Deborah and Esther on Sisterhood, Support, and Studying in Bangor

Twin sisters Deborah and Esther came from Nigeria to study at Bangor University. Deborah is pursuing a Master’s in Advanced Computer Science, while Esther is studying Business Data Analytics. For both, Bangor felt instantly familiar.

“I feel like it reminds me of home,” says Deborah. “I grew up in a calm city, and Bangor gives that same vibe. It’s a place that’s easy to adapt to, and that’s why we picked it.”

A Warm Welcome

Deborah (left) and Esther (right) fell in love with Bangor.

Even before arriving, the twins were impressed by the support they received from the university. “While we were still in Nigeria, they called every two weeks to check how our visa and registration were going,” says Deborah. Esther adds, “They also held webinars to help international students know what to expect before coming to Bangor.”

That support continued when they landed in the UK. “Someone from the university came all the way to pick us up from Manchester Airport,” Deborah says. “We didn’t have to worry about finding a taxi or anything. It was such a relief.”

Deborah and Esther quickly settled in and made friends from their very first day. “Two girls helped us find the shops and took us to Asda,” Deborah recalls. “They introduced us to the African and Caribbean Society, and from there we met so many people. Everyone was really nice.”

A Healthy, Affordable Life

Bangor’s natural setting has been especially good for Esther, who has asthma. “The air here is so clean,” she says. “I’ve only had one asthma crisis since coming here, and that was easily managed with my inhaler.”

The sisters also love how affordable the city is compared to other places in the UK. “The cost of living is really good,” Deborah explains. “You can take a taxi for around £3.60, or just walk everywhere. It’s easy to save money here.”

Family Away from Home

Studying abroad has brought the twins even closer together. “We’re blessed to have each other,” Deborah says. “A lot of people don’t have siblings here, so it makes the lonely days easier. I have family with me.”

Both plan to stay in the UK after graduation if the right opportunities come along. “It depends on where we get a job,” says Esther. Deborah adds, “If I get a job in Manchester, I might still stay in Bangor and just commute.”

Watch Deborah and Esther’s story to see how twin sisters from Nigeria found support, friendship, and a sense of home at Bangor University.