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Find Your True North is the podcast for new students at the University of Aberdeen. Starting university is such an exciting time, but there’s a lot to take in! From settling into university life, to making friends, accessing help and support, and also getting to know the city of Aberdeen.
In this podcast, we meet current students at the University of Aberdeen, get the lowdown on what it’s really like from day one, and pick up some tips and advice to make your time in Aberdeen as amazing as it should be.
Episode 1 – The First Few Weeks
This is Find Your True North, a podcast from the University of Aberdeen. Episode one. The first few weeks.
CLIP
I really appealed to me coming to University of Aberdeen, having the fresh start. I could make friends and just be who I wanted to be. Your courses know that you've come from high school, you've come from before and you're coming in to start. So don't worry, it's not dissertation first term.
NOUR
Hey guys, I'm Noor and welcome to Find Your True North, a podcast for new students here at the University of Aberdeen. Whatever stage you're at, if you're wondering if Aberdeen is the right choice, if you're listening to this before arriving in September, or even if it's your first year and you're just trying to figure things out. I've been there. We all have. And over the next six episodes, we're going to look through how everything works at the University of Aberdeen, how to meet new people, how to get support, and how to make your time here as amazing as it should be. Aberdeen is a brilliant city for students and we're going to give you some answers, ideas, tips and support to make the most of it. So in this episode, we're starting where you start the first few hours, days and weeks on campus. What it's like when you first arrive. How do you prepare and what happens on those first few weeks and months?
CLIP
Leave your door open while you're unpacking, just so that your other flatmates will maybe feel it's a bit more of an open invitation to come and say hello and get to know each other.
NOUR
That's Duncan Stewart from the university's engagement and wellbeing team, and we've got some practical advice coming from him. But first, I caught up with first year student Sara to find out what it was like when she first started.
Hello, Sara. It is amazing having you with us today. So what was the first day and week like? Can you remember your first day in Aberdeen?
SARA
I can definitely remember that I was flying in from Canada, so I had had a really long flight because I was coming from Edmonton. And then when I first landed in Aberdeen, it was definitely a shock coming from just like being home and moving basically across the world. Yeah, but I think it was actually the second day in Aberdeen. That was that really actually showed me what the university and how the next couple years were going to be like. I'm a big runner, and part of the reason why I chose Aberdeen was the fact that it was on the water. So when I woke up the morning, I was jet lagged. So I woke up at like three in the morning and had nothing to do. So I went for a run along the beach and it was sunny and I watched the sun rise. And then in comparison to like the Canadian architecture where it's very much just tall buildings, it was kind of nice to be in a place where there was all the granite. There was so much history there, and I absolutely geek out over this kind of stuff. So when I was running by it and then I ran on the beach, I think that was kind of the moment that I was like, okay, I actually will be okay here. Yeah, the sun on the beach. And that's, that's what I consider my first day, not the time where I landed.
NOUR
Yeah. Because you were coming from such a different environment. When did things actually start to feel more comfortable here.
SARA
Honestly, I think it was probably like a month in when I started to find people who who shared similar culture. So I'm originally Arab, so like finding people who shared the similar culture with me. That was something that was that really did make it feel like home and feel more comfortable. I think that's what's amazing about Aberdeen. There's just so many different cultures. There are so many international students from all around the world, so it's very easy to find your people.
NOUR
Exactly. And did you have any concerns before you arrived on campus?
SARA
Oh, absolutely. I think the biggest one was probably not being able to find any friends. Yeah, I'm I'm a pretty social person, but I guess it's like it's a concern when you move anywhere, you don't want to be just alone. And especially since I don't have any family in the UK and the closest person I know is like all the way down in London and Manchester. So it's not exactly kind of just like if I have a problem, I can go and like knock on their door or even like if I have an issue, I can't just call my mom when I wake up in the morning because she's seven hours behind in time zone.
NOUR
And, um, what about accommodation? How did you arrange that from so far away?
SARA
Honestly, it was kind of a Hail Mary when I applied. I don't stay at university accommodation. When I was organising it, I had had some advice from one of my friends who had already done a year in Manchester, and he suggested that I should look into private accommodation because it just might be a little bit more comfortable and then kind of just organising it. I was basing it off of just like Google reviews. I think the one thing I will say, accommodation is probably one of those things that I kind of did mess up is because I didn't really understand what I was getting into. So the very first day I arrived, I was in a studio and I kind of realized then that the importance of being able to see your accommodation before living there, but also the importance of being able to stay on university provided accommodation. Just because of the fact that everyone is new there and everyone wants to make friends. Exactly. But like in student accommodation, that's private. People usually go there maybe like their third or fourth year. So everyone's kind of settled.
