New Students' Guide 2015 - Everything you need to know - www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents
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New Students’ Guide 2015
Everything you need to know
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents
1
Welcome
Coming to university is an exciting and busy time which presents you with lots of
Welcome
new experiences and opportunities. To ensure that your transition is as simple as
possible, we have compiled this handy guide to help you get started in January 2015.
You will find a checklist to help you prepare for your arrival at The University, guides
on how to become a registered student and choose your courses (where applicable),
and information on Induction and Welcome Events, University Support Services,
campus maps and much more.
While we are confident that you will adapt to university life very quickly, if you find
that you need a little help along the way please remember to ask for it! The
University has lots of services available to support you with any academic and non-
academic issues you may experience. Our Useful Contacts section (pg 19) provides
details of support services and how you can get in touch with them.
The New Students’ Website, available at www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents, contains
lots of information to help you get started in January 2015 and you can feel free to
email us with any queries, on newstudents@abdn.ac.uk.
Contents
Welcome 1
Arriving in Aberdeen 2
How to Register 3
Undergraduate 3-4
Taught Postgraduate 5
Research Postgraduate 6
International & European Students’ Events 7
Welcome Week Events 8
Kings College Campus Map 9 - 10
Foresterhill Campus Map 11
Support for Students 12 - 16
Student Life 17
Checklist 18
Useful Contacts 19
2
Arriving in Aberdeen www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/arrival
Meet and Greet Services
If you will be arriving during the Welcome Weekend (10 and 11 January), there will be a meet and greet service
Arriving in Aberdeen
at Aberdeen Airport at peak arrival times, weather permitting. You will be met by a Student Ambassador who
will answer any queries you have and direct you towards transport to your place of residence. Please note that
you will be responsible for the cost of your own transport. If you arrive out with these dates, you can complete
an online request to be met by a Student Ambassador. For more information on the meet and greet service,
please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/arrival.
Arrival By Air
Aberdeen Airport is just 7 miles from the City Centre and is very easy to navigate, with just one terminal
building. A taxi rank is situated outside the front door, and a fare to University accommodation will cost
around £25-30. Alternatively, you can take the Jet Bus (number 727) to Aberdeen Bus Station (travel time
35 mins). A single ticket costs £2.70 and the timetable is available at www.stagecoachbus.com.
Arrival By Train/Bus
Aberdeen Bus and Train Stations are located at the same site in the City Centre, next to Union Square
Shopping Centre. The taxi rank is inside the Train Station and fares to King’s College Campus cost
approximately £15, with trips to Hillhead Halls costing around £25. You can also take a Stagecoach bus
from the Bus Station to your accommodation. Timetables are available at www.stagecoachbus.com and
there is an information desk at the Bus Station. Alternatively, you can walk to nearby Union Street to catch
a First Aberdeen bus to your accommodation. Timetables and route information are available at
www.firstgroup.com.
Arrival By Car
The University’s online route planner can help you plan your journey –
www.abdn.ac.uk/environment/transport/route.
Accommodation
If you are staying in University accommodation, you can collect your keys from the date your contract begins from
the following places (you may wish to consult the map on pages 10 and 11).
> Crombie Hall, Johnston Hall, Kings Hall and Elphinstone Road: keys should be collected from the reception at
Crombie Hall, open 24 hours (t: 01224 273444).
> Hillhead Halls: keys should be collected from the reception at New Carnegie Court, open 24 hours
(t: 01224 274002).
University accommodation contracts begin on Saturday 10 January 2015. You will not be able to move into
your room before this date. As such, if you are arriving before 10 January, please ensure you have made
alternative accommodation arrangements.
If you have any queries regarding your accommodation or contract, please contact the Student
Accommodation Office, at studentaccomm@abdn.ac.uk. For additional information, you can also
visit the website at www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation.
Private Accommodation
If you wish to go into private accommodation, it is strongly recommended that you organise this in advance of
your arrival in Aberdeen. The Students’ Association holds contact details for a number of private landlords,
solicitors and estate agents. Please visit www.ausa.org.uk/supportingyou/accommodation for more
information. For helpful advice when considering private accommodation, please visit
www.abdn.ac.uk/documents/Private-Rented-Accommodation-Handbook.pdf.
3
How to Register as an Undergraduate Student
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/registration
How to Register
These are the key steps to follow: 4. Sign up for Tutorials / Labs and
access your Personal Timetable
1. Complete eRegistration Once you have chosen your courses and
2. Photo Upload allocation of places to relevant courses has
3. Choose your courses been completed, you will be able to choose
4. Sign up for tutorials/labs and get your your tutorial/lab groups online using
personal timetable MyCourses. Thereafter, you will be able to
5. ID Card; Fees and Visa access a personal timetable through
Checks for International Students MyTimetable.
