Student Life in Aberdeen: Explore Your New City

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Welcome to Aberdeen! As one of Scotland’s loveliest cities, the student population here is vibrant and inviting. With 2 major universities being based in Aberdeen, living here whilst studying offers a friendly atmosphere with a lively cultural scene. The city accommodates to students well and we’re here to show you how it does! 

We’ve put together this essential guide to help you see everything that Aberdeen has to offer, and what you can expect from being a student in Aberdeen. Read on to see what awaits you! 

Universities in Aberdeen 

University of Aberdeen 

Founded as far back in time as 1495, the University of Aberdeen has been providing quality education for centuries. Offering over 350 undergraduate degrees, with a diverse community of over 130 nationalities, the uni is a great place to study. UCAS notes that the University of Aberdeen is 4th in the UK for overall student satisfaction! 

Situated on the North East coast of Scotland, the university not only boasts research excellence and teaching satisfaction, but a beautiful city to study in. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded students and have the opportunity to explore the Scottish culture, countryside, and coastal views. What’s not to love? 

Robert Gordon University 

Located on the outskirts of Aberdeen city, Robert Gordon University (RGU), is well-known for its high graduate employability. In the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey, RGU held a percentage of 96.5% of graduates being employed or in further study 15 months after graduation. With over 70 undergraduate programmes to choose from, as well as postgraduate and online courses available, RGU is not only a great place to study but also a wonderful place to live close to. 

Being a short journey to Aberdeen city centre, you have the luxuries of Aberdeen Beach and the Union Square shopping centre to indulge in. Find out more about what Aberdeen has to offer to students and read on! 

Things to do in Aberdeen 

Whether you’re a fan of hiking, golfing, or museums and art galleries, there’s a rich variety of activities for students in Aberdeen.  

• Museums: Well known for its fishing and shipbuilding trades, Aberdeen’s Maritime Museum recounts the history of the coastal city from as far back as 500 years ago. The Aberdeen Science Centre and The Gordon Highlanders Museum are also interesting museums to visit.

• Art galleries: Visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery for an enriching walk through 700 years worth of artwork. From local and international artists, the gallery showcases a good variety of art.

• Green space: Walk around the beautiful Duthie Park and explore the indoor gardens and boating lake for an idyllic escape from studying. It’s not technically green space but it’s certainly worth a visit - Aberdeen Beach!

• Sport: Pick up your clubs at Kings Links Golf Course, or if football is more your thing, watch an exciting game at Pittodrie Stadium and find a new favourite team. If you want to take your exercise into your own hands, head down to Aberdeen Sports Village for athletics tracks, exercise classes and a pool.

• Day trips: Take the train to Edinburgh or Glasgow for a change of scenery and enjoy a picturesque train ride through the Scottish Highlands.

You can find out what else there is to do in our latest blog: Top 8 Things To Do In Aberdeen As A Student [link to new blog]. 

Nightlife in Aberdeen 

With most of the nightclubs hosting dedicated student nights, you’ll never be short of good nights out in Aberdeen. Whether it’s a 70s and 80s theme at Club Tropicana and Venga Aberdeen, or a Saturday night at Jam Jar with popular student tunes playing into the early hours, there’s something for everyone. 

Transport in Aberdeen 

Living in Aberdeen as a student likely means that you’re going to want to get about easily and quickly! Luckily for you, Aberdeen is - for the most part - a pretty walkable city!  

If you don’t fancy walking, public transport has reliable services such as buses that run across the city, taking you along the coast and into the outskirts of town. Trains in Aberdeen are also effective when travelling to Edinburgh and Glasgow and further afield, which makes for a great day out. Alternatively, there are handy cycle routes to take, and a walk along the River Dee is a pleasant one to reach the city centre and Aberdeen Harbour. 

Shopping in Aberdeen 

No matter where you like to shop, Aberdeen has something for everyone. Whether you collect your groceries from Aldi, Tesco, or Sainsbury’s, there are supermarkets scattered across the city so you’ll never be without. 

Plus, there’s an abundance of great shopping centres. Spend a day out at Union Square, Trinity Shopping Centre, or wander down Union Street. Also, keep an eye out for the craft and vintage markets that happen every so often - you’ll find farmer’s produce, handmade crafts, and a friendly welcome from the locals. 

Living in Aberdeen as a student 

An important part of choosing where to live at uni as a student is considering how affordable the place is. According to Numbeo, Aberdeen is 24.5% less expensive than London (not including rent). An average bus ticket costs £3.25 and a coffee is £3.38. So, if you’re looking for a student city that doesn’t use up your entire student loan on basic amenities, Aberdeen’s not a bad choice! 

Aberdeen is also a great place to live as a student because it’s surrounded by nature and is home to some wonderful parks. We’ve already mentioned Duthie Park, but Seaton Park is a must-visit in the Old Town, as well as Hazlehead Park. If you enjoy marvelling at old architecture or like going on pretty walks, you have to visit Brig o’ Balgownie, a famous 14th-century bridge in a quaint setting. Aberdeen is perfect for students who love a study break in the local green spaces, a picnic in the park, a paddle in the sea, and a generally peaceful environment. 

There are plenty of cafes ideal for students to spend a day writing essays and doing research. Books and Beans is a cafe-bookshop that students in Aberdeen always recommend so be sure to check that out! You can also find Visit Scotland’s top 9 recommendations of coffee shops to try in Aberdeen! There’s certainly no shortage of good coffee here. 

Last but not least, Aberdeen of course has a wide range of well-regarded pubs and bars. You’ll find more as you get further into the centre, and you can’t go wrong with Siberia Bar’s cocktails and tasty food. 

Is Aberdeen good for students? A summary 

Known for its historic charm and coastal beauty, Aberdeen is an ideal student city that blends academic excellence with enriching student life. Whether you're into exploring museums, enjoying the green spaces like Duthie Park, or diving into the local nightlife, Aberdeen has something for everyone. Plus, with affordable living costs and easy transport options, Aberdeen makes it easy for students to enjoy their time here as a student. 

Accommodation in Aberdeen: How UniHomes Can Help 

At UniHomes, we value a student experience that is hassle and stress-free, especially when it comes to student accommodation. Moving to a new student city is an exciting prospect, especially when you don’t have to worry about your accommodation and have lots of new opportunities and places to explore! We’re here so that you can enjoy your time at university in Aberdeen to the fullest!  

Every home on our website is advertised with all bills included, so with us, you’ll make one monthly payment for both rent and utilities - and we take care of the rest! You’ll always know exactly how much you’ll pay each month with no unwanted surprises. Plus, your energy bills are uncapped so you can responsibly use the energy that you need. Make student living easy and choose UniHomes. 

Take a look at our student homes available for rent in Aberdeen - all with bills included!