University of Aberdeen Students – Your Complete Move-In Guide

Everything You Need to Prepare for Student Life at the University of Aberdeen



Starting at the University of Aberdeen means joining one of the UK's oldest and most respected universities. Whether you're moving into university accommodation for your first year or renting a shared flat later in your degree, preparing before move-in day will help you settle in quickly and make the most of student life.

Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen combines centuries of academic tradition with world-leading research and modern teaching facilities. Located in the historic Old Aberdeen area, the university is particularly renowned for medicine, law, engineering, energy, business, computing, marine science and the life sciences. With a beautiful granite campus, a welcoming student community and the North Sea coastline on your doorstep, Aberdeen offers a unique place to study.

This guide covers everything you need to know before moving to the University of Aberdeen, including accommodation advice, packing tips and the everyday essentials that will help you feel at home.

University of Aberdeen at a Glance

📍 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

🎓 Student Population: Around 15,000 students

🏠 Popular Accommodation: Hillhead Student Village, Adam Smith House, Fyfe House, Wavell House, Grant Court, Keith House and university-managed partner accommodation. New full-time students who apply before the accommodation deadline are guaranteed an accommodation offer.

🛒 Nearby Shopping: Union Square, Bon Accord, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl, Morrisons and Aberdeen city centre

🚌 Transport: Regular buses connect Old Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Hillhead and the city centre, while Aberdeen railway station provides direct services to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.

Student Accommodation at the University of Aberdeen

The University's largest accommodation community is Hillhead Student Village, located a short distance from the Old Aberdeen campus. Hillhead offers a wide variety of room types, including en-suite rooms, standard rooms and self-contained flats, alongside social spaces, study areas, sports facilities and landscaped grounds.

Additional university accommodation includes Adam Smith House, Fyfe House, Grant Court, Keith House and Wavell House, giving students a choice of locations and room styles. Utilities, Wi-Fi and essential furnishings are included in university-managed accommodation.

The University guarantees an offer of accommodation to new full-time students who submit their application before the published deadline, although you may not receive your first-choice residence.

Many returning students choose shared houses and flats in Old Aberdeen, Rosemount, City Centre, Kittybrewster and Bridge of Don.

Before buying everything, check your accommodation inventory so you know exactly what's already provided.

What Should You Pack?

Preparing before move-in day makes settling into university life much easier.

Bedroom Essentials

Make your room comfortable with:

  • Duvet and pillows
  • Bedding sets
  • Mattress protector
  • Clothes hangers
  • Laundry basket
  • Storage boxes
  • Soft lighting

Kitchen Essentials

If you'll be sharing a kitchen, don't forget:

  • Plates and bowls
  • Cutlery
  • Pots and pans
  • Cooking utensils
  • Food storage containers
  • Tea towels
  • Washing-up supplies

Bathroom Essentials

Pack your everyday necessities, including:

  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • Shower caddy
  • Cleaning products

Study Essentials

Aberdeen students combine lectures with laboratory work, seminars, fieldwork, placements and independent study. A well-organised workspace makes it easier to stay productive throughout the academic year.

Useful items include:

  • Desk organiser
  • Adjustable desk lamp
  • Extension lead
  • Laptop accessories
  • Cable organisers
  • Storage for textbooks and coursework
  • Notebooks and stationery

Experience Student Life in Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen offers a distinctive blend of historic surroundings and modern student life. The cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings of Old Aberdeen sit alongside state-of-the-art teaching facilities, while the nearby Foresterhill Campus is home to one of Europe's largest medical campuses.

Beyond your studies, Aberdeen offers beautiful beaches, coastal walks, independent cafés, museums and easy access to the Scottish Highlands. The city's strong links to the energy, healthcare and technology sectors also provide excellent placement and graduate employment opportunities.

After a busy day of lectures, practical sessions or society activities, it's always good to return to a room that's organised, comfortable and feels like home.

Popular with University of Aberdeen students include:

All Loomz products are selected with student accommodation in mind, making them ideal for furnished student rooms where permanent alterations aren't permitted.

Why Students Choose Loomz

Students across the UK choose Loomz because we understand what makes student accommodation feel like home.

✔ Designed specifically for student accommodation

✔ Affordable essentials for every student budget

✔ Perfect for halls, studios and shared houses

✔ Free UK delivery

✔ Practical products that make everyday student life easier

Helpful Student Guides

Planning your move? Explore our other useful resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is accommodation guaranteed at the University of Aberdeen?

Yes. New full-time students who apply before the published accommodation deadline are guaranteed an offer of university-owned or university-managed accommodation, although this may not be your first-choice residence.

Where do University of Aberdeen students live?

Many first-year students live in Hillhead Student Village or university residences such as Adam Smith House, Fyfe House, Grant Court, Keith House and Wavell House. Returning students often rent shared accommodation in Old Aberdeen, Rosemount, Kittybrewster and the city centre.

Can I personalise my student room?

Yes. Most students personalise their rooms with bedding, lighting, storage and decorative accessories. Always follow your accommodation provider's guidance and avoid making permanent alterations to walls or furniture.

What should I buy before moving to the University of Aberdeen?

Most students need bedding, towels, kitchen equipment, study accessories and practical storage before arriving. Preparing your room before move-in day helps you settle in quickly and stay organised throughout the year.

Ready for the University of Aberdeen?

Moving to the University of Aberdeen means joining one of Scotland's oldest universities while studying in a city renowned for academic excellence, innovation and coastal beauty. By preparing your accommodation before you arrive, you'll be ready to settle in quickly, focus on your studies and enjoy everything Aberdeen has to offer.

Browse Loomz's collection of student essentials to find everything you need for your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and study space before beginning your journey at the University of Aberdeen.

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