What attracted you to your course at RGU?

The initial reason why I was attracted to my course at RGU was the teaching method offered by the university, which combines theoretical learning along with practical and industrial relevance. As a computer science student, practicing programming is important as it will provide me with hands-on preparation for real-world challenges.

Compared to all the other UK universities I was considering, as an international student, RGU was far more affordable given the quality of teaching. Additionally, RGU is in Aberdeen, where living cost is also more affordable compared to other cities in the UK.

Above all, the accessibility of support and welcoming spirit of the RGU community towards international students is amazing. RGU also has a dedicated pathway for international students which I found helpful towards achieving my studies in UK.

Before coming to RGU, what were your expectations? And now that you are here, have your experiences differed?

Before coming to RGU, I expected the university to be helpful and welcoming to international students. Now that I’m here, I’m glad to say that RGU helped me expand my network, not just with people from UK, but also with people from around the world. It turns out that the university is very diverse and shows a great respect for different ethnicities, beliefs, and preferences.

I also expected a good student life, and RGU has provided me with good work-life balance, and an excellent student environment. The university is very considerate towards students’ well-being, and it even provides a free gym, which I often visit with my friends.

In terms of academics, RGU has fulfilled my expectations by offering an engaging practical experience. The courses are delivered in an interactive way, making learning enjoyable. The amount of work itself is balanced and not overwhelming, which is exactly what I desired for my studies.

What’s the best thing about being an RGU student?

The best thing about being an RGU student is the combination of convenient student facilities and the supportive environment the university offers. As an RGU student, I enjoy free gym membership on campus, which is incredibly convenient, especially since the gym is easily accessible.

I also don’t have to worry about transportation, as there is a direct bus that takes me straight to the university from my accommodation.

RGU has also supported me in every aspect of my academic journey, from providing guidance on my studies to offering help with well-being and even CV building. The university ensures I have all the resources I need for my future and prepares me for real-world industry problems. The thorough support system at RGU helps me feel prepared for both my studies and future career.

Tell us about your most challenging or rewarding project, assignment or module. What did you like or dislike about it and how has it helped you?

During my second year in RGU, i had a "real-world project and professional skills" course, where i had to work in a group to create a pitch for a company. This was particularly challenging because we got assigned to a real client. One of the most challenging parts was when I had to do the final presentation where the group and I had to present our pitch in front of the client, along with a large audience of classmates.

I learned so many new things during this project. It was my first time working with a real client and it pushed me to improve my public speaking skills along with my teamwork skills, I gained invaluable experience from this exercise. The project also gave me a deeper understanding about what it takes to work with clients in the business world.

What I liked most about the project was the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical, real-world setting.

What is your favourite way to spend your time when you are not studying?

When I'm not studying, I like to keep myself busy with different activities. One of my favourite things to do is cooking. Since I moved here, I’ve started making my own food and trying new recipes.

I also enjoy going to the gym with my friends. It helps me stay fit and keeps me productive, especially on calmer days. When I have a longer break, I like to travel to different cities around the UK, I love visiting new places and learning about their history, especially in relation to the UK’s monarchy and traditions.

Another thing I like to do is hanging out with my fellow Indonesian friends. As a part of the Indonesian Society in Aberdeen, I am glad to keep in touch with people that share the same culture with me. We often get together to enjoy traditional Indonesian cuisine or casually hang out while watching football.

What would you say to someone considering studying at RGU? Any advice you would share?

If you are considering studying at RGU, I highly recommend it. The university offers a great quality of education and an amazing student environment.

If you are an international student like me, RGU will be particularly helpful throughout your journey. I have received numerous support and guidance during my time in ICRGU (RGU’s International College/ Pathway to RGU), which helped me adjust before fully starting at the university. The lecturers in ICRGU are supportive and welcoming, and the smaller class sizes make it more convenient, allowing lecturers to give more personalized attention. I also never felt overwhelmed, as everyone in ICRGU is new, and we all learned together about the new cultures, lifestyles, and academic aspects. It’s a great way to ease into university life while feeling supported.

What do you enjoy most about living in Aberdeen (city, food, people, entertainment, travel, etc.)?

One of the things that I enjoy most about living in Aberdeen is how clean and healthy the city is. One thing I noticed about Aberdeen compared to another city in UK is that Aberdeen is very clean. I rarely see abandoned roads, and everything is well-maintained. The city has a comfortable, homely vibe, with plenty of beautiful parks. It offers the perfect balance of city life and peaceful surroundings, making it a great place to live.

I also find Aberdeen particularly convenient because of the many Asian food stores here. I can still enjoy my traditional food, and food has never been a concern since moving here.

Additionally, the large Indonesian community here helps me feel more connected to home, which is something I really appreciate.

Can you tell us a little bit about how you found the student experience with both ICRGU and with RGU? Do you feel this was a smooth transition between the ICRGU and RGU? How could we improve this process?

ICRGU really helped me on my journey to RGU, and I had a great experience during my time there. It provided a solid pathway for me. Both ICRGU and RGU offer different approaches to studying, but I found both to be very useful for my studies. However, one suggestion for improvement would be for ICRGU students to have access to course materials from RGU’s first-year content. Since ICRGU is a second-year entry program, I initially experienced a bit of a knowledge gap between what I learned in ICRGU and what I was learning in RGU’s second year. Providing this access could help bridge that gap and make the transition even smoother.