a Google deep dive on ‘how to cope with moving away from home’ wasn’t exactly reassuring, from complex tutorials on washing dishes to a never-ending list of ‘essential’ items you supposedly can’t live without, the advice was overwhelming.  

With the benefit of hindsight, almost at the completion of my studies here in Aberdeen, I’m hopefully here to help, sharing some things I really wish someone had told me about moving away to university!

1. Plan, Plan and Plan

Living away from home can often feel like a part-time job, and after moving into student halls, I soon realised how much of those little tasks I didn’t even think about at home took time, like sorting your washing into colours, or writing your shopping list!

With university classes, socialising and exploring the city to fit into your day, learning to plan is going to become your new best friend. Embrace it early. Creating a weekly schedule for lectures, social events and even laundry slots can be a game changer, blocking out time for each thing on your to-do list will make university life feel much more manageable as you settle in.

If you are old-school like me, and love to put pen to paper, try Flying Tiger, Sostrane Green or Typo in the city centre for some super effective (and cool) planners. Or…if you are a digital fan, your notes app may become an endless scroll of daily to-do lists, with apps like HowBout perfect for scheduling!

2. Learn How to Cook (even just a little bit)

I know I said Google searches can be a little unhelpful, but all those articles telling you to learn how to cook are right, this one is important. We aren’t talking Gordon Ramsey, but whether that’s closely observing your parents in the kitchen (and asking a million questions about ingredients) or purchasing some classic student cookbooks, gaining even just a basic proficiency in the kitchen can help reduce some unneeded stress.

Personally, I mastered just a handful of recipes before the big move, which formed the basis of my weekly meals… until I later discovered the wonders of an air fryer (sadly only a fourth year discovery), opening up a whole world of easy, super simple recipes on Instagram, which I can’t recommend enough for some inspiration.  

Here are some of my favourite creators to get you started:

• @alexskitchenbangers
• @boredoflunch
• @food.fit.maya

3. Make the most of your student discount

Aside from the long summer holidays, my favourite perk about being a student has absolutely been the incredible discounts on (almost) everything! Make sure to download the Unidays and Student Beans apps as soon as you have your academic email address and get into the habit of checking for a student discount before you pay for literally anything, you never know what may be available. My personal favourite is £2 coffee at Black Sheep every Monday!   

Not only do these discounts work for the fun stuff, but they can also be super practical too, for travelling back home for example. If you aren’t lucky enough to be under 22 and receive free bus travel, First bus offer ‘Student First’ rates, which makes it more affordable to travel across the city, whilst FlixBus offer a 30% discount, which is perfect for longer trips! And of course, not forgetting about trains, the 16-25 railcard is also great for an added discount if your travel home is on rail!

4. Get involved with societies and sports clubs

My last, but certainly not least, tip is to take advantage of RGU’s societies and sports clubs. The perfect opportunity to try some weird and often wonderful things, from ice skating to gaming and k-pop to computing, there really is something for everyone!

And the best part? They don’t have to be related to your degree. As a fashion student currently on the motorsport society, I am living proof. It’s your chance to connect with students from all corners of the university, and without sounding cringy, a chance to meet lifelong friends, another thing I can attest to. And if we are getting serious, being a part of societies can offer some great additions to your CV too…

Aberdeen as a great student city

I couldn’t be more grateful for taking the big leap! Moving away to university may seem scary, and at times it absolutely is (especially when you can’t figure out how to turn on a microwave), but moving to Aberdeen for university has been one of the best decisions I have ever made!

I have often described the city as the ‘perfect place’ for students, and after four quick years living in the ‘Granite City’, I absolutely stand by it! Aberdeen offers an ideal combination of busyness with so much going on, balanced with a homely community feel.

For those looking for a first step into independent life, Aberdeen is a fantastic location to start. From making my way through the city’ vast array of cafés and shops (on extended study breaks), to day trips to some of the area’s beautiful castles and beaches (shoutout Stonehaven), Aberdeen has been a wonderful hub to explore the Aberdeenshire area!

