PRALIVOMEXA

Darren Cadger’s story is proof that career paths aren’t always linear—and that sometimes, figuring out what isn’t the right fit is just as important as discovering what is. We sat down with Darren, RGU alumnus and founder of Arch 35 Marketing, to talk about his unconventional route from trades to entrepreneurship, his time abroad, and why he’s passionate about supporting the next generation of talent.

Let’s start at the beginning: what was life like after school for you?

I was born in Limerick, Ireland and grew up in Peterhead, and when I left school, I didn’t get the standard grades I was hoping for. So, like a lot of people in the area, I started an apprenticeship—first as a machinist. But it didn’t click for me. Then I tried a second apprenticeship as an electrician, and I quickly realised I wasn’t great with my hands either!

What made you consider college?

After trying both apprenticeships, I knew I needed to look at other options. I made some enquiries about college and ended up starting an NC in Business. I liked that the course gave me flexibility and opened doors I hadn’t considered before. That led me to an HND in Business and a 2+2 programme with RGU.

You had the option to go straight into third year – why didn’t you?

The second year of the course included an opportunity to study abroad for six months and do a one-year work placement. That experience was way too valuable to pass up.

Where did you go for your study abroad and placement?

I went to Hannover in Germany for six months, which was a fantastic experience. After that, I returned to do a placement at Aker Solutions. Unfortunately, it was cut short due to the pandemic. My final year of study—my fourth year—was fully online because of COVID.

You graduated in 2021 with a degree in International Business Marketing. What came next?

After graduating, I decided to stay on and complete a master’s in International Marketing, which I finished in 2022. During the master’s programme, I did a four-week placement at Escone Solutions. They ended up hiring me as a Business Analyst, and I stayed there for three and a half years.

How did Arch 35 Marketing come to be?

While I was at Escone, I pitched an idea for a marketing company to the founders. They were really supportive—and with their backing, I launched Arch 35 Marketing in February this year.

What’s the vision behind Arch 35?

I’m really passionate about giving students real-world experience, just like I had. I’ve already taken on a placement student from RGU, and I hope to continue building those connections. This year, my focus is to take my entrepreneurship adventure further and to firmly establish the business in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

You’re currently on the Help to Grow: Management course – what’s that been like?

It’s been a great resource for developing my leadership and business strategy skills. The course through RGU has really helped me think bigger and more sustainably about Arch 35.

Looking back, how do you feel about your journey so far?

It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. I could be an unhappy engineer right now—but every twist and turn has brought me to where I’m meant to be: running my own company and doing something I genuinely care about.

Darren’s journey is a reminder that success isn’t always about getting it right the first time—it’s about staying open to new paths and believing in where they might lead.

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The post From Apprenticeships to Entrepreneurship – An RGU alumnus story appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

International Jyothi, from India, shares her experience studying our master’s in Healthcare Leadership, getting support at the University, and living in Aberdeen.

A bit about me

My name is Jyothi, but most people call me Jyo. I come from Tirupati, a city in southern India known for its rich cultural heritage. I’ve always had a special fondness for elephants, their strength and wisdom have always inspired me. Apart from my love for these majestic creatures, I am passionate about content creation and living in the moment, cherishing every experience life offers. My professional journey began with completing a master’s in Pharmacy, specializing in pharmacology. I then went on to work as a Drug Safety Associate at Novonordisk in Bangalore, India.

During my time at Novonordisk, I witnessed first-hand how leadership in healthcare plays a crucial role, not only in driving the operational success of the company but also in shaping the well-being of employees. While my focus was on pharmacovigilance and ensuring patient safety, I noticed the profound impact leadership strategies had on employee engagement and motivation. It became clear to me that effective leadership could significantly influence not just the work environment but the mental and emotional health of healthcare professionals.

This realization led me to exploring leadership from a deeper perspective, particularly in the context of healthcare. It was this drive to understand leadership more profoundly that eventually inspired me to pursue the master’s in Healthcare Leadership at Robert Gordon University (RGU).