6. Get induction and course information
5. ID Card; Fees and Visa
1. eRegistration www.abdn.ac.uk/ereg Checks for International Students
eRegistration involves confirming your For information on collection of your ID card,
personal, financial and academic details please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/
which enables you to set up your University newstudents/registration. If for fees
computer and email account. eRegistration purposes you are a sponsored student, please
can be completed at any computer with provide a copy of sponsorship to
internet access. You must complete this step tuitionfees@abdn.ac.uk prior to arrival. If
in order to choose your courses. You must you are unable to do this, there will be a
ensure that you take a note of the computer venue allocated for such queries, details of
username and password you receive during which will be posted on the above website.
eRegistration, as you will need this to access If you are an international student the
your student IT account. For more University is legally required to check and
information please visit take copies of your visa documents before
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/registration. you can be allowed to complete registration.
As part of eRegistration, you will confirm if Please ensure you bring your passport and a
you are paying your tuition fees yourself or if photocopy of all of its non-blank pages,
you are sponsored (if your family are paying including the page which was stamped
your fees you are considered a self-payer). If during your entry into the UK. This is to
you are a self-payer you will need to pay a confirm your status to study in the UK.
minimum of 50% of your tuition fees. For Please also bring original documents
more information please visit showing your (1) educational qualifications
www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/ereg/faq. and (2) English language certificate (if
appropriate). Venue details will be posted at
2. Photo Upload www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/registration.
For your student ID card to be ready for your If you hold a Tier 4 visa, on further occasions
arrival, please upload a photo as soon as throughout the year you will be emailed and
possible. This can be done at asked to report to a venue with your
www.abdn.ac.uk/photoupload. documents for a visa check.
3. Choose your Courses 6. Get Course Information
After completing eRegistration, please visit Course informational will be available
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/registration through MyAberdeen, the University Virtual
for information about how to choose your Learning Environment, and from School
courses. Offices.
4
Choosing Courses
www.abdn.ac.uk/mycurriculum
Choosing Courses
As a new undergraduate student, you will normally be required to study 8 courses (worth 15
credit points each) during your first year. You will therefore be required to study 4 courses in your
first half session (January to May) and a further 4 in your second half session (September to
December). Dependent on your degree programme, some of these courses will be prescribed
and some may be optional. The courses you are able to choose from will be dependent on your
entry qualifications and the constraints of the timetable.
Step 1: Prescribed Courses
Refer to the University’s Calendar, available at www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/calendar, for details
of the courses you must study as part of your degree programme. The Calendar example below
displays courses a Single Honours student in Year 1 of the MA Management Studies programme
must study.
PROGRAMME YEAR 1 – 120 Credit points
First Half-Session Second Half-Session
Course Course Credit Course Course Credit
Code Title Points Code Title Points
EC 1006 The Economics of 15 AC 1514 Accounting & 15
Business & Society Entrepreneurship
MS 1008 Managing 15 MS 1508 The Context 15
Organisations of Business
Enhanced Study 15 Enhanced Study 15
Other 15 Other 15
Step 2: Optional Courses
If you are a Single Honours student, you will normally be required to take 15 credits (or one
course) of Enhanced Study Options each half session, for your first two years of study.
Enhanced Study Options are designed to allow you to have choice, wider opportunities and
greater flexibility in your learning. There are three types of Enhanced Study Options, please visit
www.abdn.ac.uk/study/about/enhanced-study-347 for further details.
1. Sixth Century Courses invite you to consider different approaches to knowledge and
enquiry as you look at issues affecting the world in which we live today.
2. Sustained Study is designed to provide you with continual exposure, throughout your first
two years, to an area of study that is separate to your core subject. Should you be interested in
taking Sustained Study, this will cover your entire Enhanced Study requirements for both years
one and two.
3. Discipline Breadth Courses allow you to extend the scope of your study by taking a single
course that interests you.
Please note that if you are studying Medicine or Dentistry you will not be required to take any
Enhanced Study Options as the majority of your courses are prescribed. If you are a Joint
honours student, or on a Major-Minor programme, you will not be required to undertake
Enhanced Study Options, as the joint nature of your degree provides the necessary breadth.
Where there is an element of choice, it is your responsibility to consider the options available
so that you can make an informed choice. More information on courses can be found in the
University’s Catalogue of Courses available at www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/courses.
5
How to Register as Postgraduate Taught Student
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/registration
The key steps to the registration process for Postgraduate Taught students (PgT) are:
How to Register
1. eRegistration www.abdn.ac.uk/ereg
eRegistration involves confirming your personal, financial and academic details and enables you to
set up your University computer and email account (make sure you keep a note of this when it is
given during the eRegistration process). It is strongly recommended that you complete this before
arriving in Aberdeen. You must complete this step in order to choose your courses.
As part of eRegistration, you will confirm if you are paying your tuition fees yourself or if you are
sponsored (if your family are paying your fees you are considered a self-payer). If you are a self-payer
you will need to pay a minimum of 50% of your tuition fees. For more information please visit
www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/ereg/faq.
