Building a Support Network at RGU

Starting your university journey comes with its fair share of mixed feelings. You arrive on campus, maybe with a little bit of anxiety, wondering “How am I going to make friends?”. RGU alumnus Paa shares his story and gives you tips on how to grow your network at university, even if you’re new to Scotland and Aberdeen!

My experience starting at RGU not knowing anyone

My name is Paa Akyeampong, and I have recently graduated from RGU with a master’s in International Business Management. When I first started at RGU in September 2023, I didn’t know a single soul. I was new to Aberdeen, new to the campus, and even new to the country. Honestly, I was not sure how I was going to find “My Vibe”. But now, in just a little over a year later, I walk through campus and see familiar faces everywhere and yes, I found “My Vibe” too.

I have built a huge network that cuts across different courses, year groups, staff, prospecting students, their parents and even mentors! And it all started with me simply putting myself out there. Now I will share with you how I, an international student all the way from Accra, Ghana, went from being “the new one” to someone who feels right at home.

In the early days, I pushed myself to attend everything: from Welcome Week activities, to course inductions and random socials. Trust me, it felt awkward at the beginning, but suddenly those early “hellos” turned into private group chats, weekend hangouts and catchups, and then into lasting friendships. Here are a few of the things I have been doing to grow network:

Class Representative for my Cohort

I served as a Class Rep for the MSc. International Business Management September 2023 cohort. This role did not only connect me with my lecturers and course mates, it also connected me with the University’s wider academic community. I was not just attending lectures and tutorials; I was also representing my colleagues (most of them older than me) and voicing our ideas and concerns during Student Voice and Annual General Meeting organised by the Students’ Union. This made me feel a part of something very big and important.

Student Ambassador

Becoming a Student Ambassador opened so many doors for me. I was able to lead campus and accommodation tours, write blogs, make multimedia content, assist during university events such as Northern Light, Open Days, and Discovery Days just to list a few. I have met prospective students, their parents, staff, and fellow ambassadors who all contribute to my unique experience, and I have also had the privilege of representing the University at the UCAS admission workshop. These events have developed me personally and professionally.

Running for Student President Elections 24/25

One of the boldest and most rewarding steps I have taken was running for Student President. Even though I did not win, the whole experience was priceless as this was not just about holding a title, but putting myself out there. I believed in my ideas, and I showed everybody what I really stood for. The campaigning process connected me with students I might never have crossed paths with otherwise.

From crafting my campaign message to communicating it, I have build meaningful connections in the process. The journey pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me the relevance of time management, active listening, effective public speaking and a resilient mind.

Freshers’ Team Lead for the Students’ Union

During Freshers’ Week 2024, I served as a Team Lead for RGU:Union’s Freshers’ team. Our job sounded simple but was very difficult. We had to make new students feel welcomed, included, and excited about their RGU journey. From training workshops, to event planning, to guiding new students around, we were one of the first faces they saw when they arrived.

I developed my communication skills, my ability to work within a team, to lead strategically and to empathise when necessary. This role also taught me the importance of showing up for others, to be benevolent and to help others feel at home even in unfamiliar environment. I met so many incredible people during that week.

Ghanaian Society & Supper Clubs

I joined the Ghanaian Society when I arrived at RGU to feel a sense of community. Being far from Ghana comes with its own challenges, but the society connected me with fellow Ghanaians I understood, could relate to, and could celebrate with. From the food, to the music, to the people, it all reminded me that even in a new country, I still had Ghana with me.

It was not only about reconnecting with Ghana but also to discover new cultures. Through RGU:Union’s Supper Club, I was able to try different foods from the diverse cultures we have here on campus. There is something amazing about how food breaks down barriers, conversations flow easier and friendships are formed quickly. Both platforms gave me what I believe every new student is yearning for: the ability to “to fit in”.

What I’ve learned

Reflecting on the past year and a half, all these roles and experiences have not only help me build a huge network, but have also helped me grow significantly. I have gained confidence, developed my leadership skills, and learned how to connect with people.

If you are a new student, this is my unsolicited advice to you: Get involved! Say yes! Be visible! Be curious! Join a club or society, volunteer for an event, or say hi to someone new in your class and you will be surprised what this small step may lead to.

So yes! I came to RGU not knowing anyone. And now, I am a part of something so beautiful and so vibrant which evolves constantly. Welcome to the family!

Paa

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