Student Guide to Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

Introduction

So you’ve decided on your course and have set your heart on RGU in Aberdeen? Worried about the big leap to a new city? Not sure where to begin? We've got the answers for you here! 

Aberdeen City Skyline

I am not the only person that has made the journey to this great city. 60,000 multi-cultural students have already either migrated to Aberdeen or travelled a long distance to experience the city’s financial prosperity. It is “regularly voted as one of the best student cities in the UK” (The Complete University Guide). I have experienced a great quality of life as a student of Robert Gordon University and have made myself more confident and self assured.

Choosing RGU

Major factors, such as prestige and professionalism, led me to choosing Robert Gordon University. The Sunday Times sums it up pretty well: “with just 3.8% of graduates unemployed six months after learning, a degree from RGU is as near a guarantee of a job after graduation as you can get”. Future students should really consider joining this successful statistic!

 I researched other reliable sources citing that RGU is the “best modern University in the UK” (The Sunday Times Uni Guide, 2012). Clearly, this is due to the cutting edge facilities and professional teaching system that gives students the support they need.

There are opportunities to gain valuable experience as I progress in my chosen course. Work placements are arranged, usually in 3^rd year, by the University so that you adapt your skills to a workplace. My placement allowed me to research, write and design a student brochure at a professional standard. It helped me determine and implement my skills to the fullest effect.

In The City

The booming “powerhouse of the northeast” (lonely planet guide) provides an exciting description of the city of Aberdeen. After all, the capital of the northeast boasts a big oil industry history, which is responsible for the wealth of the city. An eye-catching feature of Aberdeen is the industrious harbour. Looking out from Pure Gym, whilst on a treadmill, the ships cast a calming and tranquil sight as they lay motionless in the docks. Their grand and powerful look adds a lot of personality to the great city and echoes a golden age in history.

The former fishing, paper-making, shipbuilding, and textile rich city has made way for the oil industry and the harbour’s commercialism.  It reflects the economic growth of the city and high quality of renting or buying estate. In a nutshell, success is available to anyone who excels in their studies and has a career within Aberdeen.  

First Steps

Once you arrive in Aberdeen the amount of freedom, as a student, is endless. Freshers’ week is a perfect opportunity to involve yourself in different events and socialise with fellow students. I was able to visit a student fair that took place in Union Terrace Gardens. This was a fun-filled afternoon that consisted of fairground attractions to try out. It was organised by fresher volunteers.

Fresher volunteers aim to help any student, who does not know where something is or wants to know what events are taking place during the week. Every student is given a helpful information pack, when moving into halls of residence, with all they need to know about their halls and vouchers to get into clubs or for discounts on food and shopping.   

Living Space

Accommodation is of a high quality and reasonably priced. There are variations on accommodation depending on your own preferences. Standard or en-suite rooms are available among different accommodation sites throughout the city. Moving into accommodation can be worrying, if the move is the first one you have made away from your parents. Fellow students share these emotions, so you can make stronger bonds, with your neighbours, the second you arrive.

Student volunteers are on-hand to aid you again, if you have queries regarding the halls of residence or finding the nearest pub. I developed bonds with students that were on my course and who were in my halls at Woolmanhill. They have been long lasting friendships that still exist today. You can have the same!

Woolmanhill Student Flats

Familiarise yourself with Campus Life

The RGU Garthdee campus itself is very modern and set on the picturesque edge of the River Dee. Near-by woodland is a quiet setting in contrast to a bustling Uni. Stepping inside the warm main atrium, in the Aberdeen Business School, will immediately make you notice the modern architecture and spacious ground floor. Cafes are easily accessible to students wanting a coffee to reenergise themselves, a chat or a quick snack before class.

I was nervous at the first induction class I went into. The fear of getting lost, turning up late and then everyone staring at you as you found a seat right at the front, made me second guess myself. However, the reception on the ground floor will help prevent this embarrassment along with the clearly signed classroom numbers and timetable of classes taking place outside each one.

Taking part in tutorials or seminars is important to build on the learning from the previous lectures. Lectures normally have large numbers of students so the mood is fairly relaxed. More one-to-one learning occurs in the small group tutorials so all students can get a better understanding of the module by asking questions and discussing difficulties.             

I study Media and a lot of my coursework is designed by the aforementioned cutting edge facilities: “In the past decade the University has invested over £100m to improve its facilities” (The Guardian).  Mac computers are available to any students in technology labs. These are equipped with all of the recent programmes from Photoshop to Final cut pro. Finding a free lab without a scheduled class is a bit tricky but persevering and checking other suites will let you utilise these resources.

Library facilities provide a haven for quiet thought and studying. Textbooks and journals are available to read and borrow if you do not have the money to buy the expensive ones. Computers and printers are available to print any coursework needing to be submitted. Use these resources to their fullest in order to succeed.

Train Mind and Body

Along with learning at great lengths, the need to unwind and swim the same can be a good way of wrapping up the day! RGU Staff introduce new members to the facilities and introductory tours of how to use the equipment are useful for getting the most out of your workout.

