University of Aberdeen Blog

We have a range of postgraduate courses and funding available for a January 2008 start, visit www.abdn.ac.uk/january for details

The start of term is always a hectic time. This largely explains the general tardiness in my latest blog entry and the fact that, for the very first time, I have recently moved out of home. But the tales of purchasing napkins and fridges will have to wait for another time.

September saw the start of the most thrilling week in the year. Alas, it was not the start of X-Factor (though this also thrilled me) but Freshers’ Week.

Freshers’ Week, for those not in the know, is the first week of term for our new students - “Freshers” as we endearingly call them. It’s the exciting week when the new students move into their halls of residence, register for classes, meet tutors, pick up their shiny student ID cards and become accustomed to all the exciting societies and clubs the students’ association has to offer.

Now, I hear what you are thinking. You’re not a Fresher. You are, in fact, a postgraduate student? This doesn’t matter. You will learn that Freshers’ week is intended as an induction for all of our new students, and it provides just as much entertainment and joy to the returning ones.

Throughout the week we have a whole schedule of events to keep you all entertained, from the societies and sports fayres, pub quizzes and nights out, to trips to find the Loch Ness monster! The general rule is just to have fun and meet lots of new people. Because that is, at the end of the day, one of the best parts of Freshers’ Week. It’s just the start of your life as a student and we want it to be as fun and enjoyable as possible. And I am sure you will agree that you do too! The best piece of advice I can give you for your ENTIRE student life is to meet people (and work hard too!). Join clubs and societies. Socialise in halls. Attend the Freshers’ Week events and visit the Students’ Union.

Because when you’re in the library at 3am finishing your dissertation 9 hours prior to its hand in time, you’ll want as many people to bring you Haribo as you can get!

Nick

A new survey has named Aberdeenshire as the area with the best quality of life in Scotland 2007. Aberdeenshire was found to have one of the highest life expectancies and low crime rates. The survey also revealed that Aberdeen has the most hours of sunshine in Scotland, alongside Dundee, so don’t forget to bring your sunglasses! To learn more, visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/7048491.stm

It’s reassuring to know that all that hard work at University will pay off, with graduates from the University of Aberdeen enjoying the highest average graduate starting salaries in Scotland, as ranked by the Sunday Times University Guide. The University has a proven track record in helping students secure that all-important first step on the career ladder, with 97% of graduates entering into work or further study within 6 months of graduating. WOOHOO!!!!

The Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) has announced the shortlist for awards which will recognise and celebrate the achievements of UK universities and the academics who work in them.

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to be shortlisted for two awards:

• Business Initiative of the Year
• Outstanding Contribution to Leadership Development

Being shortlisted for two awards reinforces our position as one of the leading universities in the UK with ambitious plans for the future of our students.

For more information visit
www.abdn.ac.uk/mediareleases/release.php?id=1079

A date for your diaries! Our 2007 Postgraduate Open Day will take place on Wednesday 14th November and will give prospective students the opportunity to talk to our academics and support staff about both research and taught postgraduate opportunities at the University of Aberdeen. For further information and to book your place visit www.abdn.ac.uk/pgopenday