Maggie's guide to student accomodation in Aberdeen

[MaggieF]

So here it is! Lots of random information about the student accommodation in the granite city

Needless to say, I graduated from Aberdeen two years ago, so things may have changed somewhat. Knowing the university though, they probably haven't.

Disclaimer: You may detect a large amount of skepticism and/or negativity about some of these residences. This is generally because I lived there and know all their dirty secrets. Don't let it put you off - too much

University Accomodation

Hillhead:
Hillhead has it's plus points - shop, bar, launderette, bus service etc. There are computer rooms on site linked up to the uni network and I think there might be network points in the rooms now. The porters are your friends - treat them as such (presents help..) and you know that you'll always be able to get into your room at 4am when you're drunk as a skunk and locked out. Treat them wrong, and you'll be sleeping on the floor outside your room! The catered food was horrendous while I was there, but I'm told it has improved substantially. [As a complete aside, there used to be a 'policy' that you couldn't have juice in a 'water glass' and visa versa - the water glass was marginally bigger. You weren't paying for a water glass' worth of juice; you were paying for a juice glass' worth of juice, and by god did the catering staff enforce that.] Through Seaton Park is the quickest route to uni, but don't (and I mean DONT) walk through it after dark unless you are in a group of more than 3. Best policy is to take the longer route back to halls in the winter. Reason: The university campus is within 3 minutes walk of two housing estates; Aberdeen has a major heroin problem; Seaton park is situated half way between the two housing estates. You get the picture. It's just not worth it.

1. Kieth, Burnett, Hector Boyce, Esslemont: Self catering dumps
2. Adam Smith, Wavell, Fyfe: Catered and excellent for first years. Pick the QUIET block, believe me, it's worth it. A good investment would be a mini-fridge - the seagulls have evolved senses and skills to pick open the most secure plastic bag hanging out of the window containing milk. Also, NEVER trust the cleaners. As much as they might remind you of your mum, they will rat on you to the hall manager if they get a whiff of anything in your room that you shouldn't have (e.g. illegal substances, hamsters, un-tested electrical equipement etc).
3. North Court, South House: Self-catering flats. Nicer than most student halls. Pretty new, a few have ensuite as far as I can remember. North Court is nearer to the central building/launderette/shop/pub.
4. That-other-one-that-I-can't-remember-the-name-of: Was condemned even before I arrived ('99). No-one quite knows *why* it was condemned, but it's the same as Kieth, Burnett, Hector Boyce and Esslement. This should give you a good idea of what those halls are like. Edit: I think this one IS Esslemont. Oopsie!

Elphinstone Road
Self-catering flats. I didn't live there, nor did I see the inside of the accomodation, but I was always envious of anyone who lived there. Why? Well, its on campus. Within spitting distance - Literally - of the Ref (soon to be the new students' union) and central for everything on campus. It literally the hall where you can roll out of bed at 8:55 and still get to your lecture on time. Especially when first year medics are based at Kings.

Crombie-Johnson
Catered Halls. Let's get something straight. Crombie and Johnson halls are separate halls, but generally just referred to as "Crombie-Johnson". And the social divide couldn't get much wider. Crombie is the up-market, ensuite, public-school paradise envied by most (and hated for it). Johnson is kind of the opposite. Yet they are next-door to each other and share catering facilities. The major plus point is that they are on campus, next to the bus stop for the #20 (goes to town) and right opposite Kings College (ooh, pretty...).

Non-University Accommodation
Student Village
I was there in the gritty days when the university was selling off its accommodation to these guys. Initially, they were a bunch of money-grabbing crooks who didn't know their arse from their elbow. I have no idea if they've changed. Anyone know if they have? They used to have two or three halls, but looking at their website, they only have Don Street now.

1. Don Street:I lived here for two years. Nice. Although the SV people were a bit anal about the rent (which doesn't happen with the university), they were OK really. And the accomodation was nice enough. I managed to bag a HUGE room in my final year (I liked to think that I had a bedroom AND an office...) although it cost me more. There are very few ensuite rooms available. Beware that Don street is right next to seaton park and pretty much across the road from the housing estate tower blocks. The lane running adjacent generally has a collection of drug dealers in between 8pm and 3am any weekend night. On the plus side, the hall is about 2 minutes walk from the campus and if you get the right flat (*ahem* 128B), you get an excellent view of Seaton Park.

Anyway, there's my summary so far. If I can think of anything else, I'll add it later. I must go and reminisce about my glory-days

Mags
xx

[correctomondo]

hillhead is horrible. don't go there.

[copperfungus]

Johnson was pretty ace when I was there- 2002/03

[MossaH]

Ok I found this thread - what honestly is so bad about Keith, Burnett, Esslemont and Hecter Boece?

[WoolyJones]

Lexie P: Crombie Rules, it looks the best by far

This is nothing to do with the fact I have been to private skol since the age of three.

Wooly Jones : (indifferent)

[Mark____]

Are you Aberdeen-ing it Wooly?

[WoolyJones]

Nah im not, thas lexie p sayin it the stuff up there on my account. Im on the waiting list tho, heres hoping eh...

[Mark____]

People on the waiting list OFTEN get in.
Heaps of people must put Aberdeen as their insurance choice.
I know a few people who've got in on the waiting list.

[MossaH]

Is no-one going to answer me?

[WoolyJones]

ehh i would but i dnt know wat "Keith, Burnett, Esslemont and Hecter Boece" are. Sorry