BSc Archaeology
Four years ago I came to Scotland for my holidays and I rapidly fell in love with Scottish culture, history, breath-taking landscapes and the friendliest of all people. This is precisely when I decided that I want to live and study here.
When I first came to Aberdeen, I knew this is an ideal place for me to study. Yes, the city is not big but because of that one doesn’t get lost in the crowd of unfamiliar faces. Also, despite its size, Aberdeen offers a great range of entertainments and opportunities to relax after a long day at school. Cinemas, theatre, cafes, pubs, restaurants, or, for those who seek some serenity, long strolls on the beach and relaxing lunches in the one of Aberdeen’s countless parks give one a chance to unwind and meet new people.
I knew where I want to study and I had no doubts what I want to study. When I look back in time, it seems that archaeology was always a vital part of my life. For my birthdays I did not want to get Barbie dolls or Lego, I wanted books like “Graves, mummies and ancient places”. For my holidays I did not want to lie down on the beach or bathe in the sea, I wanted to visit foreign places, explore museums and see the ruins. Through years, my major interests varied from dinosaurs to ancient Egypt, then back to prehistory, then to medieval times, from there to early Christianity, next to the Celts and Vikings, after that to the Roman Empire. Studying archaeology in Aberdeen helped me to focus on one area of my interest- Viking Age. On top of that I was given an opportunity to learn Old Norse which compliments my studies wonderfully. Also, I had a chance to excavate in Iceland and I’m coming back there this year. I love the fact that we don’t just learn by reading, but also by attending practical classes (such as flint knapping and pottery), visiting museums and archaeological sites and getting hands-on experience in the excavations and fieldworks projects in the summer.
Moreover, the University of Aberdeen isn’t only about studying as it also spoils one for choice with a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, events, societies and sport clubs. For example, I was able to meet famous film makers (such as Guy Hamilton) by attending “Director’s Cut” at the university. And this only a tip of an iceberg when it comes to fun one can expect while studying in Aberdeen.