The course immediately stood out to me for its emphasis on both practical and strategic aspects of leadership. I was drawn to its holistic approach, which promised to provide the skills needed to lead with empathy and compassion. I knew it would give me the tools to improve patient care and enhance the work-life balance of healthcare workers, an area I was passionate about.

My Experience at RGU: A Path to Growth and Learning

My experience at RGU has been nothing short of transformative. The most striking feature of my time here has been the diverse and multicultural environment. I have had the privilege of engaging with students from various backgrounds, each offering unique perspectives and insights into healthcare challenges. This diversity has expanded my understanding of global healthcare practices and enriched my learning experience beyond the classroom.

One of the things I most appreciate about RGU’s master’s in Healthcare Leadership is its practical learning approach. The course doesn’t just focus on theory, it encourages us to apply what we learn to real-world situations. Through group activities, case studies, and collaborative projects, I have had the opportunity to sharpen my leadership skills in a dynamic and hands-on way. The tutors foster an environment of open communication, encouraging students to voice their opinions and contribute to discussions. This inclusive atmosphere has been immensely helpful in building my confidence, especially as someone who tends to be more reserved.

The personalized support provided by the tutors has been another highlight of my experience. Beyond just delivering lectures, they genuinely care about our success. They take the time to understand individual student needs and provide guidance, both academically and personally. It’s not uncommon for tutors to surprise us with small, thoughtful gestures like chocolates or strawberries—simple acts that create a warm, supportive environment and make the learning experience even more enjoyable.

What I hope to achieve

As I move forward in the course, my primary goal is to develop the leadership skills needed to manage healthcare organizations with both empathy and efficiency. I am particularly focused on understanding how leadership can create a positive and supportive environment for healthcare professionals, leading to improved employee well-being. I hope to be the kind of leader who not only excels at managing operations but who also fosters a culture of support, trust, and compassion.

Having personally faced mental health challenges, I understand the importance of supportive leadership in maintaining a healthy, motivated workforce. One of my core objectives is to use the skills I gain in this course to improve the mental and emotional health of healthcare employees. By empowering healthcare workers with the resources and support they need, I believe we can enhance the quality of care provided to patients and ensure that the healthcare professionals who deliver that care remain motivated and resilient.

The master’s in Healthcare Leadership at RGU has been incredibly valuable in shaping my understanding of leadership. The modules on digital literacy, emotional intelligence, ethics in healthcare, managing change, and financial management will provide a strong foundation. These modules have not only broadened my knowledge of leadership but also deepened my appreciation for the complexities of managing healthcare systems.

Support at RGU

One of the standout features of RGU is the incredible support system it offers. From academic resources to career counselling and mental health services, the University ensures that students have access to everything they need to succeed. The range of services available has been a huge help, keeping me focused and resilient, both academically and personally. Knowing that there is a strong network of support has made my time at RGU even more fulfilling.

Aberdeen: A beautiful place to study

Aberdeen has been the perfect backdrop for my studies. Often called the “Granite City” because of its iconic grey stone buildings, it blends rich history with modern living. The coastal location of the city adds a peaceful vibe, with stunning beaches and calm streets that encourage reflection. Whether I’m taking a walk along the beach or exploring the historic streets of the city, there’s always a sense of serenity and inspiration.

The RGU campus is ideally located by the river, offering a beautiful view that makes it even easier to focus on my studies. The riverside setting provides a perfect blend of nature and urban life, creating a peaceful environment that is ideal for learning and relaxation.

Why is this course worth it?

The master’s in Healthcare Leadership at RGU has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career. It has provided me with a deep understanding of the key principles of healthcare leadership, from strategic management and ethical decision-making to emotional intelligence and financial planning. What stands out most, however, is the course’s emphasis on the well-being of healthcare workers and the holistic approach to leadership.

