1. Before You Arrive

1.1 University Email and IT Account

Before arriving in Aberdeen, you are strongly advised to make sure that your University of Aberdeen IT account and student email are working properly. Course notices, registration arrangements, visa and Right to Study checks, student support, library information and other administrative messages are often sent to your University email, so you should not rely only on a personal email account. The University of Aberdeen requires students to complete IT account registration and set up a password and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) before using University systems.

If you have not yet completed your University IT account registration, you can do so at: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/it/account-registration. University student email uses Microsoft 365 / Outlook. You can access webmail at: https://outlook.com/abdn.ac.uk. You will normally sign in using your University username followed by @abdn.ac.uk, for example u99xxxx@abdn.ac.uk, rather than j.smith.25@abdn.ac.uk, and then enter your university account password. The University also recommends using Outlook on your phone or computer so that you can receive University messages promptly. The Outlook mobile app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you previously added your University email to your phone’s built-in mail app but later experience problems such as not receiving emails, repeated sign-in prompts or an account-blocked message, try removing the old account and adding it again, or use the Outlook App instead. This approach is also recommended in the University’s IT guidance.

When signing in for the first time or using a new device, you may be asked to complete Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It is advisable to set this up before travelling and, where possible, configure two verification methods, for example Microsoft Authenticator plus SMS or telephone as a backup. This reduces the risk of being locked out if you change phones, lose your phone or one verification method stops working. Microsoft Authenticator can also be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can manage your MFA security information at: https://aka.ms/setupsecurityinfo.

It is also strongly recommended that you test your University email before leaving China: send an email to your own University account and reply to it, making sure that sending, receiving and MFA verification all work correctly. If you only discover an account problem after arriving in the UK, you may miss important information. If you have an IT problem, you can contact the IT Service Desk through MyIT: https://myit.abdn.ac.uk. MyIT is the University’s main route for reporting account, email and other IT issues.

1.2 Useful Mobile Apps

You may wish to download commonly used UK apps before travelling, such as Outlook, Google Maps, First Bus, Stagecoach, WhatsApp, Uber, Deliveroo and Just Eat. For Apple users, some UK apps may only appear in the UK App Store. If necessary, you can create a separate Apple Account before departure and select United Kingdom as the Country/Region. This avoids changing the region of your long-term China-based main account, which could affect existing subscriptions, account balance or previous purchases. Apple also notes that changing the region of an existing account may require you to deal with account balances, subscriptions and payment methods first, so repeatedly changing the region of your main account just to download individual UK apps is not recommended.

When creating an Apple Account, you need to provide a telephone number that can receive verification codes and remain accessible to you. A mainland China or UK mobile number may be used, provided you can receive Apple verification codes on it. If you do not yet have a UK number, you can use your Chinese number first and add another trusted phone number in your Apple Account security settings after you arrive in the UK. You can also search Xiaohongshu for guides on creating a UK-region Apple Account.

1.3 Mobile Phones and Payments

Everyday payments in the UK are mainly made by bank card and contactless payment. Most supermarkets, restaurants, buses and shops accept Visa, Mastercard or Apple Pay. You are therefore advised to bring at least one bank card that works in the UK and has overseas transactions enabled. iPhone users can also try adding a Visa or Mastercard issued in mainland China to Apple Wallet. Apple currently supports selected Visa / Mastercard credit and debit cards issued by certain mainland Chinese banks for Apple Pay and cross-border transactions, but support depends on the issuing bank and card type and not every card can be added. Apple’s current support list includes selected Visa / Mastercard cards from banks such as Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, China CITIC Bank and China Merchants Bank. Some Mastercard / Visa debit cards issued by China Merchants Bank and China CITIC Bank are also supported, while several other banks currently mainly support Visa credit cards.

It is therefore a good idea to try adding your card to the Wallet App before travelling, either directly in Wallet or via the Apple Wallet option in your bank’s App, and complete any verification required by the issuing bank. Even if a card cannot be added to Apple Wallet, a physical Visa / Mastercard that supports overseas transactions and contactless payments can usually still be used directly in the UK. You should carry a physical card as a backup and avoid relying only on mobile payments.

When you first arrive in the UK, it is advisable to keep international roaming active on your mainland Chinese mobile number so that you can receive SMS verification codes from Chinese banks, Apple Account and University systems. After obtaining a UK mobile number, you can update your contact details on relevant accounts as needed.

1.4 Important Documents and Addresses

Keep electronic copies of important documents such as your passport, visa or eVisa information, University admission or registration documents and accommodation confirmation, and bring any necessary paper copies as well. It is also useful to save the addresses of Hillhead Student Village and the University of Aberdeen, together with key contacts and emergency contact details, before travelling so they are easy to access on arrival. (TODO: add specific accommodation contact information here and check whether students living in university accommodation also receive ASV sports membership.)