2. Photo Upload
For your student ID card to be ready for your arrival, please upload a photo as soon as possible at
www.abdn.ac.uk/photoupload.
3. School Induction
The School or Discipline in which you will be studying will have sent you details of the induction
meeting for new postgraduate students which you are required to attend. At this meeting you will
be registered for the individual courses that you will be studying as part of your course. If you have
not received this information, you can also find details at
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/postgraduate.
4. Upon Arrival: ID Card; Fees and Visa Checks (for International Students Only)
You must complete steps 1-3 before your ID card can be issued. Completion of registration and ID
card issue will be held in Room S84, Edward Wright Building on 19-21 January, 9.30am – 12.30pm
and 2 – 4.30pm.
If you arrive after these dates, please visit the Infohub to complete registration. Please ensure that
you bring your Certificate of Acceptance with you and any confirmation you may have of payments
towards your tuition fees. If for fees purposes you are a sponsored student, please provide a copy of
sponsorship to tuitionfees@abdn.ac.uk prior to arrival.
If you are an international student the University is legally required to check and take copies of your
visa documents before you can be allowed to complete registration. Visa checks will be carried out
at the same time as the above completion of registration and ID card issue. Please ensure you bring
your passport and a photocopy of all of its non-blank pages, including the page which was
stamped during your entry into the UK. This is to confirm your status to study in the UK. Please also
bring original documents showing your (1) educational qualifications and (2) English language
certificate (if appropriate). If you hold a Tier 4 visa, on further occasions throughout the year you will
be emailed and asked to report to a venue with your documents for a visa check.
.
6
How to Register as a Postgraduate Research Student
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/registration
If you are a Postgraduate Research student (PgR), you must arrive by the start date stated in
How to Register
your offer letter. The key steps to the registration process are:
1. eRegistration www.abdn.ac.uk/ereg
eRegistration involves confirming your personal, financial and academic details and enables you to
set up your University computer and email account (make sure you keep a note of this when it is
given during the eRegistration process). It is strongly recommended that you complete this before
arriving in Aberdeen.
As part of eRegistration, you will confirm if you are paying your tuition fees yourself or if you are
sponsored (if your family are paying your fees you are considered a self-payer). If you are a self-payer
you will need to pay a minimum of 50% of your tuition fees. For more information please visit
www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/ereg/faq.
2. Photo Upload
For your student ID card to be ready for your arrival, please upload a photo as soon as possible at
www.abdn.ac.uk/photoupload.
3. Upon Arrival: Completion of Registration; Collection of ID Card; Visa checks (for
International Students only)
After arriving in Aberdeen, you will be required to visit a venue to complete your registration. It is important
that you do this, otherwise you will not be fully registered. Completion of registration and ID card issue will
be held in Room S84, Edward Wright Building on 19-21 January, 9.30am – 12.30pm and 2 – 4.30pm.
If you arrive after these dates, please visit the Infohub to complete registration. Please ensure that you bring
your Certificate of Acceptance with you and any confirmation you may have of payments towards your
tuition fees. If for fees purposes you are a sponsored student, please provide a copy of sponsorship to
tuitionfees@abdn.ac.uk prior to arrival.
If you are an international student the University is legally required to check and take copies of your visa
documents before you can be allowed to complete registration. Visa checks will be carried out at the same
time as the above completion of registration and ID card issue. Please ensure you bring your passport and a
photocopy of all of its non-blank pages, including the page which was stamped during your entry
into the UK. This is to confirm your status to study in the UK. Please also bring original documents showing
your (1) educational qualifications and (2) English language certificate (if appropriate). If you hold a Tier 4
visa, on further occasions throughout the year you will be emailed and asked to report to a venue with your
documents for a visa check.
4. Meeting with Your Supervisor
Where possible, you should try to make contact with your supervisor in advance of your arrival in
Aberdeen, to ensure that you meet shortly after arriving at the University.
Details of your School/College induction event should be sent to you before your arrival in Aberdeen
by your School. You should try to attend this event as it will provide you with an opportunity to meet
staff and students in your area of study. If you do not receive details of your School induction event,
please contact your School directly.
7
International and European Students
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/international
Coming to study in a different country can be a challenging time, particularly if you are studying in a
International and European Students’ Events
second language and getting used to a new culture. Support is available from the International
Student Advisers, who can provide information on many aspects of international student life at
Aberdeen and in the UK, with specialist advice on UK visa and immigration matters. A selection of
events are featured below for new international students to help you settle in.
Information Sessions HOST UK for International Students
Welcome and Information Session The University subscribes to the HOST Scheme.
for International Students HOST is an organisation that links international
The International Student Advisers will provide students with approved hosts around the UK
you with practical advice and information on who offer an invitation to their home for a day, a
living in Scotland. weekend or at Christmas. Further information
can be found at: www.hostuk.org.
