My first couple of days in Aberdeen were spent exploring this beautiful city. I took several hours walking and looking at the buildings though, in my experience, I wouldn’t recommend eating outside as the seagulls will mug you for a couple of carbs. However, my exploration took me to a lot of places I already knew existed as well as those that were new to me, which gave me time to think, relax and have fun whilst getting the hang of my surroundings. I found myself on the beach where I watched as the waves crashed upon the shore line, then walked the length of the beach which was incredible because you could see so much.
As my course starts earlier than most, getting the time before freshers was well worth it. Within these first couple of days I took the time to go the carnival, beach, cinema, and various other places which I came across whilst exploring. However, this exploration gave me time to think about where I was and how I got here, giving me both the time to understand and to appreciate my position.
First though, let me explain my position; you see, I am studying pre-medical sciences which is a foundation year leading to medicine if I am successful. How I got here was not because I didn’t work or because I wasn’t smart enough, but because of a series of unfortunate accidents. The purpose of me telling you this is not to promote that I am smart or that I was “robbed” of my chance to shine but in fact the opposite, you see I mention this to promote the fact that Aberdeen University’s G2M (Gateway To Medicine) course allows those that may be a little more disadvantaged or have had complications to have another chance to shine, to be their best selves and for this reason I am appreciative of how lucky I am. The course is on its second year of running and, due to the fact that the places for the course were very limited to the point that there are only around 20 people enrolled, this just increases my understanding of how lucky I am, and if that isn’t sufficient enough evidence of how beneficial this course is and how it gave me a second chance to achieving my dream, know that the free accommodation granted to students enrolling in this course isn’t too bad an incentive either.
So, in conclusion, there are lots of things to do and look at in this beautiful city whether you are currently studying here or are planning to do so, though whatever you do plan on studying in my opinion is worth it with this great city and university.
Liam, G2M student
