What attracted you to your course at RGU?

The MSc Physiotherapy program at RGU is top-rated in the country with an opportunity for 6 placements throughout Scotland and across different specialities. At RGU, students are sent out on placement early in the program which demonstrates how much RGU values practical-based learning. I have always learned by doing rather than by listening to lectures, so I was happy that the learning was interactive and supported by some lectures. Additionally, during the interview I was able to meet some members of staff and felt that they were incredibly kind people who cared about their students.

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 campus to be much bigger. To my surprise there are only 4 main buildings all located in close-proximity, and the Gray’s School of Art located just a short walk away. This makes it easy to get from class to class if they are in different buildings. It also allows for easier access for the school’s facilities such as the library and gym. I knew before coming to RGU that the campus was located on River Dee, but I underestimated how beautiful the campus was, especially in autumn as the colours of the trees are changing.

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

The best thing about being an RGU student is being able to represent a school that has such a high reputation. For example, when I speak with members of the community, or when I’m away on placement and speaking with patients or colleagues, they have all heard about how great of a school RGU is. Being a student at RGU helps me be proud of where I am studying and gives me positive recognition wherever I go.

Are you on a placement and where are you doing your placement?

I just completed a placement at the National Treatment Centre in Inverness specializing in elective orthopaedics. This placement involved rehabilitating patients who had just undergone a total hip or total knee replacement. The responsibilities were shared between a physiotherapist and occupational therapist, so I was able to gain skills and knowledge in both areas.

Describe your favourite memory of RGU or your placement so far?

My favourite memory during my time here so far has been visiting Isle of Skye whilst on placement. Since I was placed in the highlands, on the weekends, I was able to explore the beautiful landscapes that the highlands have to offer. I was placed in the highlands with a couple of my friends, so we spent one weekend in the Isle of Skye. We hiked the Old Man of Storr, walked through the town of Portree, and visited the magical fairy pools. I would have never had this experience had I not had a placement in the highlands.

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?

As a physiotherapy student, I am required in certain modules to complete an OSPE assessment. This assessment is a practical exam, worth 100% of my grade, where my hands-on skills and knowledge are tested in a scenario with a patient. The first OSPE exam was very nerve-wracking for myself and my peers because we didn’t know what to expect. Being put on the spot and with high pressure was very difficult, but I realized once I had completed it and received my grade back that it wasn’t as scary as I worked it up to be. The exam is beneficial in that it encourages you to review all the material from the module in detail, and the practical based format allows you to demonstrate the skills that you will need for placement.

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

When I am not studying, I like to spend time exercising, whether that be taking a run to the beach on the sunny days or doing a workout in RGU sport (which is free to RGU students by the way) on the rainy days. If I’m not exercising I either like to get ice cream or coffee with my friends (highly recommend Crolla’s and Cult of Coffee) or reading a book.

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

As an RGU student, the advice I would give to someone considering studying at RGU would be to take advantage of the services, clubs, and societies that RGU has to offer. The school hosts a breakfast and supper club every week which provides a free meal to RGU students. They also host numerous freshers’ events during freshers week. RGU has many clubs and societies to be a member of some you maybe wouldn’t have even thought of before (e.g. Cold-Water Dunking Society, who knew?). Your time at RGU may seem everlasting at the beginning, but it goes by quickly, so just don’t waste an opportunity to have fun and make friends.

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

Coming from a small town in Ontario, Canada, I was attracted to Aberdeen because it is a perfect blend between a small town and a city. It also hosts 2 universities, so it has a large student population. The city has a lot of affordable things for students to do throughout the year. Aberdeen hosts a Spectra light festival in the winter, has a beautiful beach with access to Codona’s amusement park in the summer, and most importantly, has several delicious bakeries and restaurants.