Erasmus and International Study Abroad
and Exchange Orientation International Centre
A joint welcome and orientation event Please come along and visit our new
specifically for Erasmus and International Study International Centre on the ground floor of the
Abroad and Exchange students (North America, Hub.
Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan) will be held
on Monday 12 January. Details of the event will The Students’ Association and
be sent to you prior to your arrival and can be International Students
found at
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/international. The Students’ Association has lots of ways for
international students to make Scotland their
Social Events new home. There will be various trips around
Scotland and Aberdeen during the semester. A
A number of fun, social events will be held
great way to meet new people is through the
during Welcome Week with you in mind.
wide range of societies we have, including
Previous social events have included tours of
International Society specifically set up for
the city and trips to local places of interest.
international students! Information about all of
A full programme of the events planned for you, this is available via www.ausa.org.uk.
including the dates and times for all events
featured on this page, is available at
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/international.
8
Welcome Week Events
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents
Here are just some of the events taking place during Induction and Welcome Week which are all
Freshers’ Week Events
designed to help you get to know your subject, staff, meet new people and become involved in
university life. A full programme of events, including dates and times will be updated daily at
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents or www.ausa.org.uk.
Where You From? – Find out just how diverse the
University population is!
Traditional Scottish Burns Supper
Sports and Societies Fayre – Meet the clubs and
societies and get involved!
Societies Give-it-a-go sessions
Local Area Tours
Campus Tours
Library Tours
Cookery Demonstrations
Film Festival
9
P
CAMPUS
King’s College Campus Map
ENUE
MAP
ONE AV
SCHOOL OFFICES & DISCIPLINES 1
R
Business School 15 German 20
TILLYD
Accountancy & Finance 15 Hispanic Studies 20
Economics 15 Language Centre 23 Acco
ccom
Management Studies 15 Celtic & Anglo Saxon Studies 20
Real Estate 15 English 20 Stu
Graduate Business School 28 Film 20 S
French 20 Duty
uty
School of Biological Sciences 1 Gaelic 20
Agriculture 2 German 20 Foresterhill
Forestry 2 Hispanic 20
Plant and Soil Science 2
Campus
Linguistics 20 Student Rec
Zoology 1 Literature in a World Context (LWC) 20 & Admission
sion
S
Sustained Studies in Arabic,
School of Divinity, 331 Mandarin, Swedish
History & Philosophy
Divinity & Religious Studies 29 School of Law 20 Block C
History 33
History of Art 31 School of Medical Sciences 1
Philosophy 21 College Teaching Facility 1
Scandinavian Studies 31
School of Medicine & Dentistry
School of Education 17 All orientation events to be
Education 17 held at Foresterhill – map on page 11
Music 17
School of Natural & 10
School of Engineering 7 Computing Sciences 9
Chemistry 10
School of Geosciences 10 Computing Science 10
Archaeology 6 Mathematics 7
OA D
Geography 6 Physics 10
Geology & Petroleum Geology 10
OR D R
School of Psychology 18
School of Language 20 Block A
& Literature School of Social Science 15
BEDF
Celtic 20 Anthropology 15
English & Film Studies Sociology 15
French 20 Politics & International Relations 15
P
BUILDINGS
1 Zoology Building 22 New King’s
2 Cruickshank Building 23 Regent Building
3 23 St Machar Drive 24 University Office
4 King’s Museum (Old Aberdeen Townhouse) 25 Elphinstone Hall
5 The Hub 26 Linklater Rooms 41
6 St Mary’s 27 King’s College Chapel
7 Fraser Noble Building 28 King’s College Centre
8 Elphinstone Road Halls 29 King’s College
9 The Sir Duncan Rice Library 30 King’s Pavilion
10 Meston Building 31 50-52 College Bounds
11 Chaplaincy Centre 32 Butchart Centre (Students’ Association)
12 Confucius Institute 33 Crombie Annexe
13 Security Office/Mailroom 34 Crombie Halls
14 C
Counselling Service 35 Rocking Horse Nursery
15 Edward Wright Building 36 King’s Hall
16 Edward Wright Annexe 37 Powis Gate/Muslim Prayer Room
17 M
MacRobert Building 38 Johnston Hall
18 William Guild Building 39 Humanity Annexe
19 Arts Lecture Theatre 40 Humanity Manse
20 Taylor Building 41 Bedford Road Workshops
21 Old Brewery P Regulated Parking10
Hillhead Halls
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King’s College Campus Map
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20 19
10 21 P
20 24
11 22
23
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REGENT W
25 ALK
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MESTON WALK 26
COLLEGE BOUNDS
27
33
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28
35
29
KING ST
34
31 30 UNIVERSITY
PLAYING FIELDS
36
P 37
38
UNIV
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City Centr
P Students’ Association
32
40
e/ASV
391 Liberty Safe Work Research Centre
2 Foresterhill Health Centre
3 Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital
FORESTERHILL CAMPUS MAP 4 Lilian Sutton Building
5 John Mallard Scottish PET Centre
6 Royal Aberdeen Maternity Hospital/
EST
ROAD W Dugald Baird Centre
ROVE
ASHG 7 Dental School
9
8 Life Science Innovation
P 9 Bio Medical Physics
10 Polwarth Building
15
11 12
11 Institute of Medical Science
12 Health Sciences Building
13 Suttie Centre for Teaching and
10 Learning in Healthcare
14 Muslim Prayer Room
P 15 Site of New Rowett Building
1 13
P Regulated Parking
CORNHILL ROAD
AD
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8
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6
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7
FO
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14
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WE ST BU RN
2
WESTBURN ROAD
11
Foresterhill Map12
Support for Students
The University has a range of services available to help students during their studies. This section
provides a brief explanation of the work of just some of the University’s services. Further details
on how to get in contact with each section can be found in Useful Contacts on Pg 19.