2. The First 48 Hours After Arrival

DO THESE FIRST

1) Complete your accommodation check-in; 2) keep your passport and University documents safe; 3) check your University email; 4) confirm your timetable and welcome-event arrangements; 5) familiarise yourself with the route between Hillhead and campus.

1. Hillhead Student Village consists of self-catered student accommodation with kitchen facilities, and students normally share a kitchen with their flatmates.

2. You do not need to buy everything on your first evening. Start with basic food, toiletries and only the bedding / kitchen items that you genuinely need.

3. Turn on notifications for your University email. Important information about registration, visa checks and timetables is usually sent to your University email account.

Recommended supermarkets near Hillhead Student Village:

1. Greens of Hillhead

Address: Hillhead Student Village, Don St, Aberdeen AB24 1WU

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00-11:00; Saturday-Sunday: 10:00-11:00 (excluding public holidays, for example bank holidays, Christmas, New Year and Easter; the same note applies to the opening hours below).

Contact: hillhead@greens.co.uk | 01224 515131

Website: https://www.greens.co.uk/hillhead.

About: Located inside Hillhead Student Village, this is the most convenient option. It is useful for milk, bread, eggs, snacks, instant noodles and basic everyday items. It is good for quick top-up shopping, but is generally less suitable for a large weekly shop because prices can be slightly higher than at larger supermarkets.

2. Lidl（King Street）

Address: 739 King St, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB24 1XZ

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 8:00-22:00 (excluding public holidays).

Contact: +44 20 3966 5566

Website: https://www.lidl.co.uk/s/en-GB/store-finder/aberdeen/king-street-739/.

About: A large European supermarket chain focused on value for money. It is well suited to weekly student grocery shopping, with generally affordable prices and a good range of vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy products and basic groceries. Please note that the walk back to Hillhead from King Street includes an uphill section, so taking the bus may be easier if you have bought a lot of shopping.

The following supermarkets are further from the accommodation, but offer good quality and value and are places we often use:

3. Morrisons (King Street) (online delivery available)

Address: 215 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5DA

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 7:00-23:00; Sunday: 8:00-21:00 (excluding public holidays).

Contact: 01224 624404

Website: https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/160/aberdeen-king-street.

About: A large UK supermarket with a wide range of products, including vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy products, basic groceries, bakery items, prepared food and household goods. It is suitable for weekly or larger shopping trips. The store also has facilities such as a pharmacy, ATM, self-service checkouts and parking, making it more suitable than a convenience shop when buying a larger amount of shopping.

4. Sainsbury’s (Berryden Road) (online delivery available)

Address: Berryden Road, Aberdeen AB25 3SA

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 7:00-22:00 (excluding public holidays).

Contact: 01224 631144

Website: https://stores.sainsburys.co.uk/2048/berryden-road.

About: A large UK supermarket. This branch is a relatively large Superstore with a wide range of food, vegetables and fruit, meat, dairy products, frozen food and everyday household items. It also contains services such as Argos and an ATM and has a car park. It is suitable for weekly shopping or for buying a larger amount of food and household essentials when you first move in. Compared with smaller convenience shops around Hillhead, it offers a much wider range of products.

5. The Food Warehouse by Iceland (Berryden Retail Park) (online delivery available)

Address: Unit 2, Berryden Retail Park, Aberdeen AB25 3SA

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 8:00-21:00; Sunday: 8:00-20:00 (excluding public holidays).

Contact: 01224 047427

Website: https://www.iceland.co.uk/.

About: I often visit this together with the nearby Sainsbury’s because the two are close to each other. The Food Warehouse is Iceland’s larger warehouse-style supermarket, specialising in frozen and chilled food, larger packs and everyday groceries, with some fresh fruit, vegetables and household items as well. It is larger than a standard Iceland and has a wider range, making it useful for buying frozen foods, ready meals, meat and other items that can be stored for longer periods. For students living at Hillhead and cooking for themselves, it is a practical option for a larger shopping trip.

6. Home Bargains（Berryden Retail Park）

Address: Berryden Retail Park, Aberdeen AB25 3SA

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 6:00-22:00; Sunday: 9:00-19:00 (excluding public holidays).

Contact: 0 1224 635430

Website: https://home.bargains/.

About: A UK discount retail chain selling household essentials, cleaning products, personal-care products, small home items, kitchen supplies and some food and snacks. Prices are generally affordable, making it particularly useful when first moving into student accommodation and buying basic household essentials. Compared with a large supermarket, Home Bargains is better for items such as laundry detergent, tissues, cleaning products, clothes hangers and storage items rather than as your main weekly grocery shop.