NOUR
That's exactly what I did. So my first year of uni, I stayed in student halls, and then I moved to private student accommodations with the people I met from student halls. And that's why I always say it's so important to stay in student halls your first year, because it's just easier making friends. You're always in kind of the same environment as people who are in the same boat as you. But I guess it's important as well for people to choose accommodation that matches their budget, location they need, and so on. But was there anything that surprised you in the first few weeks or months at the university?
SARA
I think what honestly surprised me was how nice everyone is, and this is coming from someone who's lived in Canada for ten years. I the first time I got to Scotland, people were just so sweet and they all just wanted to help you. And even when I went to the university the very first day, like I was trying to figure out some stuff with my accommodation and they were so helpful. I came to Scotland an entire week before orientation, so nothing was open. But even then when we got there, people were very nice. They wanted to direct you, they wanted to help you. They wanted to make you feel comfortable. And especially like as an international student who kind of left everything and came all the way to Scotland. It was a very good first impression. Yeah. It's like, if I need something, there are people and there are services here. Exactly. That will help you along the way. I think that's what's amazing about going to a student based city, because Aberdeen is known to be where, um, kind of students always are about. And people are used to having students around students working in cafes and supermarkets. They're like always about and people around the city are used to having them. And so it just makes that much of a difference.
NOUR
Was there anything easier than you expected? Kind of where like worrying about something specific that you got here and you're like, oh, that's actually not that bad because I, I think I was really worried about making friends. And then I got here and I was like, oh, it's actually not as bad as I thought it would be.
SARA
Honestly, I think that probably is the same point for me. It's like, like I was saying is that I was really worried about coming in, like being alone. But then when you realize that everyone is in the same boat. So the very first day I. But we got in and there were like three hundred and fifty people in the medicine program who started this year. So I went in and then everybody wants to talk. Everybody wants to get to know you. Exactly. And it's because again, we're all in that same boat. And it's like, yes, you have the locals from Aberdeen who know people from their school, but it doesn't kind of matter who it is and where they're coming from. Everyone just wants to talk. Everyone just wants to meet you. Yeah. So I think that probably was the easiest one.
NOUR
And did you kind of did it take time to find your group?
SARA
Oh, absolutely. I think that's the same thing with like anywhere, especially university, it's like as well, like high school or any job that you're at like, again, because you meet so many people, it's inevitable that you're going to remember people's faces or you're going to forget people's names and that's okay. I think it took me probably about like maybe a month, a month and a half to find my group. And then once you find them, it's, it's a very, very nice feeling because everyone's kind of friends with each other. And it makes, again, that feeling of a home away from home. The feeling of belonging. Yeah. No, absolutely something interesting that I was listening to. Like, I was in a talk the other day and they were saying that you don't want to just blend in or you don't want to just fit in. You actually want to belong. Exactly. And I think that's really important, especially when it comes to university, is that you're going to like, this is your life now. You don't want it to be just like you're in the background. You want to be yourself. And I think having that group of friends that makes you be able to just be yourself is really important.
NOUR
Exactly. Wrapping up your first year and have just recently gone through the whole thing of finding friends and settling in, what tips would you give to someone about to start in Aberdeen and maybe someone in their first few months?
SARA
I think honestly, it will go back to that whole thing of just like belonging is be yourself. Yeah. Don't kind of just try and show the parts of you that you think the other person will like, because in the end, it will just you're not doing justice for yourself. You want to make friends who want to be friends with you. Your version of yourself and not the version that you put out there because you think that they'll like it. Exactly. And then also, just the last thing is try everything. Like you have everything at your fingertips. Go to all the. Give it a goes. You never know what you're going to like and what you're not going to like. Like I tried rugby for the first year. This year I tried boxing, tried swing dancing. So it's just like all these random things. But you never know what might stick.
NOUR
Exactly. Well, I agree one hundred percent and I'm hoping all our listeners find lots of amazing tips and tricks to start off their year. And it's been amazing having you.
You know, as a student myself, I can relate to absolutely everything you just mentioned. And it's important to remember that literally no one has it figured out. Finding out how stuff works, getting to know people. But you don't have to know everything on day one. Now, along with getting to know the university and the people you'll be living alongside for the next few years, there's lots of practical stuff you can be doing to make the first few days and weeks in Aberdeen a little bit easier. To find out more, I caught up with Duncan Stewart, assistant director and head of experience, engagement and wellbeing at the university, to get some advice and tips for new students.