Support for Students
Infohub These meetings will focus on topics such as
The Infohub is your first point of call for all employability, the Graduate Attribute
student services, information and enquiries. scheme, and provide an opportunity for you
to discuss, for example, the feedback you
You can contact them anytime via email - have received in your studies. Your Personal
infohub@abdn.ac.uk - or drop in Monday Tutor will be a facilitator; providing a point
to Thursday 9am - 5pm or Friday 10am - of contact should you wish to speak to
5pm. The Infohub is staffed by a team of someone, signposting personal support
friendly and experienced individuals who services and academic skills support across
will make every effort to answer your the University, as necessary.
queries. As well as providing information on
most student related issues, the Infohub staff Details of your Personal Tutor and
can check your registration status, prepare arrangements for your first meeting with
student letters, including bank and council them will be provided to you over the
tax letters, provide directions, issue ID cards, summer. Please email personaltutor@
and set up payment plans for tuition and abdn.ac.uk with any queries.
accommodation as well as taking payment.
Details of your Personal Tutor and
You can also get information on IT support, arrangements for your first meeting with
accommodation, personal tutoring and peer them will be provided to you before you
mentoring as well as access to Registry arrive. If you don’t receive details or have
Officers, Student Support and the Careers any concerns, please email
Department. personaltutor@abdn.ac.uk. Once you are
on campus, you can visit the Infohub or
All of these services are located in The Hub email personaltutor@abdn.ac.uk with any
so why not visit the Infohub on the ground queries.
floor of The Hub during your first week.
Check out the Infohub website at
www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub.
Personal Tutors
Undergraduate students will be assigned a
Personal Tutor when they register, (students
in Medicine and Dentistry will have a
Regent). Your Personal Tutor will provide you
with support and signpost you to the correct
service for issues they can’t help with. Your
Personal Tutor will probably be an academic
member of staff from the School to which
your degree intention is linked. Your
Personal Tutor will provide pastoral support
and will also meet with you during your
studies to encourage you to reflect on your
progress.
Your Personal Tutor will welcome you to the
University community and you will meet
with them at key points in the year, either
one-to-one or as part of a group, to discuss
your experiences as a student.13
Student Support Services
provide specialist advice on UK visa and
Student Support Services consists of the immigration matters. British immigration
Student Advice & Support Office, the legislation is complex and our immigration
Counselling Service and the Community
Support for Students
advice and services are regulated by the
Liaison Officer and team of Student Resident Office of the Immigration Services
Assistants (SRAs) in Halls. Their aim is to Commissioner. Email:
make sure that you have access to any student.international@abdn.ac.uk.
support you may need during your studies -
academic, personal, medical, financial – from > Student Support Advisers offer
people who are easy to contact and who can confidential, independent and non-
give you friendly and expert guidance. judgemental advice on matters ranging
from personal problems and academic
The Student Advice & Support Office, issues to University procedures and
which is located on the ground floor of the financial matters such as student funding.
Hub, provides advice and information on Email: student.support@abdn.ac.uk.
three broad areas - disabilities, international
student matters and general advice and The University Counselling Service is a
support. free, confidential and professional service for
students and staff who have personal, social,
> Disability Advisers offer support and emotional or educational concerns.
guidance and are a first point of contact Email: counselling@abdn.ac.uk.
for disabled students. You are welcome to
contact the Disability Advisers via email or The Community Liaison Officer and
telephone, in advance of your arrival at the SRAs are responsible for the creation of a
University, to discuss any possible needs positive community in University managed
you may have. You may also choose to Halls of Residence. During term-time, SRAs
visit the University, to meet academic and are on duty throughout the night and at
support staff and to view the facilities and weekends at the Halls, to assist you with
support structures which are available. any queries, issues or concerns that you
Email: student.disability@abdn.ac.uk. might have.
