Top 8 Things to Do in Aberdeen as a Student

If you’re considering Aberdeen as your university city for the next 3+ years, it’s important to know what you’ll be doing if you live here! Located on the beautiful north east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen is the perfect place for students who are keen to have a balance between city life and nature. You’ll never be too far from the sea, the River Dee, or idyllic parks with vast green spaces. 

Offering a variety of things to do, and being home to 2 major universities, Aberdeen has a lively student community and a diverse cultural atmosphere. Aside from the cosy cafes and popular shops that line the streets, there’s so much to do in the city. We’re here to tell you exactly what’s waiting for you in Aberdeen! 

1. Visit Aberdeen Beach

Aberdeen Beach is a short walk away from the city centre. With vast coastal views, it’s always a view worth seeing. When it’s warm, head to the golden sands to sunbathe and maybe even take a dip! How about taking a beach stroll in the fresh air of the Winter months? 

2. Walk around Footdee

Footdee is a quaint historic fishing village just outside the city centre. It’s a beautiful area, small in size, and at the east end of the harbour. Its development dates back to the beginning of the 19th century meaning there are dainty cottages and cafes in cosy nooks dotted all around. It’s an idyllic area and the village is incredibly charming. It’s a great way to spend a day with friends if you want to explore somewhere new and not too far away!

3. Aberdeen Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s relationship with the sea. Featuring object displays, art exhibitions, and a range of interesting information, the museum effectively communicates how the city thrived from trading, fishing and shipbuilding. From ship plans to figureheads, there’s so much to explore in this wonderful museum. What’s more, is that it’s situated next to Aberdeen’s harbour so you can enjoy splendid views over the harbour. 

4. Have a picnic in Duthie Park

Duthie Park is a scenic destination offering expansive lawns, stunning gardens, and the indoor David Welch Winter Gardens. These gardens are the third most visited in Scotland, as well as being one of the largest indoor gardens in Europe. You can visit the park café, enjoy the boating lake, or play ball games in the open areas to enjoy a day out that won’t be far from your university accommodation. You could even take some snacks and your laptop to have a study afternoon in the nice weather! 

5. New Slains Castle

Believed to be the inspiration for Dracula, Slains Castle is a historic site of ruins. Built in 1597, New Slain Castle is often mixed up with Old Slains Castle, but both are a great day out! However, when King James VI responded to whispers of plots against him, he blew up Old Slains Castle, so there’s not much remaining today. Despite being a 40-minute drive away, Slains Castle is definitely worth the visit - especially when you take in the beautiful scenery around you on the drive. And, it’s free entry! 

6. Visit Old Aberdeen

Travel back in time and walk around the cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen. You can visit the medieval Cathedral and wander down the lanes where people lived their lives more than 500 years ago. We recommend visiting Seaton Park especially because it’s 27 hectares! The 14th-century St Machar’s Cathedral also stands strong in the Old Town, as does the early 14th-century bridge, Brig O’Balgownie. 

7. Go dolphin and whale spotting

One of the best places to see bottlenose dolphins in Europe is Aberdeen! Take advantage of living so close to these waters and sit by the lighthouse or on the beach to have a chance of spotting some. Torry Battery is the place to be to see them, especially during summer. If you’re lucky, you might even see them during feeding time! 

8. Take a trip to Edinburgh or Glasgow

Aberdeen train station has routes to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and even as far as London! Why not spend a day in Edinburgh? Explore Edinburgh Castle and climb Arthur’s Seat. Or how about a train to Glasgow to visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and a detour to Loch Lomond? Scotland has so much to offer and being in Aberdeen makes it easier to access. Adventure through the Scottish highlands or stroll along the scenic lochs for unforgettable views.  

Universities in Aberdeen 

If you're still considering which uni to study at in Scotland... 

University of Aberdeen 

The University of Aberdeen is known for its research excellence, vibrant campus life, and beautiful historic campus. Located in the coastal city of Aberdeen, students can enjoy everything the area has to offer, from dolphin spotting to trips to the Scottish highlands. The university is ranked 37th in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024, and has won awards for its teaching in science. 

Not only is it a fantastic place to study, it’s also a wonderful place to live. Explore student accommodation near University of Aberdeen to find the perfect student home for you. 

Robert Gordon University 

Robert Gordon University is ranked 2nd in Scotland and top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction and teaching quality! RGU prides itself on being a top university for employability and how students feel while studying there. Located along the River Dee, it’s positioned nicely between the Scottish country and Aberdeen’s city centre. So, if you’re a student at Robert Gordon University, you’ll never be short of things to do with the city centre being so close by. 

If you’re searching for student accommodation near Robert Gordon University, you can find a wide variety of housing options (from 10-bedroom houses to studio flats) online at UniHomes. 

How UniHomes Can Help

At UniHomes, we value a student experience that is hassle and stress-free, especially when it comes to student accommodation. Setting up utility accounts and devising your bills with housemates is not an easy task - that’s why we’re here to do it for you. Every home we advertise on our website comes with all bills included, so with UniHomes, you 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 surprises around the corner. Plus, your energy bills are uncapped so you can responsibly use the gas and electric that you need. We’re here so that you can enjoy your time at university in Aberdeen to the fullest! Make student living easy and choose UniHomes. 

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