SAC Learning

Aberdeen and its surrounding area has some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery. Many of the highest mountains in the UK are a short drive away in the Highlands, there are long beaches and picturesque coastlines to enjoy, and over half of Scotland's whisky distilleries are in this region. Aberdeen is Scotland's third largest city and offers an excellent quality of life.

Aberdeen

SAC Aberdeen is based on the Craibstone Estate, about 5 miles from the centre of Aberdeen. As a city of a quarter of a million people, with two universities and several colleges of further and higher education, there is a large and vibrant student population. Aberdeen is a cosmopolitan and friendly place in which to live, offering excellent quality of life through and impressive array of shopping, sports and social facilities.

Student Life at Aberdeen

In the city there is entertainment for all tastes. Rising and leading bands play the pubs, clubs and Exhibition Centre, while the Lemon Tree has become an important venue for traditional, contemporary folk, and world music as well as theatre, dance, and comedy. There is also an outstanding theatre, museums and galleries, and a choice of cinemas.

On-campus social life is run by the Students' Representative Council (SRC). The SRC run a lively programme of events throughout the year including ceilidhs, discos, fundraising events, rugby, football, and martial arts. The SRC in Aberdeen prides itself on having good relations with the SAC staff so you won't be surprised to see staff on the football field, at the ceilidhs, or performing as panto characters at Christmas time. The end of the academic year is usually celebrated with a Graduation Ball at which students and staff from all courses come together to celebrate achievement and the end of the academic year.

Sports

Sports and recreational facilities at Craibstone include a putting green, all-weather sports area, snooker and pool tables. Students resident at Craibstone may join the Beacon Community Education and Sports Centre in Bucksburn and use the swimming pool and other sports facilities provided.

Social facilities at Craibstone have been enhanced recently by the provision of a bar, floodlit 5-a-side football pitch, weights room and Satellite TV and table tennis. A new fitness room, sauna and steam room are recent additions to the facilities. The campus has its own golf course, which students are welcome to join. The golf course has its own bar and restaurant, which is also open to non-golfers. The estate is also linked to the "Four Hills" walk, which many students and staff use for running and keep fit.

Kirkhill Forest close by offers an excellent technical mountain bike course and also a great walking/running challenge. Students organise sports competitions with those from other SAC campuses and other agricultural colleges.  

Student President

Paddy Wemyss, Aberdeen SRC President
"Socially, SAC Aberdeen is great. The students' bar frequently hosts discos, ceilidhs, raffles, karaoke and pub games. The proximity to Aberdeen also makes for great nightlife and the city offers excellent amenities. As Chair of the SRC I help to organise bar events, setting up new clubs, sports and fundraisers, and also the end of year ball. SAC Aberdeen really is a great place to study, with brilliant learning facilities and opportunities and an excellent social life."