Studying in Aberdeen: The perspective from international students
17 November 2024
Today marks International Students Day, which signifies a global recognition of the student community, bringing individuals of all cultures, backgrounds and countries together to grow, learn and inspire them to become responsible towards their academic life and lead the world towards a better path.
In today’s honour, VisitAberdeenshire have partnered up with two Scottish universities within Aberdeen to hear some of their international students’ experiences living and studying in the region.
University of Aberdeen
Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university, which has a range of globally admired historical and modern attractions that can be accessed by all. It’s Old Aberdeen Campus, which is ranked as one of the UK’s Top 10 Most Beautiful Historic Campuses, is home to places like King’s College, The Cruickshank Botanic Garden and several publicly accessible museums. It’s immaculately preserved buildings, with state-of-the-art facilities for learning, research and recreation marks the university as an ideal option for international students. In fact, the University of Aberdeen has a community of more than 130 nationalities! Let’s hear what Aberdeen University international students George, Aniekeme and Kitti have to say about the region:
Robert Gordon University
First in Scotland and third in the UK for employability and/or further study, Robert Gordon University has an ongoing mission to provide every student, including individuals with visible and hidden disabilities with an excellent experience, allowing them to heighten their aspirations and thrive in their professional careers. A driving force behind their mission is of course their community of 18,000 students consisting of 152 nationalities and an international graduate community of 80,000 across the globe. Hear from Lorynne, Prince and Susan on their experiences of studying and living in Aberdeen:
North East Scotland College (NESCOL)
North East Scotland College is a key institution in the region, offering a diverse and inclusive environment for students from all corners of the globe. With campuses in both Aberdeen, Fraserburgh and Peterhead NESCOL provides a range of vocational and higher education programs designed to equip students with the skills and qualifications needed to thrive in their chosen careers. The college prides itself on fostering a supportive and welcoming atmosphere, helping international students to adapt and succeed. NESCOL’s commitment to student welfare and its international community makes it a fantastic choice for those looking to study in the heart of Aberdeen. Find out more about NESCOL and what they're students think.
Getting to Aberdeen
One of the great advantages of studying in Aberdeen is how easy it is to reach the city from both within the UK and abroad. Whether you’re flying into Aberdeen International Airport, taking a train from cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, or London, or driving along scenic routes through Scotland, getting here couldn’t be simpler. Aberdeen’s excellent transport links make it easy to explore the city and the beautiful surrounding Aberdeenshire region. For more information on travel options and detailed routes, check out VisitAberdeenshire’s Getting There section.
Considering the big move to Aberdeen for university and want to know more? Check out these blogs from three Robert Gordon University international students:
- My journey from Canada to Aberdeen and RGU
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Swapping the Baltic Sea for the North Sea - My hopes and fears
Remember, if you are a new student to the region, make sure to check out our What's On guide to explore what you can get up to in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire this season.