For anyone considering a career in healthcare leadership, I wholeheartedly recommend this course. The practical, hands-on approach to learning, the diverse and caring academic community, and the wealth of support available have been key to shaping my future. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the healthcare sector. This course has inspired me to pursue excellence in leadership, and I am confident that the skills I am gaining will help me create a positive change in the lives of healthcare workers and the patients they care for.

Jyothi

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The post Why I Chose the Master’s in Healthcare Leadership at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

Have you heard of RGU Peer Support Group? They are RGU students here to support you and your wellbeing during your time at university. Find out more about them in this blog.

What is Peer Support?

We are a student-led signposting group that promotes mental wellbeing for students and fights the stigma around mental health by holding events such as University Mental Health Day, Time to Talk, and many more. Our services provide an opportunity for you to come to chat with one of our volunteers during our bi-weekly drop-in sessions, or events, about any concerns or dilemmas you may be facing whether that be regarding your personal life or your studies. We can either advise you of internal or external services that are more qualified to help or simply just be there to listen. Let me tell you a little bit more about how we do this…

We, for example, hold an annual event on University Mental Health Day (UMHD), where we invite external speakers from mental health organisations like SAMH, charities like Mamacita and all the clubs and societies at our university. Our UMHD takes place on one of the days during the national university-wide mental health week. This week is dedicated to breaking the stigma around student mental health by acknowledging the problems that students experience and by bringing awareness to the help available.

What are the bi-weekly drop-in sessions?

These are opportunities for you to come along if you would like some company. Our volunteers are there to flow with your needs. If you want, we can just play some games together. If you need more, then we are happy to be there and listen non-judgementally. We can also offer you our best advice or signpost you to the right place if we are unable to help.

These chats can be about anything that concerns you in or outside of the University. We believe that sometimes it is just easier to talk to another student about anything because we have similar experiences in general. So, if there is a time when you feel a bit down, why not come and see what we can do for you to help?

Can you tell us more about some of the events you organise?

Well, there is our ‘Time to Talk Day’ which is an annual awareness day that also aims to reduce the stigma around mental health and encourage open conversations. It’s for people to share their experiences and offer support and learn more about resources that can help. This year, we decided to organise a fun quiz night with self-care topics. We aim to connect students, bring some fun and provide some extra self-care routines/tips on these nights.

Then, there is the ‘Pizza and Paint’ event, too. As the name suggests, this is a night for painting and enjoying some free pizza! This is a great mood booster, and it is super helpful when you just need to relax. All the painting materials are on us; you just book your free ticket on the Union website. I still remember how much this helped me in my first year when I was still settling into uni life! The pizza was really good, we laughed a lot with my friends and talked to a few guys from other courses.

We also organise events together with other societies. Our ‘Plant and Paint’ events are run together with the Go Green Society. These events are great for getting to know all the societies involved, relaxing, and creating something memorable! Working with plants is indeed therapeutic and does feel amazing! You can find the dates for our upcoming  events on the RGU:Union website or on our social media sites (Facebook/Instagram).

How does Peer Support work?

We are all student volunteers here, and our committee works closely with the RGU:Union. We have a President who does all the main organisations of our events, the recruitment of volunteers and attending meetings with the union. The Co-president has similar responsibilities and steps in if the President is missing.

Then, we have a Communication Officer managing our social media sites, and most of the posts. This is the volunteer who will reply to you if you contact Peer Support. 

Finally, we have a Treasurer, managing all the finances of Peer Support and keeping our budget happy…

Plus, we have volunteers without a specific role who help run the events, provide support with ideas and provide listening ears to students during the bi-weekly sessions/events. We always look for more volunteers since the more we are, the more we can help! 

How do you think Peer Support benefits others?

We strongly believe that reducing the stigma around mental health has a great and positive outcome on our student’s lives and experiences. By providing a space where anybody can turn to, we have an opportunity to help with anything that otherwise would be brushed under the rug. We also believe that we bring some fun and meaningful events while bringing some possibly underestimated self-help tools and tips. In addition, we give students the chance to talk to other students first in case they feel that asking for professional help would be scary or uncomfortable.

