Starting university can be daunting – a new chapter in life with new people to meet and new challenges ahead.
But for Aberdeen brothers, Gregg and Grant Signorini, the other was close at hand to ease the first day nerves.
Gregg, 25, and his 23-year-old brother, who both live at Bridge of Don, started similar courses on the same day five years ago and were in the same classes for two years.
Yesterday, the pair graduated on the same day – Gregg with a masters in civil and structural engineering and Grant a masters in engineering – and both even clinched first class degrees.
The brothers said their experience had made them much closer and they would not have wanted it any other way.
“Having your brother doing the same studies was a good motivator,” said Grant.
“Spending five years together at university has definitely brought us closer together and it’s nice for our family that we are graduating on the same day.”
Gregg added: “It was good when it came to the exams – we could help each other out.
“Our family are definitely proud.”
The pair have no intention of going their separate ways just yet, as they plan on travelling across the USA before starting work in September.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating in Las Vegas and LA,” said Grant.
“A lot of celebrating will be done this week too.”