> International Student Advisers can For more information on Student Support
provide information on many aspects of Services please visit
international student life at Aberdeen and www.abdn.ac.uk/student-support.
in the UK, and are professionally trained to14
Photograph by Ian Cowe, Estates
.Library, Special Collections
and Museums
The University has 4 libraries: The Sir
Support for Students
Duncan Rice Library - our multi-million
pound Library (arts, humanities, sciences
and social sciences) which also houses our
Special Collections Centre; Taylor Library
(law and official publications); Medical
Library (medicine and medical sciences);
Reid Library (health & nutrition). We also
have 2 museums on campus – King’s
Museum and The Zoology Museum.
Key services and resources include:
> Over a million books, more than 450,000
e-books and over 21,000 e-journals – so
you have access to resources on and off
campus at a time to suit you.
Computing (IT) Services
IT Services provides computing facilities for > Open daily, we have hundreds of study
University staff and students. As well as places in silent, quiet and group study
numerous computing classrooms, we areas. Why don’t you try out the CoLabs in
manage the largest wireless network of any The Sir Duncan Rice Library?
UK Higher Education institution. Key
> Primo – an information discovery tool that
services for students include:
searches across our catalogues,
> wireless campus: free wireless access in collections, electronic databases and past
all buildings, including University run exam papers.
Halls of Residence, providing high speed
access to the internet. > Free optional lunchtime workshops in
addition to in-course teaching. Find out
> service desk: your first point of contact for how to use Primo, electronic databases,
IT support at the University; find us in the referencing and citing, and even how to
Edward Wright Building, the Sir Duncan Google better! Book online at
Rice Library, and the Hub (Old Aberdeen), www.abdn.ac.uk/coursebooking
or the Polwarth Building (Foresterhill).
> Desktop PCs available for research and
> email: a university email account, study, access to e-resources and email.
including 50GB mail storage, online
address book and calendaring. > Wireless network for laptop owners
working in our libraries.
> pcs: over 1600 high spec computers in
classrooms, study areas and lecture > Print Shop (located in The Sir Duncan Rice
theatres across campus Library) offering binding, printing,
scanning and photocopying facilities.
During Freshers’ Week, we will be providing
wireless assistance from the Service Desks > An excellent support network of staff and
in the Edward Wright Building, Infohub, Sir resources including subject help,
Duncan Rice Library and Polwarth Building instructional talks, printed and electronic
(Foresterhill). Visit information guides, vodcast demos on
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents using databases, QR barcodes, Facebook
for further details. group, Twitter and instant messaging!
For details of all IT services see For more information see the LSC&M
www.abdn.ac.uk/it/student. website at www.abdn.ac.uk/library.15
Careers Service University of Aberdeen Graduate
The Careers Service offers a wide range of Attributes
services and support to students at all The University of Aberdeen’s Graduate
stages of their degree programme. This Attributes are a wide-ranging set of qualities
Support for Students
includes: which you will develop during your time as a
student, in preparation for future employment,
> help with individual career planning further study and citizenship. There are four
> advice on creating successful CVs and main areas of the Graduate Attributes:
application forms > academic excellence
> paid work placement opportunities > critical thinking and effective
> advice on preparing for interviews, communication
psychometric tests and assessment centres > learning and personal development
> employer presentations and recruitment > active citizenship
events
You will have many opportunities to develop
> the co-curricular STAR Award & BP and achieve these attributes. These will
Student Tutoring Scheme include learning experiences on taught
> a comprehensive website with extensive courses and co-curricular activities such as
career planning resources work placements, study abroad and
volunteering. The ACHIEVE website offers
> credit-bearing careers education courses resources that will enable you to assess and
> a career mentoring programme reflect upon your present skills and
development needs. You will also find
> enterprise & entrepreneurship events resources to help you to improve your skills
and links to a range of university services.
The Careers Service is easy to find on the
2nd Floor of the Hub, please call in or use the To find out more about Graduate Attributes
online virtual adviser services available at and the ACHIEVE website, visit
www.abdn.ac.uk/careers. www.abdn.ac.uk/graduateattributes.16
Student Learning Service (SLS) Our S4S Mentors are all fully trained, and are
The SLS can help you to develop your current undergraduate students who will be
academic skills throughout your time at studying in the same School as you and, if
University. SLS offers workshops, which run possible, on the same degree programme.
Support for Students
during term-time, and individual study You will be contacted by your S4S Mentor
advice sessions, which are available all year. during Welcome Week, but for more
Individual academic skills advice is also information visit the S4S website at
available for students with dyslexia and www.abdn.ac.uk/s4s or contact
other learning differences. Places for s4s@abdn.ac.uk.
workshops and study advice sessions can be
booked online. Students’ Association
Aberdeen University Students’ Association
Workshop topics will include: studying in
(AUSA) represents student interests. The
the UK, note-taking, critical thinking,
seven Sabbatical Officers are your elected
academic writing, presentation skills and
student representatives to the University
time management. In addition, online
and wider community. Here at AUSA we
learning resources are available in
want all students to feel part of the student
ACHIEVE (for undergraduates) and
community in Aberdeen and shape their
ACHIEVE+ (for taught postgraduates) on
time at university whether through sports,
MyAberdeen. Full details of workshop
volunteering or by representing your
schedules and all SLS services can be found
classmates.
at www.abdn.ac.uk/sls.