In essence, taking that initial leap, despite the understandable anxieties, opened doors to not only a fantastic education but also to a period of significant personal development and unforgettable experiences in a city I now wholeheartedly call a second home. And, aside from all that, if you take anything from this short but sweet guide, make it this: invest in that air fryer (and don’t forget to use student discount!)

Related blogs

Top tips for students starting at RGU

My top 5 tips for moving into student accommodation

The best places to explore as a student in Aberdeen

The post Four Things I’d Tell My Fresher Self About Moving Away to University appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

Simona graduated from RGU in 2020 with a degree in Communication Design and has since been growing her career working for a wide range of companies while building her own freelance business. She shares her experience at RGU as an international student and how what she learned at university has helped her post-graduation.

My journey at RGU studying Communication Design

Looking back to 2016, I arrived in Aberdeen for the first time, not knowing what the following four years would bring. Away from my home country of Slovakia and my family who supported my new adventure, I was full of excitement, nevertheless, slightly scared at the same time. It didn’t take long until Scotland and Aberdeen felt like a second home to me, feeling welcome and in awe with the nature and culture.

The first few months were filled with lots of information, trying to get fluent in ‘Scottish’, exploring the city and its culture, trying Irn Bru and crisps in a sandwich for the first time in my life, socialising and taking the first steps into my Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Design at Gray’s School of Art. It was an exciting start but, I was aware that there would be a lot to learn, such as when I tried to take part in ceilidh.

Reflecting on those days now, I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to study at RGU, where the strong feeling of community, curiosity and support is at the heart of everything. I had the chance to learn and get advice from many wise and wonderful tutors who not only taught us theory but also prepared us to face the real world and shared their insights in an encouraging and motivating way. They welcomed us, ignited a spark, and opened the doors for us to enter the four-year-long course built to teach us how to embrace our strengths, find our voice, and experiment freely. We set on a journey filled with opportunities to pick projects, follow our passions, try new techniques and discover what we wanted to do in life.

This career-oriented, hands-on approach worked perfectly as I found myself working on extra projects not because I had to, but because I enjoyed the course so much. The hands-on approach taught me more than I could imagine, being part of various workshops, and seminars, seeing all the possibilities and being able to try them out to decide on my next steps. The freedom combined with the guidance from my tutors encouraged me to pick up more books, research more, start multiple projects, work hard and grow over the years.

The University campus offered a tranquil place ideal for taking a stroll or a lunch break walk with friends. It’s a place full of memories and experiences that helped me to transition from a curious teenager with big hopes to an adult with a vision and wider knowledge and experience in my field.

Our graduation year fell on the well-known year of 2020, with its challenges and unexpected twists and turns. I must say that despite all that was happening, the University did everything it could to make our final year as valuable as possible, trying to limit the hurdles along the way. It was a challenging year not to be able to have a real-life graduation ceremony and celebrate the completion of our studies with family and friends. However, two years later, the University invited everyone who completed their studies during lockdown to celebrate their success in a retrospective graduation ceremony. It was a wonderful day, seeing all the familiar faces and having the possibility to celebrate our achievements together. As the saying goes, better late than never!

What happened after graduation

After I completed my studies in Communication Design, it was time to put all my knowledge and skills to the test. As I was warned previously, it was not going to be a walk in the park, but more of a hike up Ben Nevis. However, those four years gave me more than just art and design skills, they prepared me to work as a part of a team, work with clients and be able to deliver projects from start to finish, face challenges and find creative ways to handle tight deadlines.

I soon learnt that I needed to grow a thick skin and be dedicated no matter how many times things didn’t go according to plan. All those new errors, mistakes and successes were part of the continuous learning journey. The University gave me a stable foundation on which I could build my career.