7. Poundland（Berryden Retail Park）

Address: Unit 4, Berryden Retail Park, Berryden Road, Aberdeen AB25 3SA

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 09:00-19:30; Sunday: 10:00-18:30 (excluding public holidays).

Contact: 01224 639742

Website: https://www.poundland.co.uk/store-finder

About: A UK discount chain selling snacks, drinks, cleaning products, personal-care items, stationery, small kitchen items and other everyday goods. Prices are usually low, so it can be useful for inexpensive small household items when you first move in, as well as for topping up snacks and miscellaneous items. Compared with larger supermarkets, Poundland is best treated as a supplementary shop rather than your main weekly grocery store.

The following are small convenience-format branches of large supermarket chains near the University:

8. Co-op (King Street) (online delivery available)

Address: 504 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5ST

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 7:00-22:00 (excluding public holidays).

Contact: 01224 675087

Website: https://www.coop.co.uk/store-finder/AB24-5ST/504-king-street.

Online delivery: Available through the Co-op website and platforms such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats.

About: A neighbourhood convenience supermarket close to the University of Aberdeen, useful for quickly buying food, drinks and everyday items. It is close to campus, but prices are generally higher than at larger supermarkets, so it is better for top-up shopping than for a full weekly shop.

9. Tesco Express（King Street / Pittodrie）

Address: 472-480 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 3DF

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 6:00-24:00 (excluding public holidays).

Contact: 0333 3450500

Website: https://www.tesco.com/store-locator/aberdeen/tesco-express?sc_cmp=ref*yg*stc*2001.

About: A small Tesco Express convenience store on King Street near the University. It is useful after classes or for quickly buying milk, bread, eggs, drinks, snacks, simple ingredients and some household items. The long opening hours make it convenient for late-evening top-up shopping. However, because it is an Express-format store, the range is usually smaller and prices can be slightly higher than at larger supermarkets such as Lidl, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, so it is less suitable for a full weekly shop.

The following are larger shops around the Aberdeen Beach area:

10. Asda Aberdeen Beach Superstore

Address: Unit 1, Beach Boulevard Retail Park, Aberdeen AB11 5EJ

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 7:00-22:00; Sunday: 8:00-22:00 (excluding public holidays).

Contact: 01224 282010

Website:

About: A large UK supermarket with a very wide product range. In addition to vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy products, frozen food and basic groceries, it also sells clothing, homeware and some household essentials. It is useful for a large initial shop after moving in or for regular weekly grocery shopping. The store also supports online shopping and delivery, including some same-day delivery options.

11. Iceland Supermarket Aberdeen

Address: Unit 3, Beach Boulevard Retail Park, Links Road, Aberdeen AB11 5EJ

Opening hours: 9:00-20:00 Monday-Saturday and 10:00-18:00 on Sunday. Please check again before travelling, as opening hours may change.

Contact: 01224 586493.

Website:

About: A UK supermarket chain best known for frozen foods, including frozen meat, seafood, vegetables, pizza, chips, ready meals and desserts. It also sells standard groceries and everyday items. It is useful for students with fridge/freezer space who cook for themselves and want food that can be stored for longer. It is in the same retail park as ASDA and ALDI, so the three shops can easily be visited on the same trip.

12. ALDI (Beach Boulevard Retail Park) (online delivery available)

Address: Units 9-10, Beach Boulevard Retail Park, Links Road, Aberdeen AB11 5EJ

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 8:00-22:00; Sunday: 9:00-20:00

Contact: 0800 042 0800

Website:

About: A German discount supermarket with a similar positioning to Lidl, focused on good value. It has a good range of fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy products, frozen food and basic groceries, and also regularly sells limited-time home and kitchen items. It is suitable for weekly student shopping, particularly for students who want to keep costs down.

13. Dunelm

Address: Boulevard Retail Park, Links Road, Aberdeen AB24 5EZ

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00-20:00; Saturday: 9:00-19:00; Sunday: 10:00-18:00

Contact: 01224 009270

Website:

About: A large UK homeware retailer. It is not a food supermarket, but it is very useful when you first move into student accommodation. It sells bedding, pillows, duvets, towels, curtains, kitchenware, pots and pans, tableware, storage products, lighting and more. Click & Collect and online delivery are available. It is particularly useful for students at Hillhead who need to buy a number of accommodation essentials at once.

The following supermarket is in the city centre:

14. Marks & Spencer（Union Square）

Address: Units RTU 2 and 3, Union Square Shopping Park, Aberdeen AB11 5PF

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 8:00-21:00; Sunday: 9:00-19:00 (excluding public holidays).

