What subject are you currently studying/did you most recently study at university? What persuaded you to choose this option?

I am studying BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences, primarily because I studied the similar course at college. I wanted to continue down this pathway as I was not sure where I wanted to end up, but this degree gives me a wide variety of options to go down.

What course did you study at college, and which college did you attend?

I studied the HND Social Sciences at North East Scotland College.

What did you find easy and what did you find difficult about making the transition from college to university?

Since attending university, it has been really easy to find support in different areas such as finance and mental wellbeing. The lecturing staff were also extremely supportive and made for a smooth transition between college and university. Many things we had learned in college had given me a good foundation in understanding and building upon knowledge throughout specific modules. Academic writing and referencing were also second nature to me as we already structured essays the same way at college.

It was difficult, however, to come to terms with the change of pace at the beginning. Days at university are far shorter than college, and the self-driven nature of studies was a difficult leap.

WHY RGU? WHAT WAS IT THAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE UNIVERSITY?

The university offered an appropriate course for me to continue my studies, and continuing on with Social Sciences in general rather than Sociology or Psychology benefitted me as I wanted to get involved with a number of different subject areas.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT RGU?

I would rate my time at RGU very highly, as the university has been very supportive in my transition from college.

HOW DID RGU SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY? DID YOU USE ANY OF THE SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE TO YOU?

I did not realise I was able to access the Inclusion Services until I talked to a member of staff involved – they helped me greatly with my issues and gave me access to fantastic programmes which helped with my reading and studying, as well as keeping my thoughts and notes organised.

I have also been able to make use of the mentoring and counselling services, as well as attending workshops provided by the Study Skills department and Employability Skills department – all coming in very handy for my post-university life!

would you recommend the route you chose and specifically the college to university pathway?

Absolutely – I was terrified about heading to university, and I don’t think I would have managed to attend if I started straight from first year. I actually had no intention of ever going to university, until easing my way back into education via the college route. Going down this route has given me a great foundation of knowledge that has been extremely useful so far in my studies.

What are your future plans?

I am not entirely sure where I want to go post-university, although this course has given me a few ideas and potentially opened a lot of doors.

How has RGU helped you achieve your goals?

The academic and support staff at the university have helped and supported me towards achieving my goals – without the support, I wouldn’t be in the position I am now.