If you’re thinking of going to uni in Aberdeen, you’ll be wondering what students get up to in the city. Not to worry, our list has some of the top student activities you’ll find in this classic Scottish city.
Updated: 10 Mar 2025
Studying in Aberdeen means you’ll be in one of Scotland’s most famous cities, with plenty for students to do in and around the city. With the option of the University of Aberdeen or Robert Gordon University, there’s loads of different courses and options to suit every student. If you think you’ll be heading to Aberdeen to study, our guide to the top 10 things to do for students is exactly what you need.
Good for: Hearing some great music.
What it is: A tunnel-shaped nightclub and live music venue.
Why you should go: The venue is split over two tunnels and offers a range of different music to suit everyone. You’ll find a mix of established artists and bands just starting out, so it’s a great place to see some of your favourites and discover new acts as well. It’s a fairly small venue, meaning concerts are nice and intimate.
Good for: Sunbathing!
What it is: The local beach.
Why you should go: When you’ve handed in your final essay of the year, or finished your last exam, you need to kick back, relax and celebrate. A picnic on the beach with all your mates is a great and inexpensive way to do this, and who doesn’t love an ice cream by the sea?
Good for: Fans of gothic literature.
What it is: An old castle which is said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Why you should go: Not to be confused by Old Slains Castle, or Slains Castle (a pub in an old church), New Slains Castle is a ruined castle overlooking the North Sea. While both the other Slains Castles are worth a visit, this one is the only one which is said to have inspired Dracula, and there’s more of it left to see than Old Slains Castle! The pub does, however, have a gothic theme influenced by the Dracula connection, so it’s worth a trip to both the ruins and pub if you’re a vampire fan.
Good for: A pint with your mates.
What it is: A cosy local pub with modern beer garden.
Why you should go: The snug at the front is supposedly the oldest pub in Aberdeen, and there’s even a rooftop garden if you fancy a pint in the sun. As well as drinks, the pub also offers a classic food menu with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, so there’s something for everyone here.
Good for: Exploring the local area.
What it is: A small fishing village just outside the city centre.
Why you should go: The locals are friendly, the village is beautiful and it’s always good to get out the city and explore somewhere a bit different. It’s at the east end of the harbour, about a mile from the city centre, meaning you shouldn’t have a problem getting there.
Good for: A cup of coffee.
What it is: A cute independent café.
Why you should go: Foodstory caters to a wide range of dietary requirements, and offers breakfast, lunch, snacks and of course, coffee. The perfect place for a brunch with your friends, or to discuss a group project you’re working on over a latte.
Good for: Seeing a football game.
What it is: Aberdeen FC’s stadium.
Why you should go: Aberdeen FC haven’t left the top tier of Scottish football since 1905, so you can guarantee you’ll be seeing some of the best teams playing here. Whether you’re an Aberdeen FC supporter or not, if you’re a football fan you won’t want to miss this.
Good for: Books and coffee.
What it is: A second-hand bookshop, café and Fairtrade coffee shop.
Why you should go: Books and Fairtrade coffee is a win for anyone right? By visiting here, you’ll be supporting a local independent business, and a socially conscious one at that. You can get all sorts of lunch and brunch foods here, so it’s a great place to head with your mates after lectures.
Good for: Cocktails.
What it is: A cellar bar serving cocktails and offering casual dining.
Why you should go: The atmosphere here makes it a great spot for a celebratory night out, or a date night. The food and drinks get good reviews, and while it might be one of the pricier suggestions on the list, it’s good to splash out every so often. So get a cute outfit on and get on down to the Tippling House to celebrate!
Good for: Learning about visual art.
What it is: An art gallery founded in 1884.
Why you should go: Entry is free, so that’s always a good start. On top of that, there’s a regularly changing list of exhibitions, so there’s reason to go back. It’s a pretty large gallery, with a total of three levels offering a mix of local, international, classical and modern art.
Living in Aberdeen, you’ll have lots of opportunity to explore not just Aberdeen, but other parts of Scotland. Whether you want to take a trip to Edinburgh or Glasgow, or if the Highlands are calling you, there’s plenty to do in and around Aberdeen.
If you choose to study at the University of Aberdeen, you’ll be studying at a top 40 UK university, and you’ll be at an historic institution, with the university dating as far back as 1495. As a member of the Aberdeen University Students Association you’ll be able to get involved in volunteering, training and raising and giving activities, as well as joining societies or clubs to meet students with shared interests.
Learn more about the University of Aberdeen.
At Robert Gordon University, you’ll have over 40 societies and 30 sports clubs to join through the RGU:Union. You’ll also be studying on a beautiful, vibrant campus which has recently had a large amount of investment put into it, so you can be sure you’ll be studying in high quality, modern teaching rooms and have access to excellent facilities.
Learn more about Robert Gordon University.
Thinking about studying in Aberdeen but not sure what subject is right for you? Start your search here.