Simba Biti became such a hit as a 'virtual campus tour guide' for the University of Aberdeen that when a prospective international student visited, they asked for him to lead the tour in person.
In-between becoming an internet sensation, Simba has crammed in a host of extra-curricular activities whilst also completing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, which he will graduate with next week.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Simba grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. His interest in the University of Aberdeen stemmed from a desire to study overseas and learn in a new environment.
Simba has also excelled in his role as a Student Ambassador, working with the Student Recruitment team, providing live Facebook campus tours and delivering talks in local schools.
Simba said: “I saw the opportunity to become a Student Ambassador as a natural step after doing a similar role as a PR representative at school in South Africa.”
Head of UK Recruitment at the University of Aberdeen, Helena Ziegler said: “Simba has epitomised what it means to be a Student Ambassador at Aberdeen – friendly, helpful, willing to share his student experience, and all done with a smile.
“An overseas visitor recently booked an on-campus tour, and specifically asked if Simba could host them as they had seen his Facebook Live tour and were so impressed! That says it all.
“We will be sure to recommend him to the Alumni Office as we know he will continue to be a great ambassador for the University.”
In addition to his Student Ambassador work Simba has been involved in playing rugby for the Aberdeen Medics rugby team and volunteering for the local Junction Church group ‘Red Frogs’.
Simba explained: “I enjoy staying active and using the gym at Aberdeen Sports Village, alongside occasionally playing Rugby for the Medics. This has been a great way to let off steam and bring together students from both the Foresterhill and Old Aberdeen campuses.
“The Red Frogs are a student support group that was founded in Australia and spread to regions such as the UK, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. Its main focus is to provide a positive peer presence to young people.” The group hand out water in local nightclubs and run food and music events.
Following graduation, Simba is set to stay in Aberdeen and complete a Doctoral Training PhD as part of the Leverhulme Trust scholarship project in ‘Microwave-assisted pre-treatment for the cost-effective anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic substrates’.
Simba added: “It has been a scintillating journey so far and I want to thank my family for the support and the academic faculty, my co-workers and the students at the University of Aberdeen for a memorable university experience so far! I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my studies in Aberdeen.”