Student Accommodation in Aberdeen: A Complete Guide

Aberdeen is home to two excellent universities — the University of Aberdeen (UoA), founded in 1495 and set in the beautiful Old Aberdeen campus, and Robert Gordon University (RGU), with its modern Garthdee campus along the River Dee. Between them they bring thousands of students to the city each year, and finding the right accommodation is one of the first big decisions you'll make. This guide covers everything from purpose-built halls to private lets, the best student areas, and how Aberdeen's unique rental market works in your favour.

University of Aberdeen vs Robert Gordon University: Where You Study Matters

Your choice of university has a big impact on where you should live. The University of Aberdeen's main campus is in Old Aberdeen, about two miles north of the City Centre. It's a historic, cobbled neighbourhood with its own distinct character — King's College Chapel, St Machar's Cathedral, and the beautiful Seaton Park are all within walking distance. RGU's Garthdee campus, by contrast, sits on the south side of the city along the River Dee, about three miles from the City Centre. The two campuses are on opposite sides of Aberdeen, so living near one means a longer commute to the other.

Best Student Areas

Old Aberdeen — Best for UoA Students

Old Aberdeen is the natural home for University of Aberdeen students. You can roll out of bed and be in lectures within minutes. The area has a genuine student community, with affordable rents and easy access to Seaton Park and the River Don. One-bed flats start from around £400 per month, and rooms in shared flats can be as low as £250–£350. The trade-off is that nightlife and city-centre amenities require a bus journey or a 25-minute walk.

Garthdee and Kincorth — Best for RGU Students

For RGU students, living close to the Garthdee campus makes daily life much easier. Garthdee itself is primarily residential with some newer developments, while nearby Kincorth offers affordable housing with bus connections to campus. Rents here are among the lowest in Aberdeen — expect £380–£550 for a one-bed flat. The area is quieter than the City Centre but has good local amenities and easy access to Duthie Park.

West End and Rosemount — Best of Both Worlds

The West End and Rosemount area sits roughly between the two universities and offers the best social scene outside the City Centre. Rosemount Place is lined with independent cafes, bakeries, and shops, and the area has a vibrant, youthful feel. It's a 20-minute bus ride to either campus, and you're within walking distance of the City Centre nightlife. One-bed flats run £500–£650, making it pricier than Old Aberdeen or Garthdee but worth it for many students who want a more lively neighbourhood.

City Centre — Convenience at a Price

The City Centre works for students at either university, with bus routes running north to Old Aberdeen and south to Garthdee. You'll have Belmont Street's restaurants and bars, Union Square shopping centre, and the main train station on your doorstep. One-bed flats range from £500–£700, but you can find rooms in shared flats for £300–£450. The trade-off is noise — Union Street can be loud on weekend nights.

PBSA vs Private Lets

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is the simplest option for first-year students. Both universities offer halls of residence, and there are several private PBSA developments in the city. PBSA typically includes all bills, internet, and contents insurance in one weekly or monthly payment. It's hassle-free but often more expensive than a private let once you factor everything in, and the rooms can be small.

Private lets offer more space, more choice, and often better value — especially in Aberdeen, where rents have come down significantly from the oil boom peak. A private one-bed flat at £450 per month plus £100–£150 in bills can work out cheaper than many PBSA rooms at £140–£170 per week. The downside is that you'll need to manage bills, deal with landlords or agents, and sign a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT).

HMO Rules: What Sharers Need to Know

If you're sharing a flat with two or more unrelated people, the property must have a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence from Aberdeen City Council. This is a legal requirement, and it ensures the property meets fire safety, space, and amenity standards. Always ask to see the HMO licence before signing a lease. If a landlord can't produce one, walk away — you could face problems down the line, and the property may not meet basic safety standards.

Budget: What Students Actually Pay in Aberdeen

Aberdeen's rental market correction since the oil price crash has been a genuine benefit for students. Where a one-bed flat might have cost £700–£800 during the boom, today's student-friendly price range is:

• Room in a shared flat: £250–£400 pcm
• One-bed flat (Old Aberdeen/Garthdee): £400–£550 pcm
• One-bed flat (West End/City Centre): £500–£650 pcm
• Two-bed flat (sharing): £550–£800 pcm total (£275–£400 each)

On top of rent, budget roughly £100–£150 per month for council tax (students are exempt if all occupants are full-time students), energy, broadband, and contents insurance. Remember to claim your council tax exemption through Aberdeen City Council — you'll need a letter from your university confirming your student status.

The Oil Industry Advantage: Flatsharing with Professionals

Aberdeen's energy industry creates an unusual opportunity for students. Many oil and gas workers — particularly those on offshore rotations — rent flats in the city but are away for two or three weeks at a time. This means there are flatshare opportunities where your housemate is a working professional who's often not there. These flats tend to be well-furnished and in good condition, and the rent is shared fairly. It's a win-win: the professional gets a reliable flatmate to keep the place occupied, and you get a quieter, better-quality flat than a typical student share.

When to Start Looking

The Aberdeen student rental market gets busiest between May and August, with September being the final rush before term starts. Start your search early — ideally by April or May for a September move-in. The best properties in Old Aberdeen and the West End go quickly.

Browse student-friendly properties in Aberdeen now, or explore our neighbourhood guides to compare areas and find the right fit for your university and lifestyle.