Lastly, we also provide volunteering opportunities, and a variety of skills related to mental health that everybody can benefit from in their life and careers in the future.  

To volunteer with Peer Support, contact the team via email: [email protected]

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

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The post RGU Peer Support – Promoting student wellbeing and fighting stigma appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

We recently launched our UnDiscovered Aberdeen campaign to showcase the city in a new light and appreciate all the things it has to offer. Communication Design student Jake Irvine worked part-time with our Marketing team to create our hero YouTube video. He shares his experience with us and what he’s learned, along with his own perception of Aberdeen in this blog.

How did you start your journey on the UnDiscovered Aberdeen campaign?

I did have some previous experience with the marketing team before the UnDiscovered campaign, initially helping out with grip work, setting up lighting and being the extra pair of hands on set for the videographer. This allowed me to learn his ways through a highly professional but intensely enjoyable method of working. I was then asked if I might be interested in taking a role to fill in for him when he left RGU, which I was happy to do.

After this, we created the promotional films for the Gray’s Master’s Degree Show before beginning to look at the existing plans for UnDiscovered Aberdeen, and what a brief might look like in terms of requirements for coverage and deliverables. I was then given the brief from the team, which was to create a hero film to promote Aberdeen and the shire as a destination for all, and connect everything back to RGU.

This was the first time working on a project this large by a long shot. I had only started learning and creating video less than two years before I started working with the marketing team, so going from personal projects or small film commissions to a massive campaign was incredible, a challenge for sure, but getting thrown in the deep end always means you learn to swim faster.

I was inspired immediately by my own experience over the past few years being at university, despite being from the shire and living here most of my life, I was still finding things that I loved, and small places that were absolute gems to me. This was something I wanted to try to share with others through the film – the vast amount of small things you can enjoy. It was a chance to not only sell Aberdeen and the shire, but to sell a bit of my Aberdeen and the things I like.

How did you come up with the idea behind the hero video?

The film for UnDiscovered Aberdeen came around as a combination of ideas taken from the team, but also drawing from the best place for inspiration – the creative community. There are so many incredible creatives out there who make the most amazing work, so I have always been inspired by their ideas. I consumed as many advertisement campaigns as I could find that had different tones, different styles, and started to take the best bits from each of them and thought about how they might come together.

The first real idea was simply starting to write a script from scrappy thoughts in my head of all the little things there are, from cafes, landscapes, food, bars, and events. I wanted to find a way to connect them all, and together we all drafted ideas for the first script, and the film was basically born from there.

How was your experience working with the marketing team?

Working with the marketing team was just the best experience I could have been given. It was my first real experience with a full corporate environment, and one which has introduced me perfectly into that world. Everyone I worked with truly loves what they do, every interaction and meeting was just filled with people enjoying their work and sharing that experience.

There was a culture of always trying to help others with anything, no question was off the table or silly. I never once felt like I was alone in my work, and being part of a team that was so encouraging of someone who wasn’t even finished university, and to trust me with such a large project was amazing.

I think it has set me up for a career post-university perfectly, knowing the function of a corporate environment and just how willing everyone is to get things done gave me confidence that no matter where I land, I will be able to contribute and enjoy my work as much as I did over the time at RGU.

What were the highlights of the production process and your proudest accomplishments?

The highlights of the production for me had to be meeting so many different people all across the city. We worked with different businesses and organisations, students and staff, and being able to meet new people every day and work with them to create something fun was incredible.

Sugarbird and Second Home come to mind first as they were so accommodating for us coming in to shoot in their space, having lights set up and a camera waved around, and played the part all the way through. But truly everyone I had the chance to work with outside of RGU but also within the University and the Marketing team were great.

My proudest accomplishment with the campaign has to be just getting it all made. It certainly took a lot longer than was originally intended, mostly due to myself, but being my first ever large project and campaign of any sort, everyone in our team was so understanding and knew we would get there.

