A-Z of Things to Do in Aberdeen as a Student

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Looking for 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 northeast 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 two 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!

Top things to do in Aberdeen

A is for Aberdeen Art Gallery

Fancy yourself as a bit of a cultural buff? If so, your first stop should be the art gallery here, which is packed with contemporary creations. Located in the city centre on Schoolhill, this activity isn’t just easy to get to, but it’s also free of charge!

B is for 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?

C is for Cruickshank Botanic Garden

Right on the university’s King’s College Campus, Cruickshank Botanic Garden is perfectly placed for a stroll or sunbathing in the warmer months. Here, you can visit a Herbarium and spot rare plants when you’re not stuck in lectures!

D is for Duthie Park

Dunthie 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! 

E is for Excursions 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.

F is for 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!

G is for Gordon Highlanders Museum

The Gordon Highlanders Museum is a good rainy-day out. You can view 200 years of the army regiment’s history here, from weaponry to uniforms. There’s also a café and gift shop, so you can make more of a day of it. And don’t forget – you can get a student discount here…

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H is for Hazlehead Park

Found on the outskirts of Aberdeen, Hazlehead Park is a good shout for a sunny day, complete with picnic tables, toilet facilities, and many a walking track. This green space is 180 hectares in size, so you’re sure to get your steps in here.

I is for Ice Cream

As Aberdeen is a coastal city, its ice cream does not disappoint. If you’re craving a sweet treat, give Mackie’s 19.2 in Castlegate or Crolla’s Gelateria in Rosemount a try. It’s the perfect reward after completing a uni assignment!

J is for Johnston Gardens

If you’re looking for something smaller than Hazlehead Park or simply a more intimate date spot, Johnston Gardens could be the answer. As a multiple-time winner of Britain in Bloom, it’s an Instagrammable little place, complete with streams, ponds, and even a charming little bridge.

K is for Kirkhill Forest

If you’re a bit of a hiker and looking for a free activity, this one’s for you. You’ll find Kirkhill Forest to the northwest of Aberdeen, and it’ll make for a great day out if you drive (free parking, anyone?). The area’s popular for running, walking, and mountain biking, so take your pick.

L is for Lynx Ice Hockey

Lynx is the home of ice hockey and the perfect place to catch a match if you follow the Scottish National League. The crowds are as energetic as they come, and you can easily access the arena on the Aberdeen Beach Promenade. When you’re not watching matches, you can jump on the ice yourself for a bit of ice skating.

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M is for 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, it’s situated next to Aberdeen’s harbour so you can enjoy splendid views over the harbour. 

N is for New Slains Castle

Believed to be the inspiration for Dracula, Slains Castle is a historic site of ruins. Built in 1597, New Slains 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!

O is for 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.

P is for Provost Skene’s House

Known as the oldest surviving townhouse in Aberdeen, Provost Skene’s House is a museum which celebrates the achievements of people across the city and northeast Scotland. There are multiple themed rooms and interactive displays to explore, all free of charge.

Q is for Queen Vic

The Queen Vic pub is a great student staple found in Rosemount. It has plenty going on, including the latest World Cup matches, making it a great place to let your hair down after a day of lectures. There’s said to be a great selection of drinks and even free Wifi, although you can check out more student nights to keep the party going.

R is for Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University is ranked 1st in Scotland for graduate prospects! 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 countryside 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.

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S is for St Machar’s Cathedral

St Machar’s Cathedral is another great free thing to do in Aberdeen. Found just north of the city centre, this historic building is great for wandering around on a rainy weekend, and you can even pay the gift shop a visit for a souvenir or two.

T is for Torry Battery

Constructed between 1857 and 1860, Torry Battery is a historic artillery fortification with spectacular coastal views. From here, you can walk to Greyhope Bay and grab your caffeine fix. It’s also a great place to head for dolphin watching…

Seek accommodation in Torry to be close to all the action.

U is for 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 32nd in the Complete University Guide 2026/27 rankings, and has won awards for its teaching in science.

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

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V is for Venga

Ready to get your dancing shoes on? If you’re searching for a fun thing to do in Aberdeen at night, pay a visit to the retro Club Tropicana & Venga, where you can enjoy 80s hits in Club Tropicana and 90s tunes in Venga.

W is for Whale Spotting

One of the best places to see whales or 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!

X is for Xmas Festivities

Aberdeen hosts an annual Christmas craft market and Christmas Village, perfect for getting into the spirit. They start in mid-November and run through Advent on Marischal Square and Broad Street, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pick up your Secret Santa gift or enjoy a cosy date.

Y is for Yoga

Yoga Society at the university could be the place for you if you want to look after your mental and physical wellbeing whilst meeting like-minded folks. There are biweekly sessions for this group at Aberdeen Sports Village, although there are a handful of independent studios if you can’t make these.

Z is for Zera

Zera is a cute café right by Aberdeen’s beachfront – you couldn’t be in a much better location! Breakfast and lunch options are served throughout the day, and it’s even dog-friendly, so you may be able to spot a pooch or two.

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Sorted your Aberdeen activities? Sort your accommodation!

At UniHomes, we value a stress-free student experience, especially when it comes to student accommodation. Setting up utility accounts and dividing 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 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 electricity that you need. We’re here so that you can enjoy your time at university in Aberdeen to the fullest!

Now that you have an idea of the fun things to do in Aberdeen, take a look at student houses in Aberdeen - all with bills included.