University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen’s Careers and Employability Service offers personalised support to help students develop their careers and succeed after graduation. Students can access one-to-one guidance in person, online, or by phone for CVs, cover letters, applications, interview preparation, and job searching. Specialist career advisers also provide tailored advice by subject area, including postgraduate study and sector-specific guidance.

Through the MyCareerHub platform, students can book appointments, explore vacancies, attend events and career fairs, and access networking opportunities. A wide range of online resources is also available, covering interviews, psychometric tests, applications, and professional networking.

Students can gain practical experience through internships, volunteering, and shadowing opportunities. The ABDN Internship Programme offers paid, high-quality placements across all disciplines and study levels, including virtual and third-sector roles. Students can also benefit from a career mentoring scheme, connecting them with experienced professional mentors.

For students looking beyond Scotland’s larger, more tourist-heavy cities, Aberdeen offers a more affordable and easy-to-navigate city experience, with everything you need in one place. Known as the ‘Granite City’ for its distinctive architecture, Aberdeen has a smaller, close-knit feel that makes it easier to settle in, discover new experiences, and feel at home. You’ll find a wide range of shops, music, theatre, nightlife, and restaurants, alongside green spaces, a stunning beach ideal for walks, surfing, and dolphin spotting, and quick access to the Scottish Highlands.

The city has a thriving arts scene, from performances at His Majesty’s Theatre to creative workshops and striking street art through the Nuart and Spectra festivals. Food lovers are well catered for, with independent cafés, award-winning restaurants, student discounts, and Aberdeen Restaurant Week offering great value.

Music is central to city life, with major concerts at P&J Live, classical performances at the Music Hall, and regular gigs and open mic nights. Sports fans can access a wide range of activities at Aberdeen Sports Village or watch Aberdeen FC at Pittodrie Stadium, while the beach offers surfing and paddleboarding.

Aberdeen’s location between a dramatic coastline and the Cairngorms National Park means adventure is always close by, from wild swimming and trail cycling to surfing and snow sports. Excellent transport links also make it easy to explore Scotland and beyond, with major cities nearby and an international airport just 25 minutes from campus.

The University offers extensive support to ensure student well-being and academic success. Students can access free counselling services, mental health support, and workshops to promote resilience.

The International Student Support team provides guidance on visas, finances, and adapting to life in the UK, along with orientation programs to help new students settle in. Academic advisors, personal tutors, and a study support service assist students in managing their coursework and developing essential skills.

Additionally, the Student Hub offers career guidance, while specialized support is available for students with disabilities or specific learning needs.

The University of Aberdeen offers a range of student accommodation options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Students can choose from modern, fully furnished residences on or near campus, providing convenient access to teaching facilities and social spaces. Options include en-suite rooms, shared flats, and studio apartments, all designed to offer flexibility and comfort.

Accommodation is self-catered and includes utilities, high-speed internet, and access to communal areas. Students also benefit from a safe and supportive environment with 24/7 security and residence assistants available to help throughout the year. All new students are guaranteed an offer of university accommodation in their first year.

The University offers outstanding sports, cultural, and recreational facilities to support student life and wellbeing. Students have access to world-class sports amenities, including an Olympic-standard swimming pool, indoor football pitch, indoor and outdoor athletics facilities, diving pool, squash courts, fitness suites, sports halls, hockey pitch, wellbeing centre, sauna and steam room.

Cultural and creative opportunities our nationally important museum collections spanning art, archaeology, science, medicine, geology, and zoology. The award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library features exhibition galleries and excellent music collections, while the historic King’s College Chapel hosts concerts, services, and major University events in a unique setting. Music students benefit from specialist rehearsal and performance spaces, including percussion and early music studios.

The University is also home to the scenic Cruickshank Botanic Garden, a tranquil 11-acre space featuring over 3,000 plant varieties. Together, these facilities provide students with a rich environment for sport, creativity, relaxation, and personal development.

Sustainability is one of the four defining pillars of the Aberdeen 2040 strategy, alongside being Inclusive, Interdisciplinary and International. This commitment is reflected in the University’s recognition as 57th in the world and 20th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026.

The University of Aberdeen believes addressing global challenges requires more than maintaining traditional approaches. It works across disciplines, sectors and borders to develop innovative solutions that protect the future of our planet and support a more sustainable society. Through teaching, research and operations, the University aims to lead by example within higher education and beyond.

The University of Aberdeen’s ambition is not only to achieve Net Zero by 2040, but also to embed sustainability into every aspect of decision-making across the University. It’s committed to delivering research that is globally relevant, impactful and responsive to the needs of society. At the same time, the University strives to equip students with the knowledge, skills and global perspective needed to become active, engaged graduates who can tackle complex societal and environmental challenges and drive positive change in their communities and professions.