We are all looking forward to next week’s May Festival, the annual celebration of the joy and inspiration of books, music, film, science, food, history, nature, sport and more in the glorious setting of Old Aberdeen.
This year’s programme of events encompasses a greater range of topics and areas of interest than ever before, including ehhibitions, concerts, films, tours and debates. Check out the programme here.
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The University of Aberdeen has signed an agreement that will encourage greater ties between the University and Mexico’s energy sector. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by University Principal, Professor Sir Ian Diamond, and Emilio Lozoya Austin, CEO of state-owned Mexican oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), during yesterday’s visit of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to Aberdeen.
Mexico’s energy sector is undergoing significant reform, and the visit was organised to showcase the expertise on offer in Aberdeen to key policymakers.
The signing of the MoU took place during a ceremony at the city’s Town House which was held to welcome the President, and involved political leaders and industry figures. The President was later addressed by John Scrimgeour, Director of the Aberdeen Institute of Energy, on the broad range of energy-related teaching and research available at the University.
The central intention of the MoU is to encourage collaboration between the University, PEMEX and the Mexican Petroleum Institute (MPI) to undertake research and educational programs, and to strengthen institutional links.
More specifically, it aims to help professionals working in Mexico’s oil and gas sector access graduate courses, and to facilitate knowledge-sharing through joint seminars, conferences and workshops.
Rankings have become an important factor in students’ decision about where to study. While the methodology and validity of university rankings may be disputed, rankings can be a useful way for international students, but only alongside other factors including size, location, majors on offer and the ‘feel’ of the campus.
The University of Aberdeen was established in 1495, making it the third oldest university in Scotland and the fifth oldest university in the English-speaking world. Aberdeen is one of seven Ancient Universities of Great Britain and Ireland, along with the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of St Andrews, the University Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Dublin.
The beautiful setting of our historic Old Aberdeen campus provides a daily reminder of our proud history and heritage. This hidden gem of Scotland, which was recently named amongst the Top Ten Most Beautiful Historic Universities in the UK by QS Top Universities website, features numerous architectural treasures including King’s College, with its crown tower and chapel.
Other major attractions include the medieval St Machar’s Cathedral, the Brig o’ Balgownie and the 18th century Old Townhouse, which today houses one the University’s numerous museum collections.
The University has also invested heavily in new teaching, research and recreational facilities in recent years, including most notably the £57 million Sir Duncan Rice Library, which was officially opened on 24th September 2012 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The library houses the largest of the University’s modern collections over 7 floors as well as historic collections of rare books, manuscripts and archives in the Special Collections Centre on the Lower Ground Floor. The Danish-designed building, presents a high tech contrast to the University’s historic campus and was recently listed amongst the “20 Most Spellbinding University Libraries in the world” by the Independent newspaper.
Other recent additions include the Aberdeen Sports Village and our new Aquatics Centre, which features an Olympic standard Swimming Pool and Diving Boom.
The university campus is also home to a number of other fascinating curiosities, including the Cruickshank Botanic Garden, which features numerous varieties of plants, including a rose garden, arboretum, lawns and ponds stretching over 11 acres. The University’s Zoology Museum is officially classified as a Recognised Collection of National Significance to Scotland and features displays from protozoa to the great whales, including taxidermy, skeletal material, study skins, fluid-preserved specimens and models.
Our students share a great sense of pride in our 500 year record of scholarship, which includes the work of eminent scholars such as:
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and wife of Prince Charles was formally installed as Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen at a special ceremony in June 2013. Dr Paul Mealor, Professor in Composition at the University of Aberdeen composed the music for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
Figuring out what to pack for university in Scotland can be tricky. Firstly, there is the unpredictable weather. Then there are things like what else you might need apart from clothes, such as electronics, books and other home comforts. With ever-increasing restrictions on airline baggage allowances, the best advice is to pack light and only take what you will actually need. This list is not exhaustive, but here are a few tips on things you will definitely want to take with you…
Important documents: Make sure you have all your travel documents, including your tickets, passport and visa, as well as your university acceptance letter, housing contract etc., packed in your hand luggage, for easy access upon arrival in the UK.
Money: It’s advisable to take about £300 (British pounds) with you in cash, to see you through your first week or two, before you set up a UK bank account. Check before you leave your home country that your ATM card will work in the UK, but either way, it’s useful to have some cash for your first few days.
Clothes: Familiarise yourself with the local climate. It’s important to pack for the weather, which in Scotland means layers. Essential items include t-shirts, sweaters, jeans, long sleeve shirts, a jacket, raincoat, gym wear etc.) Comfortable shoes are also a necessity as is two weeks’ worth of underwear and socks. Gloves, scarves and boots are also advisable.
Electronics: You should take your cell phone and your laptop with you, along with your charger(s). You will need an adapter to plug your charger into a UK socket. If your phone is unlocked, you should be able to buy a UK SIM card when you arrive, so that you have a UK cell (mobile) number while studying in the UK.
What not to bring…
Don’t waste your baggage allowance on simple but bulky things that you can purchase after you arrive in the UK, including bedding, non-essential toiletries, and inexpensive electronics such as a hairdryer. You can refer to this useful map of Aberdeen showing the location of stores where you’ll be able to purchase items after you arrive. TK Maxx, Primark and ASDA are all good stores for inexpensive necessities. You should also purchase a sturdy umbrella after you arrive and rainboots might also come in handy 🙂
University of Aberdeen students have established their own journal to provide an opportunity to showcase the research talents of undergraduates, primarily in the arts and social sciences.
Named in honour of the University’s founder, the Elphinstone Review follows on from a successful initiative in 2012 which saw Scotland’s four ancient universities come together to run a student journal. Now Aberdeen has branched out to create its very own publication, which will provide a forum for the introduction and presentation for scrutiny of new student research, and the critique of existing research.
Aberdeen students designed the journal cover, established an editorial team, appointed peer reviewers and arranged for the printing of the journal.
Professor Margaret Ross, Head of the College of Arts and Social Sciences said: “Our undergraduate students produce work of outstanding quality and the Elphinstone Review provides a platform for them to showcase this academic excellence.
Study in Aberdeen 