Life in Aberdeen

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Life in Aberdeen

Lonely Planet guide -  Aberdeen - studying in the Silver cityThe city of Aberdeen truly has something for everyone - from the bustling city centre of Europe's energy capital to the superb countryside and coastline in an area rich in historic and natural interest.

Students describe Aberdeen as having an unrivalled social scene, which caters for all tastes in arts, culture, leisure and entertainment. Communication and travel links are excellent, which means getting around the rest of Scotland and the UK is easy.

The University of Aberdeen has teamed up with the Lonely Planet to create an exclusive new travel guide and iPhone app showcasing all that the Granite City has to offer students:

Did you know that there's a great range of wildlife in and around Aberdeen just waiting to be discovered? We have created this PDF to showcase what the local area has to offer. From picturesque parks and rivers, to beaches and mountains, we've got it all!


Find out more about Undergraduate study at Aberdeen on the central University web pages.

Student Profiles

Hear about life in Aberdeen from some of our current students:

Andrea de Costa - BSc Biology

What are lectures like?

AndreaLectures are very informative and helpful. All lecturers welcome ideas and questions which is helpful for the other students. The slides will usually have all the major points on them and then these are uploaded onto MyAberdeen, which is an interactive website for all our courses.

What's the best thing about Aberdeen?

I would say the best thing is the fact everything is so close to each other. Getting around the city is just so easy. As well as this, Aberdeen has a student city feel to it; it has great nightlife and a good shopping centre. The beach is also great to go to on sunny days.

What is living in student accommodation like?

Living in student accommodation is the best experience and you'll never want to leave! It gives you the chance to meet lots of new people of the same age who are also starting out at university. Student accommodation is always in great locations as well, so it means that town and campus won't be too far away.

What three words would you use to describe Aberdeen?

Welcoming, exciting and friendly.


Catriona Laird - BSc Conservation Biology

Why did you choose to study BSc Conservation Biology?

Aberdeen is one of only two Scottish Universities to offer this degree.

What do you enjoy most about your degree?

The end of year field trips; they are the best way to meet friends in similar degrees and to get to know your lecturers!

What are your plans after graduation?

I would love to travel or undertake an MA; possibly in Sustainable Development.

How easy is it to get home?

Very easy! Aberdeen is well connected by bus, train and plane.

Are you a member of any clubs or societies?

Dance Society, Yoga Society & the Conservation Society.

What three words would you use to describe Aberdeen?

Welcoming, impressive & supportive.


Jim Fredrickson - BSc Plant and Soil Science

What are your plans after graduation?

studentMy current plans after graduation are to go back to America and pursue postgraduate education to the PhD level. Then I plan on eventually getting a job at a university and doing some combination of research and teaching.

What is the weather like in Aberdeen?

The weather is not as bad as you would expect and not as bad as people make it out to be. Aberdonians love to whinge about the weather. It does not rain as much as one might expect and it is frequently ranked as one of the sunniest cities in the UK (for what that's worth).

What is living in student accommodation like?

Living in halls for your first year is essential to a normal uni experience. And it is super essential if you don't know anyone when arriving as I didn't. It helps you to make friends and get used to living life without your parents. It provides a year of transition and learning before you go out and really fend for yourself.