Aberdeen is Scotland’s third-largest city and one of the UK’s most distinctive student destinations. Known as the Granite City for its striking silver-grey architecture, Aberdeen sits where the rivers Dee and Don meet the North Sea, creating a dramatic coastal setting unlike anywhere else in Britain. With around 25,000 students across its two universities, Aberdeen offers a unique blend of historic academic tradition, cutting-edge industry connections, and easy access to some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes.

The University of Aberdeen is one of the UK’s oldest universities, founded in 1495. It combines centuries of academic heritage with world-leading research in energy, medicine, and life sciences. Robert Gordon University is one of the UK’s top modern universities, renowned for its career-focused education and exceptional graduate employment rates. Together, they welcome students from over 150 countries, creating an international community in a city that has been a crossroads of trade and ideas for centuries.

Student accommodation in Aberdeen offers excellent value, with living costs lower than in Edinburgh or most English cities. Weekly rents typically range from £85 to £140 for shared houses in popular student areas. The city is well served by buses, and the main student areas are within easy cycling or walking distance of both universities. Aberdeen’s famous granite buildings give even modest student flats a sense of solidity and character.

What truly makes Aberdeen special is its remarkable combination of a stunning coastline with two miles of golden sandy beach, world-leading energy industry connections and graduate opportunities, easy access to Royal Deeside, the Cairngorms, and the Scottish Highlands, a rich cultural scene with excellent museums and festivals, and a close-knit student community in a city large enough to have everything you need but small enough to feel like home.

The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students

Aberdeen’s student areas are spread across the city, with most students choosing to live in Old Aberdeen, Rosemount, the West End, the City Centre, Tillydrone, or Bridge of Don. Each area has its own character, and excellent bus services connect all neighbourhoods to both universities.

Old Aberdeen

Old Aberdeen is the historic heart of the University of Aberdeen and one of the most atmospheric student areas in the UK. This medieval village, now absorbed into the city, centres around the stunning King’s College Chapel with its distinctive crown tower and the cobbled streets of the High Street and Chanonry. It feels more like a small university town than part of a modern city.

The area is home to most University of Aberdeen academic buildings, the historic King’s College campus, and Seaton Park along the River Don. Student accommodation here ranges from university halls to traditional granite houses and flats. The Machar Bar and various cafes cater to students, while St Machar’s Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop. Old Aberdeen suits students who want to be immersed in university life and appreciate historic surroundings. Average weekly rent ranges from £90 to £140.

Rosemount

Rosemount is one of Aberdeen’s most popular student neighbourhoods, located between the city centre and Old Aberdeen. This vibrant area centres around Rosemount Place, a bustling high street packed with independent shops, restaurants, and pubs. The neighbourhood has a genuine community feel and attracts a mix of students, young professionals, and families.

The area features attractive granite tenement flats, many converted into student accommodation, with good-sized rooms and plenty of character. Victoria Park provides green space nearby. Rosemount is well-positioned between both universities and the city centre, making it ideal for students at either institution. The area has excellent local amenities, including supermarkets, takeaways, and the popular Rosemount Bar. Average weekly rent ranges from £85 to £125.

West End

The West End is Aberdeen’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhood, stretching from Union Street westward along Union Grove and Great Western Road. This leafy area is characterised by elegant Victorian granite townhouses, tree-lined streets, and a sophisticated atmosphere. It’s particularly popular with postgraduate students and those seeking a quieter residential environment.

The area has excellent restaurants, boutique shops, and cafes, particularly around Holburn Street and the Alford Lane area. Duthie Park, one of Aberdeen’s finest parks with its famous Winter Gardens, is nearby. Robert Gordon University’s Garthdee campus is accessible by bus or a pleasant walk along the River Dee. The West End suits students who appreciate a more refined atmosphere and don’t mind being slightly further from the main student hubs. Average weekly rent ranges from £95 to £145.

City Centre

Aberdeen’s city centre offers purpose-built student accommodation and flats within walking distance of shops, restaurants, nightlife, and Robert Gordon University’s city centre facilities. Union Street, the main thoroughfare, is one of the longest granite streets in the world and provides access to everything the city has to offer.

Living centrally puts you close to the Bon Accord and Trinity shopping centres, cinemas, restaurants, and the city’s main nightlife areas around Belmont Street and the Green. The Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Aberdeen Art Gallery, and His Majesty’s Theatre are all within easy reach. City centre living suits students who want urban convenience and easy access to entertainment. Average weekly rent for PBSA ranges from £120 to £190.

Tillydrone

Tillydrone lies immediately north of Old Aberdeen and offers some of the most affordable student accommodation in the city. This residential area provides easy walking access to the University of Aberdeen campus while offering significantly lower rents than Old Aberdeen itself.

The neighbourhood is undergoing regeneration and offers a mix of housing types. It’s well connected by bus to the city centre and other areas. Seaton Park and the River Don provide pleasant green spaces. Tillydrone suits budget-conscious students who want to be close to the University of Aberdeen without paying premium prices. Average weekly rent ranges from £75 to £105.