During my final year and after the first year after graduation, I worked with my first couple of clients, illustrating school storybooks for children. I worked on children’s magazine illustrations and was approached to illustrate and design a summer book reading calendar for children later that summer. My previous experience of working on projects during my studies helped me to know how to complete real-world design briefs and built my confidence.

I then decided to join a publishing house where I gained new experiences working as an Editorial Designer and after a couple of years, won an opportunity to join a Visual storytelling agency, working with researchers and universities as an illustrator and designer. Roughly two years later, an opportunity to join a team of e-learning designers presented itself and I joined the team with the hopes of extending my skillset even further.

While working my full-time job, my desire to have a studio of my own grew stronger and stronger. Since I completed my studies, I have been slowly trying to build an illustration and design freelance business on the side and started to invest more time into reaching out to new clients, running a few smaller workshops, taking part in local trade-makers markets and working on new self-directed projects. I’ve worked for companies, absorbing new skills and collaborating with various clients on a variety of projects whilst still listening to that true voice inside. I wanted to build something authentic that I’m truly passionate about, which is reflected in my freelance work.

The advice I took with me and what I’ve learned

As I’ve learnt over the years, every opportunity that presents itself is a blessing in disguise. Whether it is a part-time role, a dream job, a new course, volunteering or a weekend workshop. Everything we try teaches us a valuable skill or a lesson. The learning journey never stops and it helps us to move forward and achieve things we might have never even dreamt of.

Here are some golden pieces of advice that tutors at RGU shared with me during my time studying Communication Design, that stayed at the back of my head all those years and helped me to navigate my choices and decisions along the way:

Grow a thick skin

As mentioned before, this is something I learnt along the way when I was faced with closed doors, unexpected challenges, criticism and rejection. This so-called ‘thick skin’ is a barrier to making the most of the ‘hurtful’ feedback and growth, instead of taking it too personally and feeling discouraged. This is not an easy task but it makes the process of self-improvement and learning new skills a lot easier.

Work with respectful people

This connects to the previous point quite nicely. Even though constructive criticism can be very beneficial, push you forward and teach you something new, there are also moments when self-respect is needed, especially when working with clients. Don’t forget to treat people the way you’d like to be treated but also, make sure that people don’t cross your boundaries. There can be a moment when people will test your boundaries and underestimate the value of your work. Remember to be professional but expect the same in return.

Make mistakes

This advice was part of the graduation speech and resonates with me to this day. Sometimes it feels easier to play it safe and go down the path that has been walked down and tested many times. Being in that position can feel secure but might dull that spark and curiosity that you’ve got inside. Have the courage to make the right mistakes and believe they can take you to where you are supposed to be. As they say, don’t play it safe. Take a little risk (well calculated, of course) and see what happens. Share your work with the world, approach that client you want to work with, collaborate with people, and do whatever feels right even if you fail. There is an equal chance of everything actually working out instead.

Don’t forget to have fun

This advice is priceless. Doing something you enjoy and are passionate about can make you feel like you have a superpower. You can work for hours and not feel tired, you can come up with ideas in a split second and create work that feels effortless but appears as though you spent hours planning every detail. Embrace the flow and enjoy the process. Combining hard work with fun and passion can create amazing outcomes.

Simona Hodoňová

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sima.in.stripes/?hl=en

Webpage: https://www.theaoi.com/folios/simonahodonova/

Email: simonahodonova@gmail.com

Related blogs

My career as a Graphic Designer after studying Communication Design

From Undergraduate to Postgraduate studies at Gray’s

The post From Communication Design at RGU to a fulfilling freelance business appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

Samwel shares his journey from Tanzania to Aberdeen, including travelling to Scotland, settling in the Granite City and studying Data Science at RGU.

As I stepped out of the taxi, the cold Aberdeen air hit me like a surprise handshake from winter itself. I stood there, shivering, with a suitcase full of dreams and a heart full of excitement. This was it—my first time outside Tanzania, my first time in the UK, and the beginning of a whole new adventure!

