From coastal views and green open spaces to a welcoming student community, Aberdeen offers a unique balance between city life and calm surroundings. For Keiko, Computer Science student, moving from Jakarta to study at Robert Gordon University (RGU) revealed a side of the city that goes beyond first impressions.
This blog shares how Aberdeen’s pace of life, people, and environment helped turn a new destination into a place that truly feels like home.
First Impressions: Adjusting to a Quieter City
Moving abroad had always been part of my dream. I wanted to experience a different environment, grow as a person, and challenge myself outside of my comfort zone. However, I never expected that one of the places that would shape my experience the most would be Aberdeen.
I come from Jakarta, a city that never sleeps. Jakarta is loud, vibrant, and always moving. The streets are full of people, traffic, food stalls, and constant activity. Growing up there meant being surrounded by energy all the time. Because of that, I was used to big cities and busy environments.
Before moving to Aberdeen, I had also spent time living in Dundee. Living there felt much quieter compared to Jakarta. So when I decided to move further north to study at RGU, I honestly did not know what to expect.
When I first arrived, the city felt very quiet. Coming from Jakarta, the silence felt unfamiliar. Life seemed slower, and sometimes the calmness made the city feel a little empty. At that time, I wondered if I would truly enjoy living there. But everything slowly began to change once university started.
Starting my studies at RGU brought a completely different energy into my life. Suddenly, my days were filled with lectures, coursework, and meeting new people. I began forming friendships with classmates who were also navigating university life. The campus became a place where I felt connected, and gradually, Aberdeen started to feel less unfamiliar.
What I discovered was that the beauty of Aberdeen is not in its size or how busy it is. It is in the balance it offers. Life here feels calmer and more manageable. As a student, having that balance between studying and personal life makes a huge difference. You can focus on your work while still having time to enjoy the surroundings and take care of yourself.
Finding Comfort in Community, Nature, and Student Life
Another thing that made Aberdeen special to me was the people. The community here feels welcoming and supportive. Whether it is classmates helping each other through assignments or friendly conversations with people around the city, those small interactions make the environment feel comfortable.
One of the things I grew to appreciate the most is the nature. Aberdeen has beautiful coastal views, parks, and open spaces that make everyday life feel peaceful. Sometimes a simple walk along the beach or through the city centre is enough to clear your mind after a long day of studying.
The city is also incredibly walkable, which makes daily life easier. Many places are close enough that you can simply walk rather than rely on long commutes. Compared to larger cities, Aberdeen also feels safe and more affordable, which is something many students value when living away from home.
Over time, I began to realise that what once felt unfamiliar was slowly becoming something I truly appreciated.
A City that Feels like Home
Aberdeen may not be the busiest city, but it has its own charm. The granite buildings, the coastal scenery, the welcoming people, and the calm lifestyle create a unique atmosphere that is difficult to describe until you experience it yourself.
Looking back, it is funny how places you never expected can end up becoming the ones you love the most. What started as a city I moved to for university slowly became a place that felt like home. And somewhere between the quiet streets, the seaside walks, and the friendships I built, I realised that I had completely fallen in love with Aberdeen.
Keiko Hisana