Student Accommodation in Aberdeen: A City Guide for 2026/27

Aberdeen is Scotland's third largest city and one of its most distinctive student destinations, with more than 32,000 students across two universities. Known as the Granite City for its silver-grey architecture, Aberdeen combines a compact, walkable city centre with coastline, parks and relatively affordable living costs compared to Edinburgh or Glasgow. It is also one of the UK's most internationally diverse student cities, drawing students from well over 100 countries.

Universities in Aberdeen

Aberdeen has two universities, both well-established and attracting students from across the UK and internationally.

University of Aberdeen was founded in 1495 and is the fifth oldest university in the English-speaking world. It has around 13,900 students and operates two main campuses: the historic King's College campus in Old Aberdeen, and the Foresterhill campus to the west of the city, which is home to the medical and health sciences schools. The university is particularly well regarded for medicine, law and energy-related subjects.

Robert Gordon University (RGU) has approximately 15,000 students and is based at its Garthdee campus on the south side of the city, beside the River Dee. RGU is known for its vocational and professional programmes, including pharmacy, nursing, engineering and business. It was awarded university status in 1992 and has strong links to Aberdeen's energy and healthcare sectors.

Where do students live in Aberdeen?

Aberdeen is compact enough that most student areas are well connected to both universities by bus, and several are within walking distance of the University of Aberdeen's King's College campus.

Old Aberdeen

The area immediately surrounding the University of Aberdeen's King's College campus. Old Aberdeen has a historic character, with cobbled streets and traditional granite buildings. It is the most convenient location for students at the university, with shops, cafés and the campus itself all within easy reach on foot.

King Street

Running south from Old Aberdeen towards the city centre, King Street is a well-established student corridor with good bus links to both universities and the city centre. It is one of the more practical locations for students who want to be between the University of Aberdeen and the city without paying city-centre prices.

City centre

Aberdeen's city centre is relatively compact and offers access to the main shopping areas, nightlife, restaurants and public transport. It is more convenient for RGU students than for those at the University of Aberdeen's King's College campus, though bus routes connect the centre to both.

Garthdee

The area around RGU's Garthdee campus, on the south side of the city. An obvious choice for RGU students who want to be close to their campus, though it is further from the city centre and the University of Aberdeen.

Rosemount

A residential area between the city centre and the Foresterhill campus. A quieter option that suits students at the medical school, and within reasonable distance of both the city centre and the University of Aberdeen's main campus by bus.

Types of accommodation in Aberdeen

First-year students at the University of Aberdeen are typically offered a place in university-managed halls, most commonly at Hillhead Student Village — a large student complex beside the River Don, around 15 minutes' walk from the King's College campus. RGU also has its own halls of residence at Garthdee.

For returning students and those choosing private accommodation, Aberdeen has a range of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) options, primarily around Old Aberdeen and the King Street corridor. Shared houses and private rentals are available across most residential areas of the city and tend to be more affordable than in larger UK cities.

Featured student residences in Aberdeen

The following properties are listed in full on Hallbookers with complete room information, facilities and student reviews.

• St Andrew Street — 31 St Andrew Street, Aberdeen, AB25 1JA.
• Self-contained studios and one-bedroom apartments in the city centre, with all bills included.
• Studios available on 40, 44 and 51-week tenancies. View full listing on Hallbookers

What to expect from PBSA in Aberdeen

Purpose-built student accommodation in Aberdeen typically offers en-suite rooms in shared flats or self-contained studios. Most private halls include all utility bills and Wi-Fi in the rent. Communal facilities vary but commonly include study spaces, laundry facilities, social areas and 24-hour support. Aberdeen's PBSA market is smaller than in cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow, so availability can be limited — particularly for properties close to the University of Aberdeen campus.

Getting around Aberdeen

Aberdeen is compact and walkable, and many students travel between accommodation and campus on foot or by bicycle. The city's bus network covers most student areas, with frequent services along King Street and between the city centre and both university campuses. Aberdeen train station connects the city to Edinburgh (approximately two and a half hours) and London directly, while Aberdeen Airport serves both UK and European destinations. Students under 22 living in Scotland can travel free on most local buses using the Young Scot Card, which is worth applying for on arrival.

Student life in Aberdeen

Aberdeen's student life is centred on the two students' unions. AUSA (Aberdeen University Students' Association) is the students' union for the University of Aberdeen. Its main social venue is Union Brew — a café by day and bar and events space by night — based on the Old Aberdeen campus. AUSA also runs a range of clubs, societies and welfare services throughout the academic year. RGU:Union serves Robert Gordon University students, with a student bar, café spaces and a programme of events throughout the academic year.

The city's nightlife is concentrated around Union Street and the surrounding streets in the city centre, with a range of bars, clubs and music venues. Aberdeen holds the Purple Flag award for its safe and well-managed nightlife. For daytime activities, Aberdeen Beach is within easy reach of the city centre and Old Aberdeen, and Seaton Park — adjacent to the King's College campus — is popular with students for walks and outdoor space. The Cairngorms National Park is roughly an hour from Aberdeen, offering hiking, cycling and winter sports at the weekend.

Footdee (known locally as Fittie) is a historic fishing village at the end of Aberdeen Beach — an easy walk from the city centre and worth visiting. Dunnottar Castle, a dramatic clifftop ruin near Stonehaven, is around 30 minutes by bus or train and is one of the most striking day trips from the city.

Frequently asked questions about student accommodation in Aberdeen

Is Aberdeen affordable for students?

Aberdeen is generally considered more affordable than Edinburgh or Glasgow, though its historic ties to the oil and gas industry mean it is not as cheap as some other Scottish cities. Private PBSA rents vary but are typically lower than equivalent properties in the central belt.

Which area is best for University of Aberdeen students?

Old Aberdeen and the King Street corridor are the most convenient areas for students at the King's College campus. Rosemount is a practical option for students based at the Foresterhill medical campus.

Which area is best for RGU students?

Garthdee, close to RGU's campus, is the most convenient. The city centre is also accessible by bus and suits students who want more amenities on the doorstep.

Is Aberdeen a safe city for students?

Aberdeen is generally considered one of the safer UK student cities. It has been named Scotland's safest university city by the Complete University Guide and holds the Purple Flag award for its nightlife standards.

How do students get between the University of Aberdeen and RGU?

The two campuses are on opposite sides of the city and are not within walking distance of each other. Bus services connect both campuses via the city centre, and journey times are typically 30 to 45 minutes depending on the route.

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