Student life at Robert Gordon University extends well beyond lectures and practical sessions. The university offers student societies, sports facilities, cultural activities, shopping destinations, and entertainment across Aberdeen. Students in student accommodation near Robert Gordon University can access all of this throughout the academic year.
The RGU: Union sits at the centre of student activities at Garthdee Campus. It supports more than 80 societies and sports clubs, covering academic groups, cultural societies, international communities, creative organisations, and recreational clubs. Joining these societies is a genuinely good way to build friendships and become part of the university community.
The university's RGU Sport centre ranks among Scotland's leading university sports facilities. It includes a 25-metre swimming pool, climbing wall, modern gym facilities, and spaces used for national sporting events. Students can get involved in competitive sports, recreational fitness programmes, and regular training sessions throughout the year.
Nightlife in Aberdeen is centred on Belmont Street, Justice Mill Lane and Union Street, with a range of pubs, restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues popular with university students. The campus union also has regular social events, giving students more chances to meet other students without having to go to the city centre.
Shopping is easy for students. Union Square, beside Aberdeen Railway Station, and the Bon Accord Centre offer high-street retailers, supermarkets, restaurants, and essential services. Students living near Garthdee Campus also benefit from the nearby retail park, which includes a large Asda and B&Q, keeping everyday shopping straightforward.
Aberdeen offers several cultural attractions too. Students can spend time at the Aberdeen Art Gallery, enjoy shows at His Majesty's Theatre, walk along the Aberdeen Beach Esplanade or walk around the historic fishing village of Footdee.
Weekend trips to Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms National Park are popular as both are within roughly an hour of the city. Aberdeen's role in the energy sector also means major events such as Offshore Europe bring in professionals and visitors throughout the year.
Register with a local NHS Scotland GP after arriving in Aberdeen. Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (Foresterhill) is the region's main hospital and provides healthcare for students and residents. Aberdeen is generally regarded as one of Scotland's safer cities, though students should still take normal precautions, particularly during the darker winter months.
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Facility
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Details
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Student Union
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RGU: Union with more than 80 societies and sports clubs.
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Sports Facilities
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25-metre swimming pool, climbing wall, modern gyms, fitness spaces, and national sporting events.
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Shopping
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Union Square, Bon Accord Centre, Asda, and B&Q near Garthdee Campus.
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Nightlife
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Belmont Street, Justice Mill Lane, Union Street, and campus union events.
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Cultural Attractions
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Aberdeen Art Gallery, His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen Beach Esplanade, and Footdee.
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Healthcare
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NHS Scotland GP registration and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (Foresterhill).
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