The dream that led me here

Growing up in Tanzania, I never imagined that one day I would study abroad. I was settled in my routine—diving deep into my passion for data and embracing the familiar rhythm of life. The thought of leaving everything behind for a new adventure felt distant, almost unrealistic. But life has a way of throwing surprises when you least expect them.

Everything changed in 2022 when I reconnected with an old schoolmate who had just returned from Scotland. As he shared his experiences, I could see the spark in his eyes—the way he described the world-class education, the international exposure, and how studying in the UK had completely transformed his mindset. His enthusiasm was contagious. At that moment, something inside me shifted. “What if I could study abroad?”

That single thought planted a seed that quickly grew into an obsession. I spent months tirelessly researching scholarships, writing applications, and facing rejection after rejection. It was exhausting, frustrating, and at times, disheartening. But I refused to give up. Then, one day, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, I received the email that changed everything. I blinked at the screen, my heart racing. Was this real? Was I really going to the UK?

It took a moment to sink in, but when it did, excitement exploded within me. A new chapter of my life was about to begin! I am thankful to RGU and the Commonwealth Committee for sponsoring me and making my dream come true.

Why RGU? The perfect choice!

Choosing a university wasn’t just about ranking—it was about practical learning. I didn’t want to just read theories in books; I wanted to apply them.

• RGU stood out because of its strong emphasis on real-world projects, labs, and coursework-based assessments.
• Smaller class sizes meant I could interact with professors easily and get the most out of my education.
• The support system for international students was incredible. Even before arriving, I was in contact with a staff member who guided me through the visa process and reassured me that Aberdeen was a friendly and welcoming city. I knew this was the right place for me.

The journey to the UK: A rollercoaster ride

The visa process? Nerve-wracking! If you’re planning to study abroad, here’s my first big tip:

• Start early!
• Triple-check your documents!
• Prepare for a long wait—it’s normal!

Once my visa was approved, I booked my accommodation in advance—one of the smartest decisions I made. Finding housing last-minute would have been a nightmare.

Finally, the day arrived. Tanzania Amsterdam Aberdeen. I was ready. Or at least, I thought I was…

The unexpected Glasgow detour

Everything was going smoothly—until the weather had other plans. My flight from Amsterdam to Aberdeen was diverted to Glasgow due to bad weather. Suddenly, I found myself in a new country, with no idea how to get to Aberdeen!

For a moment, panic set in. But then, I reminded myself: This is part of the adventure! I asked a friendly Scottish local at the airport for advice. He recommended I take a public bus to Aberdeen—a long but scenic journey. From there, I hopped into a taxi, showed the driver my accommodation address (which I had wisely written down), and finally, after what felt like a lifetime of traveling, I arrived at my new home.

That experience taught me a valuable lesson: don’t be afraid to ask for help! People are generally kind and willing to assist—especially when they see you’re new.

First impressions of Aberdeen

My first week? Lonely. I arrived before the semester started, so the streets felt quiet. Coming from Tanzania—where social life is vibrant, and people gather in the streets—it was a huge contrast. Here, people seemed more private, focused on their own lives.

But everything changed once university started! Meeting my classmates from all over the world was an eye-opener. At RGU, the diversity is incredible—people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Within days, I found myself making friends and feeling at home.

And while studies are my priority, I’ve learned that you also need to cool off a little, live, and enjoy the city—because this is a dream come true. I’ve loved surveying the city, exploring new places, and making unforgettable memories. One of my favourite experiences so far? SPECTRA 2025 in Aberdeen city centre—a mesmerizing festival of light that transforms the streets into a magical wonderland. Moments like these remind me why stepping out of my comfort zone was so worth it.