Contact: 01224 581440

About: A long-established British retailer, also familiar to many people through its stores in Hong Kong. The Union Square branch has a sizeable Food Hall and also sells clothing, beauty products and some homeware. Food quality is generally high, making it useful for ready meals, sandwiches, desserts, bakery items and higher-quality ingredients, although prices are usually higher than discount supermarkets such as Lidl and Aldi.

3. Getting Around

3.1 Bus Travel

Aberdeen has two main bus operators: First Bus Aberdeen and Stagecoach. Services operate around the University of Aberdeen, Hillhead Student Village, the city centre and the wider Aberdeen area. First Bus has a large network within the city; for example, services 20 / 20A connect Hillhead, Old Aberdeen and the city centre. Stagecoach service 9U also connects Hillhead, the University of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI). Stagecoach additionally operates many services into Aberdeenshire, including places such as Stonehaven, Banchory, Ellon and Inverurie. Bus routes and timetables may change because of term-time arrangements, roadworks, weather or temporary diversions, so check live vehicle locations and service updates in the official Apps before travelling. First Bus has announced that from 20 September 2026, services 20 / 20A will operate approximately every 30 minutes throughout the year.

First Bus Aberdeen allows you to buy a ticket on board or use the First Bus App to plan routes, view live vehicle locations and buy mobile tickets. Contactless bank cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted. First Bus offers student tickets to passengers who can show a valid University Student ID. Current Aberdeen student products include First Day £4.95, First Week £23.50 and First Month £81.00, all offering unlimited travel on the First Aberdeen network for their period of validity. For students who do not travel every day, more flexible products include 3-in-7 Days £13.50, 5-in-7 Days £20.00 and 15-in-28 Days £60.00. You must be able to show a valid University student ID when buying or using student tickets. First Bus App: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/GB/app/id566586379?mt=8&ls=1&ct=fbw-first-bus-website; Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.firstgroup.first.bus&referrer=fbw-first-bus-website.

Stagecoach also allows passengers to buy a Single Ticket on board, or use the Stagecoach Bus App to plan routes, view live vehicle information and buy mobile tickets. Stagecoach North Scotland offers Student Single, Student DayRider, Student MegaRider and Flexi tickets. The company currently states that a Student Single can be around 25% cheaper than the equivalent adult single fare; DayRider is useful for multiple journeys in one day; MegaRider is aimed at frequent travel over a week or longer; and Flexi 5 is useful if you only travel by bus on some days of the week, providing five DayRider tickets for the price of four. Student tickets normally require a university ID. Stagecoach Bus App (iOS / Android): https://stagecoach.onelink.me/2899670060?pid=website&c=UKB%20all%20tickets%20website.

If you need to use both First Bus and Stagecoach, or travel into Aberdeenshire beyond Aberdeen City, you can also consider a Grasshopper Ticket. Grasshopper is a multi-operator ticket accepted by a number of bus companies across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, so you are not restricted to one operator. It is divided into Zones A, B and C. From May 2026, student prices are: Zone A Day £5.40 / Week £25.50; Zone B Day £8.25 / Week £28.50; Zone C Day £15.50 / Week £44.00. The entire First Aberdeen network is included within Zone A. This ticket can be useful if you need to transfer between First Bus and Stagecoach or travel further afield.

Students living at Hillhead Student Village can either take the bus or walk to Old Aberdeen / King’s College. Hillhead is not far from campus, so walking is a convenient option in good weather. If you are travelling to the city centre or Union Square, or carrying a lot of shopping, the bus is usually easier. When you first start using the buses, allow extra time and check the route number and direction before boarding, as the same stop may serve several routes or directions. Aberdeen occasionally has temporary diversions because of roadworks, events or weather, so it is better to check live information in the App rather than rely only on a static timetable.

3.2 Walking and Map Navigation

The Old Aberdeen campus is generally easy to navigate on foot. Major facilities such as King’s College, the Sir Duncan Rice Library and the MacRobert Building are relatively close to one another. Walking from Hillhead Student Village to the Old Aberdeen campus is also common. It is a good idea to install Google Maps or Apple Maps on your phone and allow extra time the first time you visit a teaching building. Please note that the actual entrance to some University of Aberdeen buildings may not exactly match the map marker, so before your first class you should check the specific building name and room number.

3.3 Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Traditional taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber are available in Aberdeen. Taxis can be useful when travelling as a group, returning to accommodation late at night or when public transport is inconvenient. They are usually significantly more expensive than buses, so walking and public transport are generally better for everyday travel; if several people travel together, the fare can be shared. In addition to Uber, Aberdeen has local taxi companies such as Rainbow City Taxis, which operates 24 hours a day. You can book by phone on 01224 878787 or use the uBook App to make a booking and track the vehicle. The company also provides vehicle information by text message, allowing passengers to check the vehicle model, colour and registration number in advance.