When I pulled everything together for my final year folio, I really saw just how immense this project was. Days of shooting at more than twenty locations with new people at each one, even though they would be a small part in the large puzzle, it was a lot to pull together for my first experience on a large project. I have no doubt this will make the next ones easier, but looking at this one, I am so happy with the work we all made happen across the city.

What challenges did you face and what did you learn from them?

There were definitely a few challenges along the way, time was the biggest one as I am sure it will be for anyone else, but for filming over winter it was especially challenging. The days were short so we had to plan around small windows for shooting, along with weather being a nuisance at times – but that’s winter. It was also hard to manage so many people and locations.

There were times I knew time management wasn’t the best on my part, but it was something that the project taught me the importance of, and when things are planned well, you can achieve a lot in a short time. I was still studying for my final year during most of the production, and managed to keep up relatively well with both. Sarah and Stacey from the Marketing team were incredibly understanding of my time constraints being in my final year, and we still managed to make everything work in the end.

I think the biggest learning of the project was how to plan for such a large production. I had already started building a way of working for bigger projects of my own; however this was truly on another level.

I had always worked solo on my projects, so learning how to build something effective but collaborative was important, and once again the marketing team was great at facilitating the way I work and incorporating it into theirs. Our team on the destination film were great at always sharing things and getting back quickly to everyone at every step of the process, and it really felt like there was a smooth system in place.

So, I guess teamwork is the most important thing I learned. You are always going to be working with people who do things differently, so finding that balance of personal workflow and teamwork for planning and creation was great.

What is the one thing you would like viewers to take away from the campaign?

The one thing I can say honestly has been there since the beginning as the key motivator for me in the campaign, has to be that I want people to just find one thing – one thing they haven’t done, haven’t seen, haven’t been to – and go and explore it, discover something they might love. Maybe you don’t like something, maybe it’s not for you, but going out and doing these things is how you find something to love.

Take this, for example, Aberdeenshire is where my absolutely crazy fascination with coffee comes from. The small group of people who will stand and chat over how we changed the water by a few degrees and got a different taste? That’s the things I want people to go and find. And shoutout to the amazing coffee scene in Aberdeen, for a small place, this is just one of the things people are so passionate about, and there’s plenty more like it.

What is your own experience of living and studying in Aberdeen?

Having studied in Ayrshire for a year before deciding to study at RGU back home, I can say the experience for myself was different to what I imagine any other city is. You are in such a great place to get everything – the Highlands, Cairngorms, Edinburgh, all perfectly within reach when you want to go somewhere else, but there are so many amazing places around Aberdeen and especially the shire that I love.

It’s not the biggest place ever, but there’s something nice about that, everything is close together, and never feels out of reach. I personally love that I live outside of the city, but I am a half hour drive from the University or city centre, so I get this change from city to country in a small space that I love, it keeps me feeling free to do anything and refreshed every time I go somewhere. Not to mention all the great places I still love finding that aren’t that far, as a filmmaker and photographer, the changes in scenery are incredible for me, and just this year I have covered landscape, cityscape, and seaside fishing towns without ever leaving Aberdeenshire.

My experience comes down to exploring places and appreciating the variety available you just don’t get elsewhere, and the people within that space.

Quickfire Questions

Best spot for coffee?

I am far too into coffee at this point, but if you want something in town, Cult of Coffee is the place to go. Outside Aberdeen, The Coffee Apothecary is where it all started for me, that will forever be my number one.

Best Brunch Spot?

Has to be Mount Café and their brunch club. Jack and Lauren are the best and just have this amazing community feeling there, and they know their brunch menu.

Bar of Pub?

Fierce is always on the list, you cant beat a menu of crafts like that. It’s a small but mighty place, many good nights to be had.

Desperate to try?

Strangely it’s Sugarbird! Although I have had drinks, being there for the film and capturing that grazing platter? Will be attending without the camera this time.

Best Bakery?