Life as an international student

Since moving here, I’ve had some unexpected cultural shocks and funny moments:

• The Scottish Accent. At first, I thought people were speaking a different language! It took me a while to get used to it.
• Supermarkets & Budgeting. Back home, I could just go to a small shop for anything. Here, I had to figure out where to shop on a student budget. (Tip: Lidl, Asda, and Primark are your best friends.)
• Diversity & Friendships. So far, I haven’t met a single Tanzanian, but that has pushed me to make friends from different nationalities, step out of my comfort zone, and learn about new cultures.
• Aberdeen is incredibly safe. Walking alone at night here is completely different from back home. I feel at ease, which is a huge plus.

Studying at RGU: Loving the learning process

One of my favourite things about RGU? The balance between theory and practice. Unlike some universities that rely only on exams, here we have:

• Hands-on labs
• Real-world projects
• Practical coursework

Every assignment feels useful, not just something to memorize and forget after the exam. I can see the applications of what I’m learning, which makes studying so much more exciting

Advice for future international students

Thinking about studying abroad? DO IT. It will change your life in ways you can’t imagine. Here are my top tips to help make your transition smoother:

• Start your visa process early—avoid last-minute stress!
• Apply for accommodation in advance—you’ll thank yourself later.
• Prepare for cultural differences—it’s all part of the adventure!
• Budget wisely—look for student discounts and affordable stores.
• Be open-minded—step out of your comfort zone, make new friends, and embrace the experience.

Final thoughts

Studying at RGU has been one of the best decisions of my life. From navigating unexpected travel hiccups to making lifelong friendships, every experience has shaped me in ways I never imagined. If you’re considering RGU—or studying abroad anywhere—go for it! You won’t regret it. It’s more than just a degree. It’s an adventure, a transformation, and a journey you’ll never forget.

Samwel Makombe

Related blogs

Moving from Kenya to study at RGU in Aberdeen

From recruiting students in India to becoming one at RGU

The post From Tanzania to Aberdeen: My journey into Data Science at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

Hi, I’m Rachel, a fourth-year Fashion Management student at RGU from the Highlands of Scotland. Moving to Aberdeen to pursue my studies almost four years ago, amongst studying, society commitments and learning how to do my own washing, I’ve made it my mission to get to know the city through the eyes of its cafes and restaurants…

Fast approaching the completion of my studies here in Aberdeen, and now somewhat seasoned professional when it comes to a good (decaf!) coffee and preferably large sandwich, here are some of my carefully curated favourite lunch spots from across the city, and some all-important menu recommendations, for all my fellow indecisive café goers!

Foodstory

With a dairy intolerance, Foodstory is a dream, with a healthy, locally sourced focus catering to all dietary requirements, the novelty of an easy dairy-free lunch is always truly fantastic.

Filled with a mix of groups, individuals and most importantly dogs, the café has a relaxed setting, with tables of all shapes and sizes making it suitable for almost any occasion. With its hustle and bustle, it offers the perfect place for lunch with some friends, or an ideal spot for a study session, helped with the perk of free refills on its filter coffee of course!

I recommend…the cinnamon rolls (always!). It’s even better watching the waves rolls in on the occasional sunny day from Foodstory’s hut located on the beachfront! And also the vegan AND gluten free banana bread. A perfect option for sweet lunch lovers like me.

So…Bagel

Bringing a little taste of America to Aberdeen, So…NYC located right in the centre of Union Street has been somewhat of a stable during my studies. It’s always been a go-to location when my family and friends come to visit!

With a fantastic selection of locally produced bagels, and an endless variety of cleverly named fillings (especially for any F.R.I.E.N.D.S fan!), every bagel is made to order, making them super fresh, whilst also perfect to adapt for any dietary or taste requirements.

Oh, and did I mention they don’t just stop at bagels, with a menu that includes sides, soups, and of course, American style deep-filled cheesecakes, there is something for everyone! My recommendation? Number 9, the Frank Cerabino filled with pepperoni, marinara sauce, rocket, and mozzarella!

