For Sai Satyam Sidharth coming to Aberdeen felt like experiencing the world in one small city.
The 25-year-old from India had always wanted to study abroad but was unsure where his childhood dream would take him until he experienced the ‘cozy and friendly vibe’ on offer at the University, which he says made him feel at home immediately.
Now graduating with an MSc in International Relations he found settling into a new country and a new academic challenge much easier than he had anticipated.
“Coming from a small place in the east of India, one that even many Indians have never heard of, I was not sure what it would be like to move abroad all on my own,” he said. “I thought it might be difficult to settle into a completely new city, but honestly, it turned out to be fun and full of learning moments. “One of the highlights for me has been the people I met. As an international student, I was glad to not only meet other Indians but also to befriend people from all around the world. Getting to know their cultures, sharing stories, and being part of their celebrations made me feel connected in ways I never expected. It was like experiencing the world in one city.”
International Relations also proved the right choice. Sai was drawn to it through a curiosity about how the world works, why countries act the way they do, and how politics, culture, and people all connect.
He said: “I did not just want to read about these things, I wanted to study them in depth and develop my own perspective. The course at Aberdeen gave me exactly that. It pushed me to think critically but also gave me space to have real conversations instead of just lectures, which made the whole experience feel alive and meaningful.
“My experience at the University of Aberdeen has been nothing short of amazing.”
Receiving his Masters degree from Aberdeen is the culmination of a childhood dream and he adds: “There is a quote that comes to mind: we worry about life so much that we often forget we have already fulfilled some of our childhood dreams without even realising it. That is exactly how I feel right now. Studying abroad was something I used to imagine when I was younger, and living through it has been such a special chapter of my life.”
But there was one thing Sai hadn’t quite anticipated – the Aberdeen weather. “Nobody warned me that the city could give you sunshine, sideways rain, and gusty winds all in the same day. At first, it was confusing, but eventually I found it funny and part of the city’s charm.
“The best part was that I got to see snow for the very first time in my life. That moment was unforgettable, and even with all the unpredictability of the weather, I truly enjoyed it.
“Overall, my time at Aberdeen has been filled with friendships, cultural exchange, and academic growth. It has been a journey I will always carry with me both personally and professionally.”