> AUSA Student Advice Centre can help you
Students 4 Students manage your money; has a comprehensive
resource of private accommodation and
Students 4 Students (S4S) is here to help you advice on living on your own for the first
settle into University life with advice and time; services to help you find part time
support from your fellow students who have work; and represent you in academic
been there and got the t-shirt. appeals.
Transition to life at university is a very > AUSA Volunteering, to help you find
exciting one, but it can also be challenging volunteering opportunities to enhance
and demanding at times. Whatever your skills and meet new people.
background you arrive from, we want you to
make the most of your first year at the > Book Ends, a second hand bookshop
University of Aberdeen. where you can buy and sell textbooks,
fiction, DVDs and more - and also help
As a new student you will be assigned a S4S raise money for charity.
Mentor, who is there to:
> Niteline, a comprehensive overnight
> Answer your questions about student life support service which is a confidential
or direct you to the most appropriate listening and information service run by
source of advice trained volunteers.
> Help you get to know the campus and Visit www.ausa.org.uk to find out more
University of Aberdeen processes and about everything you can get involved in at
procedures AUSA.
> Encourage you to make the most of
opportunities to meet fellow students, Gaelic at the University of Aberdeen
become involved in campus life and Are you a Gaelic-speaker or interested in
develop your own support networks learning more about the language and
> Maintain contact with you during the first culture? There are many exciting Gaelic
year of your studies initiatives underway to enhance the student
experience at the University, including a
number of Gaelic activities and events. To
learn more, visit www.abdn.ac.uk/gaelicplan.17
Student Life
Clubs and Societies International students who have a visa need
With over 150 clubs and societies, the to make sure that they fully understand the
Student Life
University of Aberdeen has a vibrant work conditions attached to that visa.
community spirit. Whether you are looking to
Faith
learn to salsa or paintball or just appreciate a
fine Whisky we will have the Society just for The University Chaplaincy team is available
you.You are encouraged to attend the Sports to the whole University community, for people
and Societies Fayres, which take place during of all faiths and none. There are also a number
Freshers’ Week. Joining a club or society is a of honorary denominational chaplains
great way to meet new people and have new available for students wishing to contact
experiences. To view all of the clubs and someone specifically of their own tradition or
societies available, visit faith. The Chaplaincy Centre also has rooms
www.ausa.org.uk/getinvolved/societies. available for students to use for meetings,
prayer and meditation. For more information
Sport & Physical Activity at the about the work of the Chaplaincy please visit
University www.abdn.ac.uk/chaplaincy or call 01224
272137.
Here at the University of Aberdeen there are
many different ways you can stay active and
Healthcare
get involved in sport. You will find a host of
dedicated staff and full-time volunteers Students who are studying on full-time
creating opportunities for you to stay on top courses of any duration in Scotland (and their
of your game. The University of Aberdeen dependants) are eligible for medical
boasts one of the largest Sports Unions in any treatment under the National Health Service
Scottish University, and with approximately (NHS) from their first day of arrival in
60 different sports clubs you will find a club to Scotland. You should register with a local
suit you. See the Sports Unions Website for NHS doctor as soon as possible. The doctor’s
full details: www.ausa.org.uk/getinvvoled/ surgery you register with will depend on
sport. We also have state-of-the-art facilities where you live in Aberdeen. An advice sheet
where students can enjoy a vast range of on which doctor's surgery you should register
sporting amenities including; the NEW with will be available from the Student
Aquatics Centre with 50m Swimming Pool Advice and Support Office, the Infohub and
and Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV) which the New Students' Helpdesks in Welcome
houses a full-size indoor football pitch, indoor Week. The nearest GPs to the University Old
athletics area, large fitness suite and much Aberdeen / King's College Campus are Old
more. So even if you are not a member of a Aberdeen Medical Practice and Old Machar
sports club you will find plenty options to Medical Practice. For more information please
keep you active. For more information please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub/faqs
visit www.aberdeensportsvillage.com. If you are already registered with a doctor
As well as the Sports Union the University’s based in Aberdeen, then there is no need to
Sport and Exercise Team is on hand to help, register with another GP.
whether you are looking for information on For information about registering with a local
Sports Bursaries or free student activities NHS dentist, please contact the Dental
promoting health & wellbeing see our Advice Line (0845 45 65 99).
website for details: www.abdn.ac.uk/sport
andexercise/. Social Networking
Connect with us:
Part-time Work for Students Want to find out the latest news from campus
Many students take on part-time work to help or what’s going on in Aberdeen? Have a
fund their studies. AUSA’s Student Advice question or got something to share?