The Aberdeen Taxis official App can also be used for immediate bookings, advance bookings, viewing driver and vehicle details and estimating fares. If you have just arrived in Aberdeen and need to travel to the airport or railway station, or you have a lot of luggage, booking in advance and allowing extra time is recommended. Waiting times can be longer during peak periods, weekends or poor weather. At night, use an official App or a reputable taxi company and check the vehicle registration and details before getting in.

3.4 Train and Long-Distance Travel

Aberdeen Railway Station is located in Union Square in the city centre. Direct and connecting trains can take you to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Perth, Stirling, Inverness and many other destinations. TrainPal and Trainline are convenient for checking services, comparing fares and buying electronic tickets. UK train fares vary depending on the date, how far in advance you book and the ticket type, so if your travel plans are fixed, booking earlier will often give you access to more lower-priced options.

Common ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime, Single and Return. Advance fares are usually cheaper but are normally restricted to a specific booked train; Off-Peak fares have time restrictions but usually cost less than Anytime fares; Anytime tickets offer the most flexibility but are usually the most expensive. Before buying, check the service, time, whether a change is required and whether the ticket is restricted to a particular train.

• Advance tickets are usually lower-priced tickets bought in advance and normally apply only to the specific train selected when booking. If you miss that train, the ticket will often not be valid on the next service and you may need to buy a new ticket or follow the conditions shown on your ticket. Advance tickets are therefore best when your plans are fixed and you are unlikely to change your departure time.

• Off-Peak tickets are generally cheaper than Anytime tickets, but can only be used on services that meet the relevant off-peak restrictions. The valid times differ between routes, so do not assume that all daytime trains or all trains after 09:30 are automatically valid. Check the specific restrictions shown on the ticket or in the App after purchasing. Off-Peak can be a useful choice if your travel time is reasonably flexible but you do not want to be tied to one specific train.

• Anytime tickets offer the greatest flexibility and can normally be used on eligible services within the dates shown on the ticket without Off-Peak time restrictions. They are convenient if your departure time may change at short notice, but they are also usually the most expensive option. If you already know exactly which train you will take, paying extra for this flexibility may not be necessary.

• Single means a one-way ticket covering only one direction. For example, a ticket from Aberdeen to Edinburgh without a return journey is a Single. “Single” does not itself indicate whether the fare is cheap or expensive, because it can be combined with other fare types, such as Advance Single, Off-Peak Single or Anytime Single.

• Return means a return ticket covering both the outward and return journeys. Common examples include Off-Peak Return and Anytime Return. Some Return tickets provide more flexibility over the return date or time, but the exact days and times on which they can be used depend on the ticket restrictions. A Return can sometimes be cheaper than buying two Single tickets, but this is not always the case, so compare prices on TrainPal or Trainline before buying.

Eligible students may also wish to buy a 16-25 Railcard. A one-year Railcard currently costs £35 and normally requires a passport and a passport-style photo when applying. It is available to people aged 16-25 and to eligible full-time students aged 26 or over, and gives around one-third off many UK rail fares. If you plan to make several rail trips to cities such as Edinburgh or Glasgow over the coming months, it can often represent good value. When buying a discounted ticket in TrainPal or Trainline, make sure you select the correct Railcard, and remember that you must also be able to show a valid Railcard when your ticket is checked.

Railcards can be purchased through the following Apps / channels. Different platforms may offer different promotions from time to time, so compare prices before buying. Digital Railcards are usually stored in the relevant App. When travelling on a Railcard-discounted ticket, you must also be able to show the valid Railcard.

• Official Railcard website: https://www.railcard.co.uk/16-25-railcard/

• Trainline：https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/great-britain/railcards/16-25-railcard

• TrainPal、Trip.com

For your first train journey, arrive at Aberdeen Station in good time and check your electronic ticket and platform information before departure. UK rail services can occasionally be delayed, cancelled or changed because of weather, engineering work or other issues, so check live information on TrainPal, Trainline or National Rail again on the day of travel.

3.5 Air Travel

Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) is located to the north-west of the city and is Aberdeen’s main airport. One convenient public-transport option is the Stagecoach 727 Airport Jet Bus, which links Aberdeen Airport with Union Square Bus Station in the city centre. From the city centre, you can board at stance 3 in Union Square Bus Station; from the airport, the service departs from stance 1 immediately outside the terminal. Official information indicates that the service operates from early morning until late at night, with some daytime periods running approximately every 15 minutes. If you have a lot of luggage, are travelling in a group, or have a very early or late flight, you may prefer a taxi, Uber or a pre-booked local taxi.

