The best student nights out in Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a beautiful port city on the east of Scotland, boasting some cracking coastline, stunning scenery and a whole load of granite. Yes, it’s known as the Granite City because of the huge amount of grey stone buildings that line its streets, making it a really striking place to study. The University of Aberdeen only adds to the beauty of it all, so get ready to pack your grid with lots of posts guaranteed to make your mates jealous.  

Away from the 14th Century campus, the city also offers a great range of nights out to stop the risk of ever getting thirsty. So, without further delay, let’s get our gladrags on and start discovering Aberdeen.  

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First, a little note about Purple Flags 

A Purple Flag is awarded to a city that provides extra safety measures on nights out. Aberdeen has won one for 11 years in a row, making it a record-breaking, welcoming and, ultimately, very safe place to enjoy yourself. Well done, Aberdeen. Now for the pubs… 

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CASC 

We can’t talk about Scottish nightlife without talking about whisky. CASC is Aberdeen’s dedicated whisky-drinking watering hole, providing a staggering 500 variations, and a huge selection of craft beer for those who prefer a lighter percentage. The staff there are specialist experts at what they do, and although it's on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth a visit at least once during your time in the city. There’s even a shop so you can take a tipple home, making you very popular with your flatmates. 

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The Tunnels 

You might not expect the words ‘underground rave’ when you head to Aberdeen, but then it is a city full of surprises. The Tunnels deliver exactly what they promise - two tunnels beneath the city, packed with top global DJs entertaining up to 500 people at a time. It’s an unforgettable party that’ll leave you with memories that'll last a lifetime. We wouldn't advise this one if you have a 9am start the next day! 

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Ma Cameron’s 

The oldest pub in Aberdeen, Ma Cameron’s has been a huge hit with students ever since it opened in 1746. It’s not changed a great deal since its days as a coaching inn, but while it maintains its historical charm, the bar offers a great range of more modern drinks, with regular live sports, music and quizzes making it an ideal spot for a quick drink or a daytime session.  

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The Blue Lamp 

Beer, music and comedy sounds like a pretty perfect mix to us, and The Blue Lamp offers it all and more. It was named the UK’s Jazz Venue of the Year in 2023, but it also plays host to a load of great local and national acts, offering something for every ear. If you’re looking for a special spot to settle in for an evening, look no further.  

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BrewDog 

The international beer giant has its roots in Aberdeen, with its main brewery in Ellon, just outside the city. While that's a great claim to fame, what’s even better is its on-site tap room. The DogTap lets you try all of the brand’s latest creations straight from the barrel, while the four BrewDog venues in the city serve up all their classics, along with plenty of good pub food and games. You could, in theory, spend your entire time studying here and never drink anywhere else. We can’t recommend you do that for medical reasons, but you could, if you really wanted to. 

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Ninety-Nine Bar 

Cocktails and cobbled streets don’t always mix that well, especially if you’re wearing heels, but Ninety-Nine have made it something of a speciality. They serve up a meaningful mix of cocktails, coffees and food, so you can visit at any time of day without feeling guilty. The building is situated in one of the city’s quirkier areas, but don’t let the exterior fool you - the inside is plenty big enough to fit your entire class in. Spicy Margs all round? 

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Krakatoa 

No, we’re not suggesting you go to an Indonesian volcano while you’re in Aberdeen. If you end up there, you’ve got lost. Instead head to the Krakatoa rock bar - a truly authentic tiki bar with a menu heaving with cocktails and a specially curated selection of beers and ciders. The drinks on offer here are always changing, so no visit will ever be the same. The only thing you can guarantee is you’ll end up dancing - the live rock acts make it impossible to stay sitting down for long. 

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Find yourself at home in Aberdeen 

Looking for student accommodation in Aberdeen? We’ve got you covered. We work with a range of dedicated student estate agents in the city, making it easy for you to find exactly what you’re after. From cool little studios, to spacious apartments and townhouses, there’s something for every friendship group. The sooner you move in, the sooner you can enjoy the party.   

Alcohol products are for ages 18+ only. UniHomes promotes responsible drinking. Non-alcohol products are available at each venue.