Centre provides information and advice on Whatever it is, find us on
part-time work, temporary opportunities and Facebook - universityofaberdeen
full-time vacation jobs to all students. For Twitter - @aberdeenuni
more information please visit YouTube - /uniofaberdeen
www.ausa.org.uk/supportingyou/jobs Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/aberdeenuni18
Use this Checklist as a guide to what you should do before
and after your arrival in Aberdeen.
Use this Checklist
Before Arrival: Visit www.ukcisa.org.uk for general
Arrange accommodation. If you are information on studying in the UK
entering University accommodation, you Make a copy of your passport (blank pages
must: not required) to submit at registration
Ensure you complete your online After Arrival
induction at www.abdn.ac.uk/
movein Pay tuition fees via eRegistration (if you
have not already done so)
Review the Accommodation A-Z
section at www.abdn.ac.uk/ Choose your courses (if not already done
accommodation so)
Take out travel/ personal insurance (if Collect your Student ID card
necessary) Attend your School’s induction and
Arrange travel welcome events
Complete eRegistration (Pg 3, 5 or 6) Attend the first meeting with your
Personal Tutor
Choose your courses (online if applicable)
(Pg 4) Familiarise yourself with the University
campus
Upload a passport-size photograph for
your student ID card Choose your tutorial/lab groups online (if
www.abdn.ac.uk/photoupload not already done so)
Continue to check your Aberdeen email Access your Personal Timetable
account for e-zines and other important Register with a medical and dental
information. practice
Check out the Students’ Association’s Come and meet your student
programme of events for Welcome Week representative from the Students’
at www.ausa.org.uk Association – www.ausa.org.uk
Ensure that you bring Configure your laptop/smartphone to the
University’s wireless network using the
Confirmation of who will be paying your guides available at
tuition fees, if you are not paying them www.abdn.ac.uk/it/student/wireless
yourself
Certificate of Acceptance from the If you are an international student
University of Aberdeen Make a copy of the passport page that
Passport photo for ID card (if not already was stamped by an immigration officer
uploaded or sent in advance) when you arrived at your port of entry in
Relevant medical records and details of the UK
any existing medical conditions Register with the police (if applicable)
Accommodation contract and/or details Open a bank account and ask that
of where you will be staying monthly statements be posted to you
If you are an international student Attend the International Students’
ensure that you Welcome / exchange welcome sessions
(where applicable) (Pg 7)
Check visa requirements as applicable to
you and make necessary arrangements
Bring a valid passport or travel
document, with visa if applicable And finally, have fun!
www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/checklists19
Useful Contacts
Useful Contacts
Accommodation Office Aberdeen University
Tel: +44 (0)1224 273502 Students’ Association (AUSA)
Email: studentaccomm@abdn.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)1224 272965
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation Email: ausa@abdn.ac.uk
Web: www.ausa.org.uk
Student Advice and Support Office
General Advice AUSA Student Advice Centre
Tel: +44 (0)1224 273935 Tel: +44 (0)1224 272828
Email: student.support@abdn.ac.uk Email: ausaadvice@abdn.ac.uk
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/student-support Web: www.ausa.org.uk/supportingyou
Disability Advisers Student Recruitment and
Tel: +44 (0)1224 273935 Admissions Service
Email: student.disability@abdn.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)1224 272090
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/disabilities Email: sras@abdn.ac.uk
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/sras
International Student Advisers and
Immigration/Visas Erasmus
Tel: +44 (0)1224 273935 Tel: +44 (0)1224 273664
Email: student.international@ Email: erasmus@abdn.ac.uk
abdn.ac.uk Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmus
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/students/
international International Exchange Programmes
Tel: +44 (0)1224 272026
Counselling Service
Email: studyabroad@abdn.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1224 272139 Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/international/
Email: counselling@abdn.ac.uk exchanges
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/counselling
IT Services
Student Learning Service
Tel: +44 (0)1224 273636
Tel: +44 (0)1224 273030 Email: servicedesk@abdn.ac.uk
Email: sls@abdn.ac.uk Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/it/student
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/sls
Personal Tutor
English Language Centre
Tel: +44 (0)1224 273040
Tel: +44 (0)1224 272538 Email: personaltutor@abdn.ac.uk
Email: langcen@abdn.ac.uk Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/languagecentre
Infohub
Careers Service
Tel: +44 (0)1224 273040
Tel: +44 (0)1224 273601 Email: infohub@abdn.ac.uk
Email: careers@abdn.ac.uk Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/careers
Graduate School Websites
Library, Special Collections and
College of Arts and Social Science
Museums
www.abdn.ac.uk/cass/graduate
Tel: +44(0) 1224 273330
Email: library@abdn.ac.uk College of Life Sciences and Medicine
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/library www.abdn.ac.uk/clsm/graduateschool
College of Physical Sciences
www.abdn.ac.uk/cops/graduateYou can also read