Aberdeen Airport mainly serves UK domestic and European destinations. Common direct UK destinations include London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast, Kirkwall, Shetland and Wick. International direct destinations include Amsterdam, Dublin, Bergen, Stavanger, Copenhagen, Paris, Kraków and Riga, together with seasonal or leisure destinations such as Alicante, Malaga, Faro and Tenerife. Routes change according to season and airline schedules, so always check the latest information from the airport or airline when booking.

Complete online check-in when it becomes available and save your boarding pass in the airline App, Apple Wallet / Google Wallet, or keep an electronic copy that can be viewed offline. If you have checked baggage, check the baggage allowance included with your fare in advance, as cabin-bag and checked-bag number, size and weight limits are set by individual airlines. Aberdeen Airport currently requires liquid containers in hand luggage to be no larger than 100 ml. Liquids in containers of 100 ml or less can remain inside hand luggage during security screening and do not need to be placed in a separate transparent bag. Security rules can differ between airports, however, so if you are transferring, check the rules at the connecting airport as well.

3.6 Ferry Travel

Aberdeen Ferry Terminal is in the city centre, close to Union Square, the railway station and the coach station. NorthLink Ferries operates passenger services from Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland. Common destinations include Kirkwall and Lerwick, and some sailings operate overnight. A journey to Shetland normally involves an overnight crossing, so you may wish to book suitable accommodation on board in advance; some Lerwick sailings also call at Kirkwall. Sailing times and fares vary by date, so check the latest timetable and availability before travelling. NorthLink Ferries: https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/; timetable: https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/book/routes-times-and-prices/timetables/.

If you plan to travel by ferry, arrive at the terminal in good time for check-in and check service updates again on the day, as North Sea weather can affect sailing times. Ferries take longer than flying, but they depart directly from central Aberdeen and offer a distinctive way to travel to Orkney and Shetland. Orkney is particularly suitable for history, archaeology and coastal scenery, while Shetland is better suited to a longer weekend or holiday and is known for its island landscapes, wildlife and local culture.

4. University Systems & Student ID

4.1 MyAberdeen

MyAberdeen is one of the University of Aberdeen’s main online learning platforms. You can use it to access course materials, teaching content, course announcements, assignment information and other learning activities. Each course normally has its own course page, so before teaching begins, make sure you can log in successfully and that the courses you are taking are visible.

Once teaching begins, lecturers may use MyAberdeen to publish lecture slides, reading materials, assessment information and temporary notices, so check it regularly. If a course you have registered for is missing, or its page appears clearly incomplete, contact the relevant course coordinator or University support team as early as possible rather than waiting until teaching is already under way. MyAberdeen: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/students/academic-life/myaberdeen/

4.2 MyTimetable

MyTimetable is used to view your individual teaching timetable, including the times and locations of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and other scheduled classes. Check it again after arriving in Aberdeen, as rooms, times or teaching arrangements can sometimes change shortly before or after the start of term.

Pay particular attention to the building name, room number, class time and course code. Many University of Aberdeen teaching buildings are close together, but their layouts and entrances are not always obvious, so allow extra time the first time you visit a room. If you see timetable clashes, missing classes or other obvious problems, contact the School Office, course coordinator or relevant administrator as early as possible. MyTimetable: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/mytimetable.

4.3 University Email

Your University email is an important channel for official information. Course arrangements, registration, Right to Study / visa checks, assessment, student support and other administrative information may all be sent to your University email, so it is advisable to check it at least once a day.

You can access your University email through Outlook Web or the Microsoft Outlook App on your phone. When using it for the first time, make sure you can send and receive emails normally and that Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is set up. If you cannot sign in, are not receiving emails or your account behaves unexpectedly, contact the IT Service Desk as early as possible.

4.4 Student ID Card

Your University student ID card is an important form of identification while you are studying here and should be carried with you on campus. It is normally used to access some University buildings, the library and other access-controlled areas, and may also be used for borrowing library materials, examinations, identity checks and some student discounts.

When you receive your student ID card, check immediately that your name, photograph and student number are correct. If the card is lost, damaged or does not work properly, contact Infohub or the relevant student service as soon as possible. As some student discounts and campus services require a valid physical student ID, do not rely only on a photo or screenshot of the card on your phone.

5. Healthcare and GP Services

IMPORTANT: If you have a life-threatening illness or serious injury, call 999. If you need urgent medical advice but the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 24 on 111.

5.1 NHS and GP Basics

While studying in Scotland, your first point of contact for most general medical problems is usually a GP (General Practitioner). NHS Scotland currently states that if you expect to live in an area for more than three months, you can apply to register permanently with a local GP practice; if you are staying for less than three months, you can normally still receive treatment as a Temporary Resident. NHS Scotland also states that anyone in Scotland can access GP primary care services free of charge. International students studying in Scotland for a longer period are advised by the NHS to register with a GP soon after arrival. The University of Aberdeen also provides dedicated student guidance on GP registration and medical care. Please follow the latest University and NHS information: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/students/support/wellbeing/health-and-medical-care/gp-doctor.

