Research and Prep

13 reasons to study in Aberdeen

Thinking of going to uni in Aberdeen? Whether you’re looking at the University of Aberdeen or Robert Gordon University, we’ve got 13 reasons why it’s a great student city.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
01 Jul 2024

Located in Scotland, Aberdeen offers students great education, beaches, a lively town and much more. If you’re thinking about studying here, you’re likely wondering what the city has to offer, and whether it ticks all your boxes. Here, we’ve provided a list of 13 reasons to study in Aberdeen to convince you to get applying.

1. Academic opportunities


Whether you go to the University of Aberdeen or Robert Gordon University, you’ll have the choice of a wide range of courses, and be studying at diverse and welcoming institutions with high quality teaching and courses designed with students’ futures in mind.

2. Cultural diversity


Thanks in part to the local universities, there are people from all over the world living and studying in Aberdeen. This means that not only will you benefit from learning about and experiencing traditional Scottish culture, you’ll also meet people from all over the world and have the chance to experience parts of their home cultures as well.

3. Granite city


Thanks to the abundance of granite in the local architecture, Aberdeen is sometimes known as ‘the Granite city’. While this might no t sound overly exciting to look at, there’s actually a lot of beautiful architecture around the city – and it’s not all made of granite!

4. Outdoor activities


Living in Aberdeen offers easy access to local beaches, as well as being near to the Cairngorms National Park. If you fancy a more challenging day in the outdoors, the Cairngorms is the place to go, whereas if you prefer a relaxing stroll and picnic, the beaches might be more your speed.

5. Vibrant nightlife


Thanks to the large student population, the city has plenty to offer those looking for a night on the town. Whether it’s comedy, a pub, a cocktail night, a club or the theatre, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to nightlife.

6. Career prospects


The city has lots of industries, and there are many job opportunities on offer for both graduates and students. As a student, you might work part-time in one of the city’s many bars or restaurants, while as a graduate you might find yourself working in the oil industry or technology, both of which are booming in the local area.

7. Affordable living


Compared to many other UK cities, the cost of living in Aberdeen is fairly low, meaning you’ll get more from your student loan living here than you would in many other locations. With cheaper rent and more affordable groceries than the UK average, Aberdeen is a great choice for budget-conscious students.

8. Dolphin spotting


A benefit of living by the sea is, of course, the wildlife, and Aberdeen is one of the best places in the UK for dolphin spotting. You may want to even try going out to sea in a boat on a trip to see if you can spot the elusive dolphins.

9. Strong community


The local people in Aberdeen are super friendly and helpful, so you’ll feel right at home. As well as the strong community of locals, there’s also a strong student community here thanks to the two universities based in the city.

10. Literary connections


Famous poet Lord Byron grew up in Aberdeen, so there’s some interesting literary history to explore. While Byron did move to England when he grew up, he spent his early childhood years at Gight Castle in Aberdeen and studied at Aberdeen Grammar School.

11. Cultural hotspot


Aberdeen has lots of different cultural activities to get involved in, from museums and art galleries to the theatre. No matter what sort of art and culture you’re interested in, you’ll be able to find it and engage with it here.

12. Low crime rate


Aberdeen has a relatively low crime rate, meaning you’ll be safer than in other UK cities if you study here. While it’s important to always be sensible and vigilant, the lower crime rate means you’re more likely to settle in faster and feel confident walking around.

Source: Numbeo

13. Good transport connections


With direct trains to London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh among other destinations, Aberdeen is well-connected to the rest of Scotland as well as England. No matter where your family are living, it’ll be easy to catch a train to their town thanks to the great transport connections.


Have we convinced you to study in Aberdeen? If so, start searching for courses now.

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