Hi Duncan, it's so lovely having you here on the podcast.
DUNCAN
Hi. Thanks for having me. Nice to meet you.
NOUR
So if someone is listening to this and they've yet to start here in Aberdeen. How should they be preparing for those first few weeks when they arrive?
DUNCAN
Oh great. First question. So I guess the first thing I would say to them is not to panic. The university will do all they can to help them prepare. And one of the ways we do that is by sending them helpful information to their email address. So I guess that's a first important top tip. Check your emails, read everything we send you. You'll usually get between four and five messages over a period of time, and each one will give you a little bit extra help in different subject areas, I suppose, and things that you should do. I feel like a checklist. So I guess one of the most important things is making sure you've got somewhere to stay. So sort out your accommodation early on. There'll be links in those emails taking you to the university's website where you can look through our different accommodation options, and you could even do virtual tours so you can see what's on offer, and then make sure you book as early as you can to secure your spot. Some of the other things you should do are complete your online registration. So that's things like uploading your student ID photo so we can produce your ID card and have it ready for when you arrive. And then when you've completed online Reg, that gives you access to all our other systems, like my curriculum where you choose your courses, and then my timetable where you can see where your classes will be. I guess a few other quick bits of advice would be to join our social media sites. So just do a search for University Aberdeen social media. Again, there'll be links in the emails. That's a great way to connect with us. Keep up to date with important information and to connect with other new students who are in a similar situation to you. There is a new product that we're launching called unibody, which is an online platform. That will be another way the new students can connect with people in a similar situation and ask each other questions, or share concerns, or even make plans to meet up when you're on campus. So read your emails and follow those instructions, and that will guide you into prepping for your start of term.
NOUR
I know when I got to university first a few days, I was so stressed about finding where my classes are and all the little things that people stress about. What do you think students should not stress too much about before arriving?
DUNCAN
Yeah, it's a tough one, isn't it? Because we always tell people they don't really have anything to worry about and in reality they don't. But of course, there's an awful lot of information coming their way. And we do obviously have concerns that sometimes people get a little bogged down. So it sounds a little silly to say, but don't worry, there is always help there for when you need it. And before you arrive, our teams can help you if you've got questions on your arrival. So for example, let's say when you arrive at halls of residence, if that's where you're staying, you know, we've got a team of staff on site twenty four over seven that can answer any questions you have. They're going to greet you when you get there and they're going to help you get settled in. And, um, also at Hillhead Halls of residence, if you do stay there, we've got a move in fair based in the central building. So we've got teams from places like the Sports Village student support, the experience and engagement team, the wellbeing teams. They're all there to provide that help and advice. So try and relax, try and take in the information that we send you and follow those instructions, and then know that when you get here, that help is going to be on hand.
NOUR
So talking about getting here on the first day, can you break it down for us? What actually happens when students arrive on day one?
DUNCAN
Yeah. Well, first off, um, if you have a look through the, the information we're sending you, you'll see that there is some guidance on how to get to campus from places like the train station or places like the airport. Um, so there's some helpful guides online that will let you know what to expect. So you can actually watch videos and see someone going on that journey, which will provide you a bit of reassurance when you come to the halls of residence. Yeah, the team there will be on site and they'll get you checked in and get your key. Make sure you know where you're going. I would suggest that you get your bags dropped off into your room. And one of the things to do is maybe leave your door open while you're unpacking, just so that your other flatmates will maybe feel a bit more of an open invitation to come and say hello and get to know each other. And then once you've once you've settled in, come back over to the central building and come down to the GP hall, which is down on the ground floor. And yeah, come and chat to the teams there. We've got some freebies that we give away that will help you get settled in. And we've got hopefully answers to all of your questions.
NOUR
Yeah, I remember it's a crazy time when everyone really arrives at the start and everything's happening at once, but the university always has lots of people around to help answer questions and point people in the right direction, don't they?
DUNCAN
Yeah, you're quite right. So we have a team of student ambassadors, so they're easy to spot. They all wear blue t shirts or blue hoodies. I'll be there as well in my blue blue t shirt. So feel free to come and ask me any questions. Um, but these student ambassadors are all University of Aberdeen students, so most of them will have done exactly the same things that our new students will have done. They'll have had the same questions. They'll have had the same experiences. So you're going to get help from someone who's been through it all before. So definitely feel free to approach them. We've also got student residence assistants at halls who are there overnight normally, and they provide access to a range of different activities that would encourage our students to get to know each other, and they'll also be able to help if you have any questions.