The University states that Student visa holders who paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application can access NHS treatment after arriving in Scotland. Please note that IHS / NHS treatment entitlement and registration with a particular GP practice are separate issues. Which GP you can register with will depend on your accommodation address, the practice catchment area and whether the practice is accepting new patients.

5.2 GP Registration for Hillhead Students

Students living at Hillhead Student Village may wish to consider Old Aberdeen Medical Practice / King’s Medical Practice. The practice is at 12 Sunnybank Road, Aberdeen AB24 3NG, and it is also the GP practice with which I previously registered. The practice currently asks applicants to check that their postcode is within its catchment area and then complete an online new-patient registration form and short health questionnaire. The practice notes that registration can take up to approximately four weeks. Final acceptance of a registration is determined by the practice. Registration: https://www.oldaberdeenmedicalpractice.scot.nhs.uk/clinics-and-services/registering-with-the-practice/. Telephone: 0345 013 0740. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-18:00.

NHS Scotland recommends providing proof of identity and address where possible so that NHS records can be matched correctly, but the absence of identification or proof of address should not in itself be a reason to refuse GP registration. Old Aberdeen Medical Practice also states that, where available, documents such as a passport, current student matriculation card and a document showing your address can help with the registration process.

5.3 Appointments and NHS 24

Once you are registered with a GP, if you become unwell you will normally contact your GP practice first. The practice will decide whether to arrange a telephone consultation, face-to-face appointment or another form of care. Appointment systems differ between practices, so do not assume that you can simply walk in. If you need to see a doctor, contact the practice by telephone or through its online system first.

If you become unwell when your GP practice is closed and the problem cannot wait until it reopens, call NHS 24 on 111. NHS 24 can provide medical advice and arrange further care where appropriate. If English is not your preferred language, you can also request an interpreting service. If you have a life-threatening emergency, such as severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness or serious bleeding, call 999 or go to Accident & Emergency (A&E) rather than waiting for a normal GP appointment.

5.4 Pharmacy and Prescriptions

Many minor illnesses in the UK do not necessarily require a GP appointment. Community pharmacies can provide advice on medicines, and pharmacists can help with a number of common health problems. If you are running out of a regular prescription medicine and cannot immediately contact your GP, you can also ask a local pharmacy whether an emergency supply may be possible. Prescriptions issued by a GP are often sent to a nominated pharmacy, or you may receive a prescription to take to a community pharmacy. The NHS prescription system in Scotland differs from the system in England, so do not assume that English prescription-charge rules apply in Scotland.

6. Food and Eating Out

Aberdeen city centre and the areas around the University have many restaurants, cafés, dessert shops and independent venues. If you would like ideas for popular local restaurants, café visits and everyday food recommendations, you can refer to the Xiaohongshu account below. It contains a range of Aberdeen restaurant, café and lifestyle posts and may be useful inspiration when you are new to the city.

Xiaohongshu QR code:

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Profile link:

(insert link)

7. Opening a UK Bank Account and Everyday Banking

7.1 What to Prepare Before Applying

When international students open a UK bank account, banks will normally need to verify your identity, UK address and student status. You are advised to prepare your passport and an electronic copy, an eVisa share code (generate an eVisa share code at: https://view-immigration-status.service.gov.uk/status; to check or update UKVI account details such as the passport or address linked to your eVisa, use: https://www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details/update-your-ukvi-account), your student ID card, a UK mobile number and your full Hillhead accommodation address. Some traditional banks may also ask for a University Bank Letter confirming your student status and UK address. Required evidence differs between banks, so check the latest requirements for your chosen bank before applying.

A University of Aberdeen Bank Letter can be generated directly through Student Hub. In Student Hub, select Personal Details, enter your date of birth in day-month-year format, then open Bank Letters. Follow the instructions to select the bank and branch where you intend to open your account, and the system can generate a Bank Letter as a downloadable PDF. You must complete Online Registration before you can generate a Bank Letter. Before generating it, check that your name and accommodation address in Student Hub are correct, as this information will normally appear on the letter. Student Hub: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/studenthub/.

After downloading the Bank Letter, check again that the name, course information and UK accommodation address match the information you will enter in your bank application. In particular, your name should match the spelling in your passport as closely as possible, and your accommodation address should be written in a complete and consistent format to avoid problems with identity or address verification.

