Blog Post | William Kadi (Chevening Scholar 2022/2023, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK)
..."From random days of a bagpipe rhapsody ripping the air to the crisp Doric accent of a taxi driver cracking a joke (half of which I wouldn’t quiet get), there is always something to make your day – you just have to see through the granite"...
Before coming to Aberdeen, I was told that it was too cold, grey, and depressing. But after 11 months of my studies, I found the weather quite bonny, and the vibe pretty laid back and preferable compared to the mega-fast buzz in bigger cities like Glasgow or London. As for depression, it can be a mix of homesickness with the pressure of study but fear not – there’s a lot of student help and support provided by the University, all at your service.
Living and studying in Aberdeen exposed me to the education culture in the UK. It’s more than just studying; I actually learnt a bit about the city’s history and culture, met new people, expanded my professional network, and developed new hobbies like blogging and backpacking.
From random days of a bagpipe rhapsody ripping the air to the crisp Doric accent of a taxi driver cracking a joke (half of which I wouldn’t quiet get), there is always something to make your day – you just have to see through the granite.
Here are some tips, for a Pacific Islander in particular, who would want to come and study in the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
1: Pack Light.
You wouldn’t want to carry too many clothes, just bring things that would make your room or living space feel a bit closer to home. Take with you something that represents your culture, maybe a traditional handbag or anything – just to hang on the wall. Bring some first aid, medication, your laptop, and at least a notepad and pen. This would avoid the rush to find an internet café (those days are long gone), and to access computers in the library you would need a student ID to enter. It would also allow you to focus on other urgent things like sorting out accommodation and weighing options for opening a bank account while being able to keep updated with student emails as you make your way to Aberdeen. Finally, shop for some decent perfumes when you are at an airport duty free, it’s cheaper there compared to the city.
Pro tip 1: buy a UK adapter at the airport or train station. UK adapter is not the same as EU adapter though.
Pro tip 2: Bring some malaria medication. Ensure you speak with medical experts in your home country before travelling to understand risks of such tropical diseases. You would also need to quickly register with a general practitioner (GP) after you sort out all preliminary academic requirements when you arrive at the University.
2: Public Transport and Moving Around.
The main transportation within Aberdeen is bus and taxi, but people here walk a lot and it’s good to join in. Traveling to other cities can be by bus, train, or plane – almost round the clock 24/7. The University of Aberdeen is also a 10-15 minutes’ walk to the beach where you can see Mother Moana. The Ocean is always going to give that consoling feel of home, and in Aberdeen you can go to the beach anytime you wish.
Students can pay for semester plans with firstbus or stagecoach and travel within Aberdeen all throughout the semester. Always bring your student ID card when traveling in case the bus driver asks for it – he’s the boss. Scottish people are friendly, but when queuing in a bus stop, please don’t jump the queue that is considered very rude, and you might get some good ol’ Scottish greeting. Speaking of queues, it is a very UK thing, you’ll get used to it.
Pro tip 1: go to the beach when it’s sunny and avoid the beach during windy days or in winter, you don’t want to be a grinning statue.
Pro tip 2: Always carry an umbrella or if your jacket is waterproof with a hoodie, that’s fine. Aberdeen has enough sunshine all year round compared to other parts of the UK, but you can always expect rain anytime of the day. It just had the preference of falling whenever it wants to.
3: An Escape from the Scorching Heat and Shopping for Clothes & Food.
Aberdeen is cold, you have to embrace it. You should see living here as a timely escape from the mean humidity and scorching heat on the Islands. You might also be lucky to step outside the snow on your way to class towards the end of November, so be stylish in your winter fashion and snap a good pic for Instagram. Charity shops are all around the city and you can find cheap winter clothes there.
Despite the change of weather and the temporary feeling of being new or foreign, one thing I can guarantee is that Scots are more truthful and friendly so don’t be afraid to start a conversation or ask for directions, they will tell you the right way to go. Make friends, embrace the cold, and be open minded. Finally, taste some buttery, haggis, and cheers to some bloody Scottish whiskey during winter it keeps you warm, just don’t get pished.
For student budget spending, check out Primark for clothes and I recommend Lidl for food and home shopping. The clothes you will find here in Aberdeen are suited for the weather, so buy yourself some cool winter clothes when you get here. For a familiar taste, there’s also some Asian and African food shops where you can get tropical root crops.
Pro tip 1: Check out the student union when you first arrive in the University, that is our haven. You may find clothes, stationery, mugs, and all sorts of gadgets donated by students for free.
Pro tip 2: Register online for Lidl plus, you can get discounts, special offers, and be part of draws for prizes.
- Install necessary apps on your phone.
Almost everything is done through your mobile phone as you plunge into a cashless ecosystem. Apart from your visa or cash card which you can still use, you do all these things in a mobile: shopping, booking a taxi, checking in airports for boarding pass, order food, scanning a QR code for attendance in class – everything.
Pro tip 1: some apps don’t work outside the UK so you can change your location on google settings and download them from the android Playstore or Appstore. Else, just buy a refurbished phone from the nearest cash converter or other electronic shops. If you have the budget go for a brand new, why not!
Pro tip 2: Use google wallet app or other apps that can link your bank cards for ease and convenience.
- Student living.
There are variety of accommodation to choose from. The Hillhead student village offers a friendly student environment, and you have all the facilities for downtime there – games, music, or just lazing around the park. Unite students also run student accommodation including Don Street student accommodation, the old Firestation, Mealmarket Exchange, Linksfield Court, and there’s a couple more. Search for unite student’s website for details: Student Accommodation Aberdeen | Unite Students. I recommend you live in a student accommodation, otherwise, there are also cheaper options to share-flats in private accommodation, but you take all the risks that come with it.
Aberdeen Sports Village is just across the University so you can sign up for gym or to join a sport. There are heaps of other activities to do so join in as part of the student community. Check out the university of Aberdeen students’ website: Home (ausa.org.uk) and you can find more information about student life or pop in the international students’ office when you’re in campus.
You need to book for your seminar classes in advance. As soon as you sort out your registration online, you’re good to start browsing through myAberdeen – that should be your ‘Facebook’ as a student. I recommend arriving before orientation week, or else, you can email your lecturers that you’d be late.
Pro tip 1: If you’re a September start, select classes around 10am or 11am as it can get dark by 3pm from mid-October. For January starts, have your jacket at hand when you travel to Aberdeen because as soon as you step out the tar mark at the airport or out the train station, the cold would greet you with open arms regardless.
Pro tip 2: Get to know your lecturers early and be prepared to participate in seminars, do not expect the lecturer to teach everything, you are expected to lead discussions.
Pro tip 3: Approach the student services on the first or second day you get in campus, get your student ID sorted, get supporting letter from student services to register for NHS and dental services, and open your bank account ASAP.
Final words.
When in Aberdeen, learn some Doric. Myne an hap up!
Pro tip: Start at a pub, just don’t get stuck there.
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