Using the sporting resources, such as the climbing wall, are good ways of relieving stress. In between classes is a perfect time to use the gym and swimming pool to keep you fit and invigorated for more learning. It is at this time that the gym should be quiet, so it’s easy to access all the equipment.

Out and About

It didn’t take long to get to know where the nearest shops, pubs and clubs were. Everything is fairly central in Aberdeen. The Student Union was a big part of entertainment in my first year. Comprising of 3 floors, the Union was a good meeting place when I was living in Woolmanhill. It was a perfect way to start the night with a variety of rock and R ‘n’ B music.

Themed events such as Halloween or beach wear night were organised at the Union to set the mood. More relaxed evenings include watching football or playing pool. The quiz nights put a challenging spin onto proceedings. During the day the Union can be used as a place to grab lunch for cheap prices. A range of tasty food is available as a quick refill in a busy day.

Shop till you Drop

Leisure activities are in abundance around Aberdeen. Shopping excursions are mostly located in the city centre. Union Square can tempt the shopper to buy, the latest fashion in H&M or Jack Wills, as soon as you step off your train. Union street highlights the variety of options available with clothing outlets: Primark, Tiger Lily Boutique and Pure (mens fashion). A small bite to eat isn’t too costly if you plan to take a load off your feet at the cafes that Union Square offers. Costa is situated in the main atrium of the centre so a quick coffee can replenish your energy after a long journey or for the upcoming marathon of shopping.

Union Square Shopping Centre

Food for Thought

Many restaurants in Union Square, from Italian to sushi, will appeal to any student’s palate. Old favourites, such as Pizza Hut and Nandos, are money-friendly restaurants that provide simple but effective meals. Afterwards, taking in a picture at Vue cinemas can be a fruitful unwinding solution. There is nothing like settling down to watch a blockbuster movie whilst your food digests.

Other shopping centres include Bon Accord and St. Nicholas, which are also situated in the city centre. Students flock to grab lunch in this shopping centre. Boots provides a money saver in the 3-part meal deal. Over 65 retailers in both shopping centres are worth checking out. You can find essential items to put in your wardrobe or show off the latest trend. Food and drink establishments, such as Café Rouge and Yo!Sushi provide a quick stop-off to rejuvenate tired shoppers.

Culture Vulture

A cultural visitor will want to visit one of the many museums or the art gallery that Aberdeen offers. In particular, the Maritime Museum promotes Aberdeen’s rich fishing heritage. The impressive and attractive Art Gallery is located next to Robert Gordon University’s Schoolhill campus. Beautiful to look at, the gallery is a magnificent piece of 19^th century architecture. From paintings to graphics, this gallery has varied potential that will keep visits memorable.

A plethora of exhibits allow students to gain knowledge and apply this to their chosen subject. An animation module in first year required me to visit the stop-motion Wallace and Gromit exhibition in the gallery. It was interesting to witness how the model-type animation was created over vast amounts of time for only a half-an-hour production.

Test your Limits

Aberdeen is a stone’s throw away from the Cairngorms, where a multitude of outdoor activities await. Kayaking, surfing, mountain climbing, snowboarding and white water rafting are all available to challenge the most active person. Doing these energy sapping activities, not only provides a workout but also lets you explore picturesque Grampian Mountains. It would give you an opportunity to do an activity you wouldn't usually do, in a setting where you wouldn't normally visit.

Lairshill by Newmachar is an area where activities, such as quad biking and paint ball, are popular. These group activities are the most extreme and exciting to experience throughout the year. Aberdeen’s city beach will keep anyone amused. Wind and kite surfing are two activities that are worth trying. They are good ways to keep fit as you battle with the strong ocean currents and gain more experience in harsher conditions. If you can surf here you can surf just about anywhere! 

Start of a Cairngorms Quad Bike Trek     

Connected

An accessible transport system links Aberdeen to the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. Train, plane or bus - Aberdeen is within touching distance of the rest of the UK.

Internally, the First Bus system dominates this vibrant city. Although, nights out are guided to the taxi rank for desperate students! I regularly use the bus service to travel to the Garthdee campus. In the mornings, on-peak time is hectic but efficient. Travel time to Garthdee only takes 15 minutes depending on traffic.

Affordable train services frequently link Aberdeen with all areas of the UK. East Coast and Scotrail services link Aberdeen with England’s major cities. I frequently travel to Edinburgh using either East Coast or Scotrail at the weekend and its a cinch. Booking in advance is a necessity to acquire the bargains.

Aberdeen Airport is a busy transport hub that could be a student’s choice. Flights are frequent and cheap from other UK airports. Flight operators such as Easyjet, Aer Lingus, FlyBe and BMI will connect all students to Aberdeen quickly and efficiently. From London to Aberdeen it only takes an hour and a half and from Belfast it only an hour. Journeys from Manchester and Birmingham take an estimated hour and a half also. All in all, there are easy ways to visit family and friends back at home, on weekends or during working holidays.

Conclusion  

There are never-ending opportunities for an aspiring student in Aberdeen. As long as you are willing to be open and honest then you will be able to tackle life here and be successful throughout your studies.