Student Experiences

Darja

I decided to study at Aberdeen because it is a prestigious institution that offers me great opportunities for my studies. The Psychology course is very student oriented and offers a great variety of perspectives on psychology which are taught by some of the leading experts in the field.

Vicky

My sister studies in England and had asked me whether I wanted to study in the UK too. Since I wasn’t that drawn to England, she suggested that I should look into Scotland. One of her good friends studied at the University of Aberdeen and told me about the great university life here. I also chose Aberdeen because it is an ancient university with a beautiful campus and because it is close to the beach (although it’s too cold to swim during term times).

Auste

My main aim was to study in Scotland, I knew that The University of Aberdeen has an amazing Psychology faculty and conducts interesting research in different areas. Once I saw the Kings College I was convinced that I want to stay here.

Darren

The Sir Duncan Rice Library is a great facility. The University itself has little nook and crannies which are quite enjoyable if you find them. The amount of internship opportunities to be found here.

Vicky

The different aspects of psychology have given me a great insight into many scientific and societal aspects of our lives and world. Although I have always considered myself more of a social scientist, I am especially enjoying the Biological Psychology classes in year 3 and got a great insight into clinical psychology when I was on my year abroad in Zurich, Switzerland.

Besides the academics, all the societies and sports teams have so much to offer. I especially enjoy going on weekend trips to the Highlands and being a member of the tennis team (on and off the court). There is truly something for everybody!

Darja

Apart from the really interesting topics of my course, by far my favourite thing about studying at a large university is that you will find people who are like you. Being in touch with so many different kinds of people from all around the world really changes you as a person – a year ago I never would have thought I’d be doing the things I do now but thanks to all the people I met I know myself so much better. No matter what your interests are- be it politics, board games or LGBT issues- there’s always a society or group with people that share these interests and help you grow as a person in your own right.

Auste

The sea is only 20 min walk from my home, if I get stressed I just go for a walk or a quick run by the sea, it is amazing. When it is sunny in Aberdeen, it is magic and lively! Everyone is happy, people sit on the grass, eat, study, sleep or play music.

Vicky

Since I enjoy being outside, I like living close to the beach and to different parks.

Darja

One of my favourite things about Aberdeen is that it is just big enough. There’s always lots of stuff to do on the weekend and thanks to all the societies there’s a lot of interesting talks and panel discussions to attend.

Darren

The fact that all sorts of cool places (bars, clubs, opportunities to maintain/start new hobbies) are within walking distance given the city’s small size.

Darja

I come from a very small town in Germany, so at first Aberdeen felt a bit like New York to me! I got used to it pretty quickly though and now I am enjoying being able to have so many leisure opportunities around me. I really love being able to be close to the beach but also have big cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh be just a few hours away. Aberdeen is a cosy city that is very welcoming and friendly for students, in my opinion.

Vicky

It was one of the best decisions I could’ve made, although I was nervous when I arrived since I didn’t know anybody. But it seems like almost everybody else is in the same boat which makes it easy to get to know people. I did have to adapt to the weather, it’s windy and rains more often than in Germany, but you get used to it.

Darja

Moving to Aberdeen was a great experience. It was the first time I left home and at first it felt very scary but I felt very welcome here in Aberdeen so the anxiety about being alone disappeared pretty quickly. Thanks to joining a society I found friends very quickly and the tutors from my course always made sure everyone felt comfortable with assignments and didn’t struggle too much.

Auste

Like a rollercoaster. Everything was new: food, climate, routine, people, even my hobbies.

Auste

Go to the fresher events (especially the food fair!), try different sports, join societies. Those are the best ways to meet new people, make connections, gain valuable skills and find something you might enjoy doing! Don’t just concentrate on studies – try to find a balance in your life.

Darren

Take a weekend to visit the city and see if it’s something you like. Be sensible about it but Aberdeen can sure be very rewarding.

Darja

Aberdeen is perfect for you if you’re coming from a small town and are a bit scared of living alone in a big city for the first time.  There’s lots of opportunities here and it’s a great place to start your independence. The university provides a tight support system so no matter what you go through there’s always someone who can listen and help you, no matter if it’s academic problems or you just feel really homesick.

Vicky

I would encourage them 100%!

Vicky

This still seems a bit up in the air. Another gap year, a master’s or starting work, are all options. Luckily I still have 2 years to figure it out, and the Career Centre is around the corner to help too.

Auste

I will probably continue studying, research is what I enjoy the most.

Darja

My plan after I graduate is to do a masters degree and a Phd. My dream is to be a lecturer and researcher in the field of social and cultural psychology.