Bandit bakery just gets it right every time, their sourdough is the best and they always cook up something crazy every week. SourCloud is one to look for, they are small but do the best pastries in town if you are quick enough.

Drink of choice and where are you having it?

Jubel peach every time, either at Ivy Lodge or if it’s a speakeasy type of night, Under the Hammer.

Somewhere that surprised you?

Greyhope bay. It might look like it’s still part of the city, but it’s a great place to unwind that I never expected, and on the coast road too which is always a great one.

A hidden spot you love?

The Flat stones to me, or known as the Lords Throat. Its my side of town, but the most amazing little place to chill out on a nice day.

Where are you going on your day off?

I am usually found on such days at the Coffee Apothecary. Days off are rare, but when they come around I will work my way down their reserve coffee menu. It’s a place I always know is great to relax with friends or a book.

Jake Irvine

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The post Working on the UnDiscovered Aberdeen campaign as a student at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

After working as a pharmacist in Ghana, Adanna Blessing chose to move to Aberdeen to study a master’s in Public Health and Health Promotion to be better equipped to advocate for women and children’s health. She shares her experience as a student, from the learning environment and volunteering opportunities to the new things she discovered in Aberdeen.

A bit about me and my career

RGU has been a place of new beginnings for me — moving to a new country, meeting new people, and trying things I never thought I would.

My name is Adanna Blessing Okonkwo, and I like to think of myself as a paradox — both boring and interesting at the same time. Boring because I enjoy my own company and the quiet days, but interesting because once I’m with my people, I’m a social butterfly! I’m Nigerian by blood but Ghanaian at heart, having lived most of my life in Ghana. I’m a pharmacist by profession, with experience working in community pharmacies, sales, and marketing back home.

I chose to study MSc Public Health and Health Promotion at RGU because of a deep passion for advocating for women and children’s health. During my pharmacy career, I realised I wanted to contribute more to improving health outcomes — especially for women and children. I started researching if there were pharmacy specialties in that area, but I couldn’t find what I was looking for in the way I envisioned it. Thankfully, I was directed to public health by great people, and it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

My experience studying at RGU

The highlight of my degree has been how much my perspective on healthcare has broadened. I’ve learned about how healthcare systems work in first-world countries; inspiring me to one day contribute to improving health systems back home. One thing that really stood out to me was the concept of collective leadership — the idea that communities thrive when everyone is involved in decision-making. I also discovered an interest in project management during my course, which I’m excited to explore further in my career. 

Beyond academics, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Denis Law Legacy Trust and HALLA Breakfast Club, both of which gave me first-hand experience in community health initiatives and reinforced my commitment to public health advocacy.

Studying in Aberdeen has been a lovely experience. RGU genuinely cares about its students — from wellbeing services to career counselling, study skills sessions, and very supportive lecturers who genuinely want you to succeed. The city itself is calm and friendly — perfect for studying. I’ve found myself doing things I never thought I would, like ice skating for the first time (luckily, I didn’t fall) and starting my fitness journey at the RGU gym with my free student membership. I also enjoy walking by the River Dee or Aberdeen beach during my free time.

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of my family and friends. I am truly grateful for them.

Looking towards the future

This course has set the foundation for my career in public health. I’m eager to work on projects that empower women to take control of their health while combining public health knowledge with project management skills. The journey is still unfolding, but I’m excited to take bold steps towards becoming a Global Health Advocate — one project at a time.

To anyone considering studying at RGU — take the leap! It’s a journey of learning, self-discovery, and endless possibilities.

Adanna Blessing Okonkwo

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The post Studying Public Health and Health Promotion at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

With the academic year coming to an end for many students, it will now be time to pack up and find somewhere new to live in September if you are going back to university. RGU ResLife shared with us five top tips to finding accommodation in Aberdeen to make the process less daunting.

1. Decide on the type of accommodation

There are different options for student accommodation in Aberdeen depending on what you’re looking for. You can decide to live in RGU Halls, even if you’re not in first year, in private student accommodation, or in a rented flat.

