If you are thinking of moving to Aberdeen to study but not quite sure what Aberdeen is like or what it has to offer this blog is here to prove that Aberdeen is student friendly.
We’ve compiled a list of 8 things you need to know before coming to study in Aberdeen in one handy list. Let us help you get ahead of the game and feel like a local in our city.
1. How To Get From A to B in Aberdeen
Bus
Two words, First Bus. The number 1 and 2 are the routes that will take you directly to the campus. These buses require the exact fare in change but they also take contactless payments. In the digital age, they now have an app where you can purchase day tickets, term tickets and an academic year ticket depending on how often your classes are. Also, if you’re too nervous about losing your phone like me there is always a paper-based bus pass available at their shop on Union Street or at Robert Gordon University.
Train
Aberdeen has excellent rail services, connecting us to the rest of the UK. Students can always apply for a 16-25 Rail Card which offers cheaper fares across the country for weekend trips away.
Plane
Aberdeen International Airport is based a few miles outside of the centre of Aberdeen. The airport offers domestic and international flights so you are never too far from an adventure here.
2. For the Night Owls
There are so many different places you can visit on a night out. Aberdeen has a variety of different bars, clubs, and venues. Belmont Street, which is located in the city centre hosts an array of different bars you can visit ranging from cocktail bars to Irish pubs.
There are also three different casino’s you can visit if you prefer that sort of venue, or if you just don’t want the night to end. The Grosvenor Casino is open 24 hours so your night out might never end.
3. No Money, No Problem
Scottish and European students are in luck, you don’t need to pay tuition fees. If you’re thinking of studying in Scotland then why not come up to Aberdeen.
For those students coming from the rest of the UK and Internationally, course fees can vary but if you check out university websites they usually state the cost. You can apply for student loans to help cover the cost.
4.Great Acts, Great Venues
Aberdeen has a great mix of entertainment venues. His Majesty’s Theatre, which is located in the city centre is one of the oldest theatre’s in north-east Scotland. The stage provides musical theatre, panto performances, stage plays and even the ballet and opera.
The Lemon Tree provides live music and comedy entertainment on a smaller scale. Whereas, the AECC (Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre) accommodate concerts, comedy shows, trade exhibitions, and live sporting events. The centre hosts over 600 events each year.
5. Shop ‘til you Drop
Students loans are meant to be spent and clothes and shoes are essential items. Aberdeen has a variety of shops to suit your needs. Union Square, Union Street, Bon Accord and Trinity Shopping Centre – no matter what shops you like, one of these shopping centre’s is bound to have something you like.
Plus a lot of shops offer student discount, ranging from 10-40% so it would be a crime not to take advantage.
6. A Place To Rest Your Head
There are three options for you to choose from. One, student accommodation which you apply for through the university. Although, this is quite competitive so it’s better to apply sooner rather than later. Two, Unite Student. An accommodation service for students which you can apply for too. The accept students at any stage of their degree. Three, privately owned accommodation. This means you have the chance to seek out your own accommodation through a letting agency or through a landlord without having to go through the university.
There are so many great places to live in Aberdeen. By the beach, in the city centre or even just outside the city for a bit more peace and quiet. The choice is yours.
7. The Great Outdoors
Aberdeen has so much to do outside. It may be known as the Granite city but there is plenty of green and sand about to keep you occupied. In a large city there is a lot of things for you to explore. At the end of the beach boulevard, there is a small fishing village called Footdee or known by the locals at “Fittie”. It is a lovely walk, there is so much to see.
There is also a wonderful 44-acre park called Duthie Park, which is a must! They also host events throughout the year too.
8. Sport
If watching sport or participating in sport is on your to-do list then have no fear, Aberdeen has you covered. Home to “The Dons”, Pittodrie Stadium hosts Aberdeen Football Club’s matches. So you can stand free with the rest of the supporters.
There is golf available, a vast amount of indoor gyms, swimming pools and there is even an ice-rink. No matter what type of sport takes your interest, Aberdeen is the place to be.
And there you have it, 8 interesting things to know about studying in Aberdeen. Hopefully, this list has helped you find out a little more about life in Aberdeen. If you’re still debating what course you want to study, then check out our previous blog by Sarah and find out why she choose to continue studying at RGU.