UniHomes guide to

Aberdeen

Uni Life in Aberdeen

Aberdeen student life​ can be a unique and memorable experience for all. This historic port city is situated in the north-east of Scotland and is the third most populous in the country (following Glasgow and Edinburgh). Aberdeen, also known as the Granite City, is home to two reputable institutions: the University of Aberdeen and the more modern Robert Gordon University. This makes it no surprise that the city welcomes over 30,000 students to its streets each year.
The popular area for student living here is the city centre, although Rosemount is also sought after for its central location and friendly community feel. The city itself is generally easy to navigate, with a compact and walkable city centre, as well as an extensive bus network.

Key reasons to study in Aberdeen

  • 1
    Safe yet spectacular nightlife

    Aberdeen is proud to be a Purple Flag holder, meaning its night scene is celebrated as safe yet vibrant. You’ll find lively Wednesday student nights at Arcadia and Aura, but if you’re after something quieter, you won’t be short of pubs either. Ninety-NineKrakatoa and Ma Cameron’s are also must-visit spots, although there are plenty more Aberdeen nights out to explore!

  • 2
    A coastal lifestyle

    If you’ve not grown up near the coast, Aberdeen will certainly feel extra special. The most obvious spot to visit is the mile-long Aberdeen Beach, perfect for the third semester when the weather starts to warm up. Additionally, there are plenty of coastal villages with rich maritime histories to visit, including Footdee, or you could try your hand at a variety of activities, from surfing to sailing.

  • 3
    Affordability

    Aberdeen is often celebrated as an affordable city for students, featuring lower accommodation costs than Edinburgh, London, and other major UK cities. There’s also a bunch of cheap eats and bar spots, where a student discount will be your saviour.

  • 4
    Green surroundings

    Aberdeen has won the Britain in Bloom award more than a staggering ten times. Here, you can kick back and relax in a variety of stunning green spaces, including the Union Terrace Gardens, Duthie Park, and Seaton Park. It’s the perfect way to take a break from your assignments!

  • 5
    Free things to do

    Whilst this city is known for being affordable, sometimes, you don’t have to spend a penny at all. Aside from all Aberdeen’s magnificent green spaces, you can access the Aberdeen Art Gallery, look at the Maritime Museum, and explore Old Aberdeen entirely free of charge! This is sure to help keep your student budget on track.

  • 6
    Historic and cultural experiences

    Aberdeen is rich with history and culture, perfect for arts students, with the medieval district, Old Aberdeen, containing top sights like King’s College and St Machar’s Cathedral. There are also plenty of museums to discover here, with places like the Tolbooth Museum and the Gordon Highlanders Museum offering new learning opportunities.

Aberdeen is rich with history and culture (perfect for arts students!), with the medieval district, Old Aberdeen, containing top sights like King’s College and St Machar’s Cathedral.

UniHomes City Guide

Universities in Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen

Picture of University of Aberdeen

Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is an ancient institution home to over 14,000 students and more than 130 different nationalities.

Robert Gordon University

Picture of Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University is a modern institution renowned for its high graduate employability and strong industry links. It is home to more than 15,000 students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Student life in Aberdeen is known for being safe yet vibrant, featuring a rich history, culture, and plenty of nightlife to get stuck into. There are also more than 200 societies and sports clubs at the University of Aberdeen, making it super easy to get involved in something you're passionate about.

The city centre is a top pick for students, although the surrounding areas, including Rosemount, Garthdee, and Ferryhill, are also popular due to their affordability and friendly vibes.

Absolutely! The city holds Purple Flag Status, so you can rest assured that Aberdeen's streets are not only safe but also vibrant. Explore the best student nights out in Aberdeen.

You can often find students studying in the university libraries, although the city centre cafés are also a hit. Check out Fable and Union Brew for your next caffeine fix!

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