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!
Rebecca Wheildon
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