We have four accommodation sites for RGU students, either in the city centre, on campus, or in between. Living in RGU halls means you can stay with your current flatmates if you wish to, or move in with new students, with excellent support from our ResLife team.

Living in private halls can create a diverse dynamic, as you will likely be living with other students from RGU, the University of Aberdeen and North East Scotland College. But please remember that, contrary to RGU accommodation, not all private student accommodation will release you from your lease if you decide not to enrol at university or withdraw during your studies. Always check details of termination conditions in your lease document.

Finally, you can choose to look at the private rented sector. If you like your privacy and want to live alone, that could be a great option, but you can also get a rented flat with a group of friends, providing you all agree on location and budget.

2. Choose your preferred area

Speaking of location, finding where you want to leave should be next on your to-do list when looking for a new accommodation!

Do you want to be in the city centre close to the shops, nightlife, and part-time job opportunities or would you prefer a quieter area near the RGU campus? Looking at the following postcodes can help narrow your search:

• Garthdee and most city centre properties should have an AB10 postcode.
• Rosemount is a popular quiet residential neighbourhood in the AB25 postcode area which is not far from the city centre.
• AB11 and AB12 postcodes include the neighbourhoods Ferryhill, Bon Accord and Footdee, which are close to the city centre and offer easy access to campus via bus.

All postcodes will include areas that can be further away and might not be near a bus route to campus, so make sure to look on Google Maps to check the location. Viewing properties is also highly recommended so you can check out the neighbourhoods!

3. Figure out your budget

Before looking for a property, you will need to decide your budget. Remember to look at the bigger picture when budgeting your finances, so factor in bills such as electricity, gas, WI-Fi, TV Licence and other applicable expenses on top of your rent.

Most student accommodation, both RGU and private, will include the rent, utilities, and internet bill in the weekly cost, making it easier to budget. If you’re renting from the private sector, look at the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to get an indication of how high your energy bills will be. An A rating will likely lead to lower costs, whereas a G rating is likely to cost you more.

And don’t forget that that you will likely need to pay the deposit and first month’s rent upfront, so make sure you have money set aside for that. However, as a full-time student, you will be exempt from paying council tax, which will save you a good chunk of money.

4. Start your search

Once you have considered how you want to live, who you want to live with, and where you want to live, you can begin your search. The internet is your friend here, so start with a simple online search. You can find information about RGU accommodation on our website, and for private flats, a good place to start is the Alternative Accommodation page also on the RGU website, which will give you useful links.

RGU:Move Facebook Group is a public group where you can find available flats or rooms to rent in Aberdeen. Students, landlords, and letting agents can all post in the group.

For a more traditional approach, you can visit letting agents in person and tell them what location you want to live in, what your budget is, how many bedrooms you need, as well as any other requirements you may have and they will be able to tell you what properties on the market meet your criteria.

As mentioned previously, arranging a viewing once you found some suitable options is highly recommended so you can check the standard of the property and ask all the relevant questions before signing anything.

5. Look out for scams

While searching for a property, make sure you don’t fall for a scam that could end up costing you a lot of money. For example, if a property is significantly cheaper than others on the market, it might indeed be too good to be true! Here are some other things to remember to stay safe:

• Use reputable property listing websites and agencies.
• Verify the Landlord or Agent by asking for identification, contact details, and registration number.
• Be cautious of Landlords or Agents avoiding in person meetings, and who insist on communicating via text or messaging apps rather than email.
• Don’t pay a large sum of money upfront without proper documentation and only use trusted payment methods such as bank transfers.

Most importantly: trust your instincts. If something feels off, investigate further or walk away.

After all these steps, you will be ready to sign your lease for the new academic year! More information on all the points above and also information about signing your lease and support services are available on ResLife’s Moving-On Guide.

Do give it a read before you start the process, and good luck in your search!

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Living in RGU accommodation: My experience as an international student

My top 5 tips for moving into student accommodation

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