Silver, not grey (University of Aberdeen in general)

Member Name: platypuskn

Product:	University of Aberdeen in general
Date:	27/11/06 (464 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Small enough to be friendly

Disadvantages: Can be expensive

I was at Aberdeen for four years and thought it was a great university. The staff were mainly very friendly, and the further throught the course I got, the more supportive they became (with a few exceptions!).

It is always hard choosing a university, so here are some of the best points about Aberdeen. First, the location. For me, it was the furthest I could get away from home without leaving Scotland. Great for preventing surprise parental visits when you are hung over. It is next to the coast and so great if you are into things like sailing or diving. It's also not far from climbing, walking and skiing in the Cairngorms. Secondly, Aberdeen is big enough to party in well, but not too big. The campus is closely packed, nothorribly spread out like some universities. This means more time off rather than running miles between lectures. It also saves on money -you can live on campus but walk to the shops, the park, the cinema, the beach,... For nights out, taxis are pretty reliable, but there are also night buses which stop off at all the halls. It's also a pretty old university by scottish standards and has a great reputation.

The halls themselves are pretty standard. There are twomain areas for first years. Hillhead is cheap but grotty in places. Crombie-Johnstone is much nearer (i.e. right on) campus, and nicer but more expensive. If you want luxury Crombie rooms have their own shower in the main, but expect to be looked down on for not dossing with the rest of the students. Although guests are theoretically restricted at night, its relatively easy to sneak people in, particualry in a group. Same goes with parties, as long as you're not tooo loud and stay friends with the porters. If you're looking to rent theres plenty going, although not cheap due to lots of rich oil tycoons!

Lectures vary as with all universities. Aberdeen has a good reputation for subjects like engineering, biology and languages. However, the work load varies drastially. Expect to be flat our most of the time doing medicine or most science subjects. Arts subjects are generally more relaxed.

Finally, I recommend bringing a few vital things - a few shot glasses and pint glasses (saves you nicking them later on), lots of music (excepting any dodgy CDs you are still hanging onto) and an open mind.

It may be grey in Aberdeen, but when the sun shines it a beautiful silver.

Summary: Visit, and you'll not want to leave