Bridge of Don

Bridge of Don is a large residential area north of the River Don, offering affordable accommodation and easy access to Aberdeen’s famous beach. The area has excellent local amenities, including supermarkets, shops, and leisure facilities, creating a self-contained community feel.

The neighbourhood is popular with students who enjoy coastal walks and don’t mind a short bus journey to university. Aberdeen Sports Village, one of Scotland’s premier sports facilities used during the 2014 Commonwealth Games, is located here. The beach esplanade stretches southward towards the city centre. Bridge of Don suits students seeking affordable accommodation with a suburban feel and beach access. Average weekly rent ranges from £80 to £115.

Getting to Aberdeen as an International Student

Aberdeen is located on Scotland’s northeast coast, approximately 120 miles north of Edinburgh. The city has its own international airport with good European connections, and is also accessible via Edinburgh and Glasgow airports with onward travel by train or bus.

Aberdeen International Airport

Aberdeen International Airport is located approximately 6 miles northwest of the city centre. It offers direct flights to major European hubs, including Amsterdam, Paris, and Frankfurt, allowing connections to destinations worldwide. The airport also serves domestic routes to London, Manchester, Birmingham, and other UK cities. The Jet 727 bus runs every 10 minutes to the city centre, taking around 25 minutes and costing approximately £4. A taxi costs around £20 to £25.

Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport offers the widest range of international connections in Scotland, including direct flights to North America, the Middle East, and across Europe. From Edinburgh, direct trains run to Aberdeen, taking approximately 2 hours 30 minutes and costing £20 to £60 depending on when you book. Citylink buses also operate between Edinburgh and Aberdeen, taking around 3 hours.

Glasgow Airport

Glasgow Airport offers extensive international connections, particularly to North America. From Glasgow, take a bus to Glasgow Queen Street station, then a direct train to Aberdeen, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Citylink buses run directly from Glasgow to Aberdeen, taking around 3 to 4 hours.

Connections via London

Many international students travel via London airports. Direct trains run from London King’s Cross to Aberdeen, taking approximately 7 hours. The Caledonian Sleeper overnight train from London Euston allows you to travel while you sleep. Budget flights from London to Aberdeen or Edinburgh are often the quickest option, with flight time around 1 hour 20 minutes.

Getting Around Aberdeen

Buses: First Bus operates most services in Aberdeen. Single fares are around £2.20, with day tickets available for £5. Weekly passes cost approximately £19. The network covers all residential areas and runs frequently. Both universities are well served by multiple routes, and a free shuttle bus connects the University of Aberdeen campuses.

Walking: Aberdeen’s main student areas are reasonably walkable. Old Aberdeen to the city centre takes around 25 to 30 minutes on foot. Rosemount to either university takes around 15 to 20 minutes. The beach esplanade provides a scenic walking and cycling route.

Cycling: Aberdeen is relatively compact, and cycling is practical for getting around, though some areas have hills. Both universities provide bicycle storage. The beachfront and riverside paths offer pleasant, traffic-free routes.

Trains: Aberdeen station connects to Edinburgh (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes), Glasgow (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes), Dundee (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes), and Inverness (approximately 2 hours 10 minutes). A 16-25 Railcard costs £35 per year and saves one-third on most fares. Many student bank accounts include a free Railcard.

Universities in Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen is one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious universities, founded in 1495. It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and has approximately 14,000 students. The university consistently ranks among the top 200 universities in the world and is in the top 20 in the UK for research impact.

The university is particularly renowned for Medicine, Law, Divinity, and Engineering. Its energy-related research is world-leading, reflecting Aberdeen’s position as Europe’s energy capital. The historic King’s College campus in Old Aberdeen is one of the most beautiful in Britain, while the modern Foresterhill campus houses one of Europe’s largest medical schools. International students from over 120 countries benefit from dedicated support services, and accommodation is guaranteed for first-year international students who apply by the deadline.

Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University (RGU) is one of the UK’s leading modern universities, with approximately 12,000 students. It consistently achieves outstanding graduate employment rates, with over 97% of graduates in employment or further study within six months of graduation, making it one of the best in the UK for career outcomes.

RGU is particularly strong in Engineering, Nursing and Health Sciences, Architecture, Business, and Computing. The university has deep connections with the energy industry and other major employers, providing excellent placement and graduate opportunities. The main campus at Garthdee, overlooking the River Dee, features modern facilities including the award-winning Sir Ian Wood Building. International students from over 130 countries benefit from personalised support, small class sizes, and strong industry links.

Cost of Living in Aberdeen for International Students

Aberdeen offers good value for students, with living costs lower than in Edinburgh and most English cities. While historically more expensive due to the oil industry, costs have become more competitive in recent years, making it an attractive option for international students.