And if you’re in need of some comfort food, the New York Penicillin is a must-try. Quite possibly the best chicken noodle soup I’ve ever had, it’s perfect whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something warm and delicious on a cold afternoon.

Parx Café

Last on my list is Parx Café. This cosy little spot is all about fresh, wholesome vibes, with freshly made sandwiches, toasties and salads! With an ever-changing board of specials, be sure to check out their Instagram @parxcafe to see what is coming up!

For all those fellow people-watchers, this spot is a dream. With a deli-style setting, this place is perfect to sit back, sip on one of their many speciality coffees (shoutout to the cinnamon bun latte) whilst admiring the hustle and bustle of their super friendly, but busy staff!

Located on the gorgeous Rubislaw Terrace, and with some lovely outdoor seating, Parx Café is my hidden gem for a sunny day! My personal favourite on the menu is the chicken poke bowl.

With such a diverse and exciting selection of lunch spots scattered across the city, my top spots in Aberdeen offer just a small taste of the many places you can explore. And…if you
decide to check out any of the ones listed above, I hope you love them as much as I do!

Related blogs

An RGU’s student review of two Aberdeen cafés

5 popular food spots in Aberdeen for students

The post A Student’s Guide to Lunch: Top Spots in Aberdeen appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

Aberdeen is a fantastic city for students offering a mix of culture, history, and various scenic spots to explore! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the sea, a cultural experience, or a secret hidden gem there is something for everyone!

Student Ambassador Amy Addison shares her top places to explore in this blog.

Aberdeen Beach & Footdee (Fittie)

Aberdeen Beach is a wonderful location to visit on a sunny day! Along the way, you’ll find food trucks serving delicious food and drink, and you might catch a local event or a group of runners taking advantage of the scenic route here.

If you venture a little further, you will discover a place called ‘Footdee’ (Fittie) which is a historic fishing village with charming, colourful cottages! This hidden gem is full of character and provides a unique glimpse into Aberdeen’s past. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful walk.

David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park

The David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park is one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens and it is a stunning destination to visit all year round! The gardens are home to a huge variety of plants, wildlife, and even some turtles!

A highlight is ‘Spike the Cactus’, a talking cactus and a favourite among visitors. Here, you can take gorgeous photos or simply enjoy a relaxing walk among exotic greenery, It’s a must-see destination!

Aberdeen Art Gallery

For art lovers, the Aberdeen Art Gallery is a great place to visit. With free entry it offers a beautifully curated collection featuring local and international artists spanning over 700 years of history! The elegant interior, diverse exhibitions, and interactive displays make it a fascinating place to visit.

One of the gallery’s standout features is its rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a coffee while taking in panoramic views of Aberdeen. On a nice day, this is such an amazing hidden gem to visit!

For a city of its size, Aberdeen offers an incredible variety of things to see and do. No matter the time of year, there’s always something happening! From outdoor adventures and historical sites to music, culture, and nightlife. Studying here has given me the opportunity to explore so many exciting places and I love how there’s always something new to discover.

Amy Addison

Related blogs

5 things to do within 30 minutes of Aberdeen

My Favourite Locations in Aberdeen

The post The best places to explore as a student in Aberdeen appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

Our new Artificial Intelligence MSc will prepare you to work in the rapidly-involving industry by combining cutting-edge theory with practical application. We give you the top five reasons to apply for the course in this blog.

1. You’ll learn from international AI experts

Our course has been designed around the broad range of AI-related research carried out in the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology. This means the topics will be taught by international experts who work at the cutting edge of AI to develop practical solutions for real-world problems.

2. Learn AI by using AI

You will almost certainly have used AI in some form in recent years, such as asking ChatGPT to generate ideas or redraft that important email. But how can you use these tools more effectively?

Uniquely in the MSc AI course, some modules will actively allow you to use AI tools to complete your assessment – but you will need to apply your skills and knowledge of how those tools work to ensure you are asking the right questions and getting the right results.