7.2 Traditional Banks

HSBC UK has a convenient branch on Union Street in the heart of Aberdeen city centre. International students who have just arrived in the UK and have not lived in the UK for the previous three years are not eligible for the standard HSBC Student Bank Account, but can apply for the standard HSBC Bank Account. Typical requirements include being aged 18 or over, valid proof of identity and proof of a UK address. HSBC UK App: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/hsbc-uk-mobile-banking/id1220329065; Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.hsbc.hsbcukmobilebanking. Website: https://www.hsbc.co.uk/current-accounts/products/bank-account/.

Bank of Scotland has a large branch network across Scotland and around two or three branches in Aberdeen, making it another convenient option. Students can apply for a current account suitable for people who are new to the UK. The bank currently allows holders of non-UK passports to verify their identity through the mobile banking App. Whether additional proof of address is required will depend on the application. In many cases online verification can be completed successfully; if the system asks for in-person verification, bring the printed supporting documents requested. Bank of Scotland App: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/bank-of-scotland-mobile-bank/id485728109; Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grppl.android.shell.BOS. Website: https://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/bankaccounts.html.

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is also common in Aberdeen. Please note that the RBS Student Account similarly requires applicants to have lived in the UK for the previous three years, so newly arrived international students will usually not qualify for the Student Account. They can, however, apply for a standard current account in the same way as other UK residents. RBS currently accepts a non-UK passport together with a valid eVisa share code and may also require proof of a UK address. RBS App: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/royal-bank-of-scotland/id334852412; Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rbs.mobile.android.rbs. Website: https://www.rbs.co.uk/current-accounts.html.

7.3 Online Banks

In addition to traditional banks, you can consider online banks such as Monzo. Monzo applications are completed entirely through the mobile App. Applicants must currently be at least 16, live in the UK and have the right to reside in the UK. You will need valid photo ID such as a passport and will be asked for your UK address, mobile number and email address. If further address verification is required, you may be asked to upload proof of your UK address. There is no need to visit a physical bank branch. Monzo App: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/monzo-bank-mobile-banking/id1052238659; Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.uk.getmondo.

Chase UK also opens accounts entirely through its App. Applicants currently need to be aged 18 or over, live only in the UK, have a UK mobile number and be a UK tax resident, and a soft credit search is carried out. For eligible new customers, Chase currently offers a promotional Saver rate of up to 4.5% AER, including a limited 12-month rate boost; eligibility and the validity period should be checked on the official page when applying. Chase also currently offers 2% cashback on eligible spending, including supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, takeaways and everyday transport, up to £20 per month. In addition, Chase currently operates a Refer a Friend promotion under which eligible new customers can receive a £50 cash reward after depositing £1,000, subject to the promotion terms in force at the time. Chase App: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/iphone/search?term=Chase%20UK%20; Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chase.intl.

7.4 General Account-Opening Process

The application process is broadly similar at most banks. First choose a bank and account type, then begin the application through the bank’s website or App and enter basic information such as your name, date of birth, nationality, UK address, mobile number and tax-residency details. You will then need to complete identity verification, usually by photographing your passport and completing a selfie / video verification. Traditional banks may also ask you to upload or bring to a branch a University Bank Letter, student ID or other evidence of your UK address.

Once your application is approved, the bank will usually provide an account number and sort code, while the physical debit card is posted to your UK address. When the card arrives, follow the instructions in the bank App to activate it and set your PIN. Most UK bank cards support contactless payment and can also be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay.

If online identity verification fails, this does not necessarily mean you cannot open the account. Sometimes the issue is simply that you have only recently arrived in the UK and your address is not yet present in databases, or that a University letter cannot be recognised by the automated system. In that case, contact the bank’s customer service team or book a branch appointment and take your passport, eVisa information, student ID, Bank Letter and accommodation-address evidence with you.

7.5 Bank Letters and Your Hillhead Address

When entering your address in a bank application, use the same full Hillhead address as shown in your University / accommodation records, including your room / flat / block information, Hillhead Student Village, Don Street, Aberdeen and the postcode. Do not alternate between the University address and your accommodation address, as inconsistent address information may cause automated bank verification to fail.

7.6 Practical Tips After Opening an Account

UK bank transfers normally use four pieces of information: the recipient’s name, a six-digit sort code, an eight-digit account number and a payment reference, rather than the debit-card number. Once you receive your UK account, follow the bank’s instructions to activate it through the App, by telephone or online as applicable. A UK bank account can be used to pay rent, receive refunds, transfer money to classmates and set up Direct Debits. Never share your online-banking password, full security codes or one-time verification codes with other people; bank staff will not ask you to send these details through WeChat, text message or by telephone. If you only need a way to pay for everyday purchases, you do not necessarily need to open a UK account immediately. Visa / Mastercard cards issued in China work in most places in the UK. The main advantages of a UK bank account are easier local bank transfers, Direct Debits, receiving payments and managing longer-term day-to-day life in the UK.