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Why Aberdeen Should Be on Every International Student’s Radar [7 Key Reasons Discussed]
Aberdeen is more than its coastal views and historic charm – it’s also earned an impressive spot in global rankings for education. It offers world-class programmes, is home to diverse student communities, and has a welcoming atmosphere that brings in learners from all over the world.
I still remember my first week of my exchange programme here, getting lost in Old Aberdeen and getting distracted by the scent of freshly baked pastries and brewed tea until I was saved by a local who kindly walked me to my lecture hall.
If you’re looking at studying in Aberdeen, you’re in for a treat. Beyond its excellent education system, there’s a lot to love about the city’s warm communities and vibrant culture, which make it easy to feel right at home. Read on to find out why!
1. It has reputable schools and universities
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Aberdeen has always been known for its academic excellence, often affectionately referred to as one of Scotland’s key “university cities”. While there are several universities and colleges in the area, Aberdeen has two top-tier institutions that truly put it on the map.
These are the University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495 and ranked among the top 200 globally, and Robert Gordon University, for its career-focused approach and highly employable graduates.
Both universities have extensive programme offerings: the University of Aberdeen offers 375 undergraduate and 288 postgraduate programmes, while Robert Gordon University offers 70 undergraduate and 98 postgraduate programmes.
Across the city, all of these institutions make Aberdeen a thriving hub for higher education with plenty of opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive both inside and outside of the classroom.
2. The international community is diverse
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Aberdeen attracts many people from around the world, thanks largely to its vibrant population of international students and professionals. This adds a rich mix of diversity to the city’s multicultural educational sector and workforce.
It’s worth noting, especially for incoming students, that many of Aberdeen’s institutions are home to cultural hubs that aim to foster international integration through clubs, programmes, and support systems.
If ever you need help with your visa, have questions about your classes, or are simply settling in, most universities have a dedicated international students’ office.
Beyond all the paperwork, cultural clubs are also a fun way to make new friends from the same background and connect with people from around the world.
You’ll also get to explore more of Aberdeen’s multicultural life outside of campus, with restaurants, cafés, and shops representing flavours and cultures from across the globe. Be sure to check out the city’s festivals and events, from international food fairs to music performances.
3. There’s a decent job market
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Beyond school, the job market is another big reason Aberdeen appeals to international students. You’ll find both opportunities to work during your studies, such as internships, and strong prospects after graduation.
On the jobs front, Aberdeen’s employment rate is 3.9%, which is a reassuring sign for students and graduates. And if you’re still looking, many local recruitment agencies can help you find the perfect role.
The city’s best known for thriving in the oil and gas, bioscience, and tourism industries, offering a variety of career paths for graduates.
Until then, there are plenty of more feasible part-time roles for international students on a UK student visa during term time or full-time during breaks in hospitality, retail, and administration.
To help with your job hunting, join your university’s job fairs and career workshops to brush up on interview skills, polish your resume, and connect with potential employers.
4. The cost of living in Aberdeen is low
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Aberdeen is known for its comfortable and affordable cost of living, especially compared to other major UK cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London.
Though expenses do vary depending on lifestyle and location, overall, Aberdeen is a great city for international students budgeting for tuition, housing, and daily living costs.
Whether it be accommodation costs, from student halls to private flats, or food and essentials, they’re all generally reasonably priced. Overall, this is a big plus for students, offering both flexibility and the ability to enjoy student life and spend money on social activities and experiences.
Here’s a rough computation of monthly expenses excluding tuition fees:
| Accommodation | £99 – £184 per week |
| Toiletries/Food | £50 per week |
| Transportation/Bus Fare | £2 per day |
| Books/Stationary/Photocopying | £25 – £40 per month |
| Mobile Phone Service | £10 – £40 per month |
| Eating Out | £7 – £15 per meal |
It’s worth noting, however, that you’ll also need to factor in initial one-off expenses, such as your bedding packs and TV license, among other setup costs.
5. Transport is efficient and convenient
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As a student running about Aberdeen, it’s important to have an efficient transportation system so that you can go anywhere with ease, whether it be to libraries to do some research or to cosy cafes to catch up with friends.
Thankfully, Aberdeen has a reliable transportation system that can easily get you from the city centre to the beach. The city has a well-developed bus network with most operators offering discounts or season tickets for students, making daily travel affordable.
If you don’t mind an initial one-off expense, you can invest in a bike or join bike-sharing schemes. Aberdeen has dedicated cycling lanes, allowing you to stay active while traveling efficiently, especially across short distances.
6. Friendly locals – need we say more?
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You don’t need to worry about not knowing anybody when you arrive, as Aberdeen is home to one of the friendliest and approachable people around. You’d be surprised at how quickly you’ll find yourself chatting with locals and making new friends.
Because Aberdeen has such a big student population, there are often a ton of student events such as festivals, cultural activities, and the like. It’s a great way to meet new people while soaking up Scottish life, too.
7. Aberdeen has a vibrant social scene
– Media credit: uniofaberdeen
While Aberdeen isn’t as big as Edinburgh or Glasgow, it’s just as lively and full of character and charm, with plenty of student-centered activities, nightlife, recreational activities, and community events to explore.
Aberdeen has a diverse mix of pubs, cafes, restaurants, and live music venues that bring a global flair to Scottish culture. It’s a great way to socialise and build networks quickly with other students from different universities.
Be sure to check out annual events like the Aberdeen International Youth Festival and Nuart Art Festival, to name a few. These seasonal celebrations are packed with food, music, and cultural flair, which is always fun to explore.
And if you think there’s always something to do in the city, wait until you get outdoors. Aberdeen has something for every adventurer, like beach walks, coastal explorations, and hiking in the countryside.