3. A chance to do a placement

A placement gives you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned so far in a real workplace environment. If permitted by the school, you will have a chance to undertake a short (1 semester) or long (1 year) placement. These are paid jobs with an industry partners that give you real-world work experience, setting you up well for your future career.

4. You’ll understand how to evaluate AI trends

AI is a fast-moving area, so it’s important to keep on top of the latest developments and emerging trends. We will equip you with research skills that will allow you to just that, giving you the confidence to predict where the next big application areas will be.

5. Responsible and ethical AI use

“With great power there must also come great responsibility” is true not just of Spider-Man, but also the use of AI and the data required to make it work. Ethical and responsible use of AI is embedded throughout the course, driven by case study examples that give you an opportunity to dive deep into the issues involved.

Related blogs

Five reasons to study Data Science at RGU

The post Why study a master’s in Artificial intelligence at RGU? appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

Thinking about studying a master’s degree at Aberdeen Business School this year? Here are just five reasons you should choose to study with us.

1. World-leading Business School

When it comes to business education, we know what we’re doing. Studying a master’s degree at Aberdeen Business School means you will graduate not only with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your next steps after graduating but throughout your career as a leading business professional. We’re proud to be AACSB accredited; an accolade achieved by only 6% of global Business Schools.

2. Demand-driven and industry-led

Through our strong links to industry we develop professional thinkers and innovative contributors to business. Our students are studying degrees that will provide them with the skills and expertise needed by industry and our teaching includes masterclasses, guest lectures and even business consultancy projects. You will graduate from Aberdeen Business School ready to succeed in business.

3. Over 20 master’s courses

We teach a wide range of exciting, challenging and relevant courses covering general and more specialist areas including MBA, human resource management, project management, finance, marketing and tourism. Discover more about our 20+ Master’s courses now.

4. Professionally accredited courses

Not only is our Business School accredited, most of our business master’s degrees also have the additional benefit of accreditation from relevant professional bodies. This means that across some of our master’s courses you may have access to professional body student memberships and could even graduate with a dual qualification. You can find out more about course accreditations on our individual course webpages.

5. Flexible study

We know that studying a master’s degree is a big commitment and you might not always be able to join us as a full-time student on our modern campus in Aberdeen. That’s why many of our business master’s courses can be studied part-time, or are taught online through our virtual learning environment. We’ve been teaching online for over 20 years and the education you gain from online learning is the same high standard you will enjoy on our campus.

To find out more about studying a master’s degree at Aberdeen Business School just head over to rgu.ac.uk/business-masters. Alternatively, if you have any questions about one of our courses please reach out, and our friendly student recruitment team would be happy to help: studentrecruitment@rgu.ac.uk.

Related blogs

Studying an MBA online at RGU while working full-time

Studying the online Business Management course at RGU

The post Five reasons to study a master’s degree at Aberdeen Business School appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

International student Zaid shares his journey from Botswana to Aberdeen, and his experience settling in Scotland and at RGU.

Moving from Botswana to Aberdeen was a journey filled with dreams about what I was going to accomplish and new horizons to explore. Pursuing my education at Robert Gordon University was one of the best decisions I have ever made, every single day here has been an adventure in itself.

Why Engineering?

Ever since I was a boy, I was naturally inquisitive of the environment around me, particularly the everyday machines that I was surrounded by, whether it be the stove top or the laundry machine, I always wanted to know how they worked. I did my research on seemingly mundane everyday objects and I would be amazed by the complex systems behind them.

I always tried to recreate them using whatever was available to me whether it be out of Lego or even clay. Just having an inkling of similarity between my creation and its original inspiration would bring me immense joy. This had set my path in stone for my aspirations to be an engineer.

Why RGU?

I first heard about RGU through family members and previous alumni. They encouraged me to look in detail at the courses RGU provided. I discovered courses I liked and was impressed at the standard of the equipment and labs that the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology had. This prompted me to seriously consider applying to RGU.