NOUR
Now, over the first few weeks and months, it can be busy for first year students. Is there any specific advice you would give to people who are new to Aberdeen in general?
DUNCAN
Yeah, absolutely. So, um, what would encourage you to do is in that first week, so after moving weekend in first week, which we call welcome week. So that's the week before any teaching starts. Yeah. Get to know the campus. We provide campus tours. So if you haven't had the opportunity to do one of those, come along and you can get a tour around campus with our student ambassadors. So they all start from a building called the Science Teaching Hub. And inside that building you'll find what we call the Arrivals and Wellbeing Hub. And again, there's a range of teams in there and services from within the university and across the city that can help you get settled in and answer any questions you might have about life in Aberdeen and life as a student. And we also have all of our front facing services located in there. So if you've got questions for Infohub, that's our one stop information advice service or our immigration and compliance team, our registered team or my curriculum team, our IT team, all of those teams are located in the same place as the Arrivals and Wellbeing Hub and the Science Teaching Hub. So that's where I would recommend you go to. If you're if you're not sure of anything, we'll be able to provide you help from there and also provide guidance on getting to know the city. There's a hop on, hop off bus tour of the city that you can get on and find your way around, and there's lots more information available in that location we'd be happy to share with anyone who wants it.
NOUR
Now you've shared some fantastic support, information and where to find it. But if students have questions or worries or need help, how would they reach out to you?
DUNCAN
Yeah. So the easiest way they can do that, they can email the info hub team and the email address is simple. It's infohub at abdn dot AC dot UK. And yeah, just send your questions to them. What you'd normally get during that time of year is an automated response. Just to let you know we've got your message. And in that response, it'll give you a number of links to the most frequently asked questions. So you might find that you're able to help yourself. But we will definitely get back to you. Just remember, at the beginning of term, it's an especially busy time with lots of people needing lots of different kinds of help. So sometimes it can take an extra couple of days to respond. But if you need something more urgently, then come and talk to the team in person. In the science teaching hub, they're there Monday to Friday, nine to five, and they're going to be in that building for three weeks at the start of term, along with all the other support services.
NOUR
That's fantastic. Well, in the next few episodes, we're going to look at how new students can meet each other and make new friends. So what advice would you give to new students when they do arrive?
DUNCAN
Yeah, great. So I said it before, you know, make sure when you check into your room, you're getting to know your flatmates. So leave your door open while you're unpacking. And if anyone's passing, stop them and say hi. Get to know the people around you as well. Try to connect with people with like minded interests through social media. But also. Another great opportunity in Welcome week is our fares, which the Students Union run. And at these fares all of our student clubs and all of our. So that's our sports clubs and all of our societies are there on hand to um, persuade you to try and join them, of course. But really what they're trying to do is connect with other like minded individuals who share common interests. It's a great way to get to know people. So I really encourage everyone to go to the fairs which take place during welcome week. And there'll be plenty of signposting so you can find them and work your way around the stalls and chat to the students there who represent those clubs and societies. It's such a good way to to find people who share common interests.
NOUR
Well, Duncan, the information has been absolutely fantastic and I'm sure everyone is gonna learn lots and lots. Thanks. Great to talk to you.
NATALIA
I'm Natalia and I work as a curriculum administrator at the university. I remember when I started university, there was a lot of information to take in, a lot of changes, but you do really get the hang of it and get into a routine sooner than you'd expect. I think it's important to remember that the university and all the staff want you to succeed and want you to have the best experience you can. There's a lot of support available for all the stages of your student journey, and I would always encourage anyone to use them. That's what we're here for and we love speaking to students and helping you guys out.
NOUR
That's the end of this episode of Find Your True North. Looking at the first few weeks here in Aberdeen. I remember that it's a huge moment for you when you start, and it's totally normal to have a few worries and concerns about settling in or meeting people. The university is an amazing environment to be in though, and there's so much support and help to make that start as good as it should be. In the next episode, we'll dive more into this. How do you meet people? How do you make friends at uni? It can take time and it doesn't have to happen immediately, but we'll look at some ways you can start to connect and make new friends in Aberdeen. Download and listen when you can and I'll see you then.