Accommodation (Weekly)

Tillydrone HMO: £75 to £105

Bridge of Don HMO: £80 to £115

Rosemount HMO: £85 to £125

Old Aberdeen HMO: £90 to £140

West End HMO: £95 to £145

University halls: £110 to £170

En-suite PBSA: £130 to £190

City centre studio: £150 to £220

Food, Transport and Other Costs

Budget around £100 to £160 per month for groceries. Aldi, Lidl, and major supermarkets offer good value. The city centre has diverse food options, and Asian supermarkets stock international ingredients. Budget £60 to £80 per month for bus travel if needed, though many students walk or cycle. Mobile phone SIM-only plans cost around £10 to £20 per month. Gym membership outside university facilities runs £25 to £40 per month, though Aberdeen Sports Village offers student discounts, and university facilities are excellent.

Realistic Monthly Budget

Budget-conscious students can live comfortably on £800 to £1,000 per month in Aberdeen. A typical student spending on mid-range accommodation and moderate social activities should budget £1,000 to £1,300 per month.

International Student Community in Aberdeen

Aberdeen has a welcoming international student community, with students from over 150 countries studying in the city. The University of Aberdeen Students’ Association (AUSA) offers over 200 societies and sports clubs, including nationality-based societies and cultural groups. The union building on campus provides social spaces, bars, and event venues.

RGU Union offers additional societies and support for Robert Gordon University students. Both universities provide comprehensive international student support, including visa advice, orientation programmes, buddy schemes, and English language courses. The international community is tight-knit, and both universities run regular events bringing students together.

Aberdeen’s food scene reflects its international character. The city centre offers diverse cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, Thai, Italian, and Middle Eastern restaurants. Rosemount has excellent independent cafes and eateries. Belmont Street is the heart of Aberdeen’s foodie culture, with numerous restaurants and bars. International supermarkets stock ingredients from around the world, making home cooking easy.

Aberdeen’s nightlife centres around Belmont Street and the surrounding area, offering bars, pubs, and clubs. The Tunnels is an iconic live music venue in converted railway tunnels. Student nights at venues like Babylon and Underground draw crowds from both universities. Traditional pubs like The Prince of Wales (Aberdeen’s oldest) offer character and history. The student unions at both universities host regular events and club nights. The scene is friendly and accessible, with students from both universities mixing freely.

What Makes Aberdeen Special for International Students

The Granite City: Aberdeen’s stunning silver-grey granite architecture creates one of the UK’s most distinctive cityscapes. When the sun shines, the mica in the granite sparkles, giving the city a unique character found nowhere else.

Energy Industry Hub: Aberdeen is Europe’s energy capital, home to hundreds of oil, gas, and increasingly renewable energy companies. This creates exceptional internship and graduate opportunities in engineering, geosciences, business, and technology.

Stunning Coastline: Aberdeen Beach stretches for two miles of golden sand, with a promenade perfect for walking, running, and cycling. Dolphins are regularly spotted from the shore, and the beach is a wonderful escape from studies.

Gateway to the Highlands: Royal Deeside, Balmoral Castle, and the Cairngorms National Park are all within easy reach. World-class skiing at Glenshee and hiking in spectacular mountain scenery are within two hours away.

Cultural Scene: Aberdeen Art Gallery, the Maritime Museum, His Majesty’s Theatre, and regular festivals, including the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, provide rich cultural experiences.

Career Opportunities: Beyond energy, Aberdeen has growing sectors in life sciences, food and drink, digital technology, and tourism. Both universities have strong industry links and excellent graduate employment rates.

Aberdeen FAQs

Is Aberdeen a good city for international students?

Absolutely. Aberdeen offers excellent universities with strong industry connections, affordable living costs, a welcoming community, and a unique setting combining city life with easy access to some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. The energy industry provides exceptional career opportunities, and the international community is well-established and supportive.

Is Aberdeen safe?

Aberdeen is generally considered safe, with student areas like Old Aberdeen, Rosemount, and the West End particularly secure. The city has lower crime rates than many UK cities of similar size. Both universities provide security services and support. As with any city, normal precautions apply, particularly at night.

What is the weather like?

Aberdeen has a maritime climate moderated by the North Sea. Winters are cold (average 1-7°C) but less harsh than inland Scotland due to the sea’s influence. Summers are cool and pleasant (12-18°C). The city can be windy, particularly near the coast. Rain is possible year-round, though Aberdeen is drier than western Scotland. Warm, waterproof, windproof layers are essential.

Is it easy to find part-time work?

Aberdeen has good part-time job opportunities, particularly in retail, hospitality, and the energy sector. Both universities have excellent careers services and industry connections. The presence of major international companies creates unique opportunities for relevant work experience. Most student visas allow up to 20 hours per week during term time.

How do I get to Edinburgh or Glasgow?

Direct trains run regularly from Aberdeen to Edinburgh and Glasgow, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to each city. Citylink buses also operate between the cities. With a 16-25 Railcard, weekend trips to Scotland’s major cities are affordable and easy, making Aberdeen a great base for exploring Scotland.

Ready to Book Student Accommodation in Aberdeen?

Now that you have seen all that Aberdeen has to offer international students, it is time to explore our range of Aberdeen student accommodation options.

If you have more questions relating to more general international student topics, check out our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.