My journey from Canada to Aberdeen and RGU

Physiotherapy student Ryan shares with us the steps he went through to move from Canada to Aberdeen to join RGU. He goes through the visa process, planning your budget, and actually settling in Aberdeen!

So, for this blog post, I figured I would write a how-to guide based on my journey all the way from Canada to wee little Aberdeen for my studies at RGU! While I knew moving away from home would be difficult, I wish someone would have told me about the unique challenges an international student in my specific position would face when coming to the UK.

So, in an attempt to fill that information gap, I’ll do my best to explain all the different things to expect when going through the process. Maybe someone like me, feeling equally as confused, is out there. And with a little luck, maybe my post can guide them in the right direction.

Preparing your move to Aberdeen

Let’s start at the point where you have finished your application to RGU, and maybe have already been accepted (yay!). Whether you’ve done this independently (like me) or through a company or sponsor, once you have a finished application and are accepted, the next steps are quite similar for most people. Keep in mind that this advice is based on my own experience coming from Canada. The fine details may differ if coming from other countries. Okay, lets go:

Your visa application

The process of moving to the UK can be difficult initially. But very possible with the right prep. The main thing you need is a student visa. You would apply for this on the UK government’s website. Once you get accepted by RGU, they will send you a CAS number, which you will need to apply for the visa.

This visa application process asks a looot of questions (i.e. countries you’ve been to + lived in in the last 10 years, passport info, etc.). There are also some fees associated with the visa, to obtain healthcare in the UK and whatnot. Make sure you have all your information and documents (mainly a passport) in order beforehand, to make the time-sensitive visa application process go smoothly.

Afterwards, you’ll then be asked to pick a post office in Aberdeen where you can pick up your BRP card (basically your license to live in the UK), for when you arrive. Then, you’ll be directed to a company within Canada to give your biometric info (fingerprints and etc.) and get your passport sent off temporarily and mailed back to you with your visa in it! It was difficult to set up an appointment with the company, and I had to drive 3 hours to get to the closest office, but this was the only way to do it.

Now if you come from another country, this step will likely be different for you. But your passport does need an official visa attachment regardless!

After a bit of waiting, your visa-equipped passport should be sent back to you and good to go! This is quite a time-consuming process, so start as soon as you’re able to keep things somewhat stress-free.

Financing your move

The cost of living in Aberdeen is pretty comparable to back home. The biggest tasks are setting up your living situation, bank account, cellular, and finding a GP (not an urgent to-do).

I figure knowing a bit about student loans may be helpful as well. Education for us international students is not cheap! For student loans, you definitely can get those through the Canadian government, both provincial and federal loans. You would apply for both at the same time, through NSLSC. You can also go through your specific province’s student aid (who I highly recommend calling for support). Once you’re set up, you’ll have accounts for provincial + federal loan sources. As long as you’re a Canadian citizen, you can get a loan for international study! FYI, you’ll need to get proof of enrolment from RGU to be approved for loans.

There are other loan options (through your bank, line of credit, etc.) but through the government is probably best, as the federal half doesn’t accumulate interest, and provincial only does after 12 months post-graduation.

Settling in Aberdeen

Moving and living in Aberdeen itself is actually really nice once you get adjusted! I found that the most important things to set up are housing, a bank account, a cellular plan and a bus pass (if that’s your preferred travel method).

Searching for a room/flat rental is quite the same as back home. The main difference is their version of Kijiji (which does not exist in Scotland) is called SpareRoom. Otherwise, Facebook groups like RGU:Move, and Marketplace are excellent sources. This is how I found my current flat!

Student accommodation is also a convenient option if you find yourself wanting more immersion in the student lifestyle. Compared to most major cities (in Canada and Scotland) Aberdeen is quite affordable.

When applying for a bank account, do be aware that you need a UK address to put down when signing up. If you have temporary accommodation when doing this, you can change things after the fact when your account is established.

Conclusion

Now, I don’t want to explain this like it’s some easy breezy process. Moving is hard; moving to become an international student is even harder! Just know that if you take this one day at a time and recognize a lot of little steps are necessary to make big things happen you will get there in the end.

I have found many Canadians coming to RGU as students, so know that you won’t be alone in navigating things once you arrive. I was beyond anxious my first week here. Now, I’m amazed just how at home I feel.

I’ll leave you with a few pictures from my time in and around Aberdeen.