{"id":563,"date":"2025-10-14T12:14:32","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T12:14:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bloggingxpert.com\/?p=563"},"modified":"2025-10-16T15:58:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T15:58:31","slug":"my-journey-from-nigeria-to-aberdeen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.bloggingxpert.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/14\/my-journey-from-nigeria-to-aberdeen\/","title":{"rendered":"My Journey From Nigeria to Aberdeen"},"content":{"rendered":"

RGU<\/a> student Favour shares her experience settling in after moving from Nigeria to Aberdeen. From the visa process to studying away from home, she tells us about her experience and gives some top tips for those wanting to follow the same path. <\/p>\n

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If someone had told me a year ago that I\u2019d be standing in Aberdeen, bundled up in three layers of clothing, trying to understand the Scottish accent, and loving my coursework, I probably would have laughed and said, \u201cNo way! Let me focus on my hustle in Lagos.\u201d But here I am taking in the cold breeze, new challenges, heart full of hope, and mind buzzing with excitement.\u00a0<\/p>\n

My name is Favour and I\u2019ll be sharing my experience moving from Nigeria to Aberdeen to pursue my master\u2019s degree at Robert Gordon University, settling into student life, and making the most of my summer break with work experience. Honestly, I\u2019d say it has been an incredible journey full of unexpected challenges, moments of joy, valuable lessons and I love it here.<\/p>\n

The Visa Experience: My Patience Tested<\/h2>\n

The journey to Aberdeen started long before I boarded the plane. After receiving my offer from RGU and confirming my spot, I thought everything was set for January 2025. Little did I know the visa process had other plans. Weeks passed with no updates. Lectures began without me, and I was stuck in Nigeria, anxiously refreshing my email inbox every 30 seconds.<\/p>\n

The stress was real. I had to email my Course Leader to explain my delay, feeling like I was already behind before even starting. I made countless calls to UKVI hoping for any news, and I prayed harder than I ever had before.<\/p>\n

Then, finally, the email arrived: visa approved. That moment felt like a victory lap. Although the delay was frustrating, I learned the importance of persistence and patience, knowing that sometimes things take time but eventually work out.<\/p>\n

First Impressions of Aberdeen: A New World<\/h2>\n

Landing in Aberdeen in January 2025 was surreal. Everything was clean, quiet, and chilly, emphasis on the chilly. The cold here isn\u2019t like Harmattan. Coming from the warm climate of Nigeria, the cold weather was something I had to quickly adjust to.<\/p>\n

The Accent: I genuinely thought people were speaking Gaelic. \u201cCheers, pal\u201d sounded like code. But after a few bus rides and awkward Tesco interactions, my ears began to adjust.<\/p>\n

The Scenery: Aberdeen is stunning. Grey granite buildings, peaceful streets, and that beach view? I still catch myself taking pictures like a tourist.<\/p>\n

Studying at RGU: Real Life, Real Learning<\/h2>\n

RGU is not your typical university where everything ends with exams. From day one, the learning experience felt different. It\u2019s more about practical knowledge and preparing us for real world jobs.<\/p>\n