Upon further research on the internet through videos and inquiries about student life, I was drawn to the ability to meet like-minded individuals and professors that enjoyed the same subjects I did and studied with passion in hopes of advancing technology to new fronts. After that realisation, there was no question that I had to apply to RGU in hopes of living my dream.

The UK was not always my first choice when it came to the idea of studying in a foreign country, but hearing about RGU and the extensive research I did about the University enticed me to give more thought to what life would be like studying in Aberdeen. As I have never been to Aberdeen or the UK, most of my information came from the internet or friends and family that have lived there or visited. They told me about their experiences exploring the granite city, visiting the shoreline, and the exceptional countryside that surrounded the city. After living here for about 5 months, I can truly say RGU and Aberdeen have exceeded my expectations.

My visa application process

The application process is a bit tedious at times but I had an extensive support network provided to me by the RGU team answering the hundreds of questions I sent through email. The responses were never too late and always thoroughly detailed and I couldn’t be more grateful for their guidance.

The RGU Website has detailed everything you would require to apply for a student visa including the documents necessary. An additional resource would be the UK immigration’s own website to calculate financial costs or additional requirements you need to satisfy to successfully receive the visa.

My journey to Scotland

On the 28^th of August 2024, after being accompanied by my parents and having a heartfelt goodbye, I left from Sir Seretse Khama Airport and arrived at O.R Tambo international airport in South Africa where I would get onto my connecting flight to Hamad International airport Doha and from there onto my next connecting flight to Heathrow airport London where I would be joined by my grand aunt, who spent a considerable amount of time in the UK, on my final flight to Aberdeen international airport.

I had a lot of connecting flights and was exhausted after the nearly 24-hour journey. To my dismay, I was told that one luggage had not arrived yet, but the staff were so helpful and managed to get my belongings to me fast tracked onto the next flight. I finally exited the airport into an unbelievable view of a sunset and a cold refreshing breeze. I couldn’t contain my excitement that I was finally in Aberdeen. I lodged in a hotel that night and moved into my student accommodation the next day. The feeling was exhilarating.

Settling in Aberdeen

I was fortunate enough to have my grand aunt with me during the first two weeks in Aberdeen, but even if you don’t have anyone with you at the time, the goals are still the same: setting up your living situation, getting registered at a GP, collecting your BRP from the post office, and sorting your cellular plan. If you have doting parents such as myself, the cellular plan becomes quite a priority as I had to call them nearly four times a day when I first arrived.

Aberdeen is quite a walkable city, and if the distance is too far to walk, I can almost guarantee there is a bus heading to your desired destination. You can find Asian or African food stores on George street ,and I have so far not struggled to find something I needed that wasn’t a bus ride away.

Life at RGU

At RGU, I have met a plethora of wonderful people while going to my lectures or labs. My peers have been extremely friendly and welcoming, including the professors who are passionate about teaching and passing on their vast troves of knowledge onto their students. They are always helpful, so never be too afraid to ask a question while in a lecture. The University offers a hands-on learning approach, which has helped me develop both academically and professionally.

Advice to prospective students

Always have a positive outlook on things even when they aren’t going your way. Learn to navigate with the flow of the day and the challenges that come with it. Having a schedule for your social activities and academic duties to even simple day to day tasks such as cooking for yourself helps a lot. Get into a rhythm and I can testify that a lot of things that look difficult end up my easier.

Looking ahead

My Journey at RGU has only began and I look forward to the rest of my academic career but I’m steadfast in the opinion that this is where I belong. I have stepped out of my comfort zone but I’m always learning and adapting to whatever challenges may come my way. I hope that sharing my experience has helped prospective students looking at RGU with curious eyes take that bold step to studying in the UK and here at RGU.

Zaid Raza

Related blogs

Moving from Kenya to study at RGU in Aberdeen

From recruiting students in India to becoming one at RGU

The post From Botswana to Aberdeen to study Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.