- Libraries:
- There are three University libraries on the main campus, holding over 1 million volumes and periodicals. They are: the Divinity Library, the Taylor Library (Law library) and the Queen Mother Library (Main library). There are also departmental libraries and a large Medical Library situated in the Medical Faculty at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Overall, students seem to like the facilities but complain that many of the books are not available when they most need them. They would like to see more books on restricted access.
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- Computing:
- The Unversity boasts over 1000 computer workstations, with over 200 of them available 24hrs a day! All students get free e-mail and Internet access.
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- Sports:
- Sports are organised by the Athletics Association, run by a sabbatical officer. Sport is taken seriously at Aberdeen, but it is fair to say that the majority of students join sports teams to have a good time and meet friends aswell.
The sports facilities are based on 2 sites. The Butchart Recreation Centre is at King's and includes a sports hall, gym, 4 squash courts, and a climbing wall. King's also has a swimming pool, a playing field, and 3 all-weather tennis courts.
The main sports site, though, is at Balgownie where there are 20 acres of playing fields, a dry ski slope, a golf course and a running track with stadium! The University also owns a boathouse on the river and has a mountain lodge....pretty good for a romantic evening,.....if you can steal the key!
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- Future Plans:
- The University has committed to building the Students' Association a new complex of buildings.
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- Disabled Students:
- The University is not fully suitable for disabled access at the moment, but there is a large amount of renovation going on to comply with regulations, including ramp and lift access.
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- Student Welfare:
- The University of Aberdeen has a fairly comprehensive welfare system in operation. The University Counselling Service has three part-time staff and is always ready to help. For those with some sort of "new strain common cold" there is the Health Centre, which also offers sexual health advice. In addition, there is a non-denominational Chaplaincy.
Failing that, there is a full time welfare officer in the SRC, a place that has every leaflet on every welfare related subject in the world! The SRC can also give you financial advice and practical everyday help. There is also a great night taxi scheme where you pay the SRC the next morning for a taxi to get you home. The Night-line service may be reinstated.
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- Parking:
- Car parking is limited, but not impossible. The Halls have enough parking (just), but we would recommend that you get there early in order to find a place. The Halls are all within walking distance.
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- University Shops:
- The Union owns and operates 3 shops. One in the town, one on the High Street and one in the main halls complex. They all sell the usual amenities such as groceries, newspapers, stationary and University branded clothes.
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- University Bookshops:
- Blackwells, providing all core text books, is on the High Street. Other books can also be ordered through them. The SRC also run a second hand book shop, which buys and sells academic books.
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- Banking:
- There are no dedicated University branches, but there are branches of Clydesdale and the Bank of Scotland on the high street, right next to the campus. Students from other parts of the UK should remember that Scotland has different banks. It is probably best to open a student account once you arrive in Scotland.
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- Transport Policy:
- The University has managed to secure substantial discounts with the local bus company. However, negotiations are currently underway with Aberdeen's other institutions to set up an integrated student service.
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- Green Areas:
- Apart from the fact that Aberdeen is surrounded by countryside, the University does own some property in the Highlands which is used by departments for recreation or course work/field studies. There is also the beach....but this is more a sandy colour!!
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