Week one was a lot of getting settled in my new flat and a lot of walking to get to know Aberdeen.
As previously mentioned, I have a lot around me and I’m a 15-20 minute walk to the downtown area and it’s a straight walk down George Street where I might flat is located. I pretty much have all the basics for my flat and now I need to pick up items to make it a little bit more homey. Like possibly some plants and I actually passed a plant shop on one of my walks. I’ll try to have some self control. Also, almost everything is cheaper here than in the States from household items to food.
My Flat
My flat is located in private student housing and I’m pretty sure I have raised the minimum age as it looks like most students are pretty young. It’s in a great location and there are a lot of things in within a 15-20 minute walk including campus. My flat is like a studio apartment where I have a small kitchen with table and chairs, bathroom, full size bed, two wardrobes, desk, sitting area and tv. My utilities and internet is included and there is laundry on the ground floor (U.S. translation – 1st floor). There is also an outdoor area, lounge area and quiet place on the ground floor as well. There is also a dog on site, which I got to meet during my first few days and to be honest that’s one of the reasons I chose the place. The staff are very friendly and helpful as well and are onsite during the week.
Things I’m getting used to – the electric stove. For those that have not been to the UK before you generally have to turn the outlet on, which is pretty smart in helping to conserve electricity. I am used to an electric stove although this one is a little different – you have to set the level of heat as it’s a touch top stove. I don’t have an oven but I do have a microwave, which won’t get much use since I hadn’t had one in the States for over 10+ years. So, I’m going to see if a toaster oven is allowed. I will also be picking up a Nespresso machine as being on a budget means that I won’t be buying my coffee as much and I miss my machine. Also, the sizing here is too small for me. As some of you know, I also like my cold brew, which is impossible to find in the grocery stores without already having milk or some flavoring. I was only able to find it in one shop. This leads to my next fun thing…
Groceries
Where to begin! Well food is more affordable here although when it comes to some items there is less options for example peanut butter. No skippy peanut butter. I’m happy to report that I can get real maple syrup and I know that sounds stupid but you just never know. When I was in Spain it was nearly impossible to find peanut butter.
Also, their eggs are not refrigerated and not sure how I feel about that and it’s something I’ll need to get over. Daphne, I keep thinking of your egg story and it makes me say nope to buying eggs. So, thanks for that! I also enjoy when I go to their canned veggie aisle it mostly includes different kinds of beans with a couple other vegetable options. Non-dairy items and gluten free food is also very affordable. I bought gluten free pasta for a pound. Sorry Katie! The cheddar cheese is delicious of course. So, although there is no Cabot cheddar, I will be able to cope and find something probably much better for my Mac and cheese. At the larger grocery stores you can also buy household items – dishes, pans, sheets, blankets, etc. and clothing.
Since I’ve found all the different grocery stores now I just need to create meals plans. Coming from someone who does not like to cook and when I do cook it needs a one-pot/skillet. Wish me luck!
Checking out the Campus
I did check out campus and it’s pretty easy to get to from my flat. It’s located in Old Aberdeen and the buildings are beautiful. There is a student union with places to eat but nothing like the student unions in the US. There is also a couple of cafes with one being in the library and also a small bar with a patio. It’s a short walk to Seaton Park, which I still have a lot to explore. It’s also about a 15-20 minute walk to Aberdeen Beach and you can see from the top floors of the library.
My classes this term are in two buildings and my classes are on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Although, my Tuesday class is every other week.
Connecting with other students
Prior to leaving, I was contacted by Haley, another American studying here on the Unibuddy app that helps connects students. We met up and grabbed coffee and then later in the week lunch at the double decker bus at the beach. She’s from the West Coast and we share a similar story of how we ended up at Aberdeen although we’re in different programs.
Funny story when we grabbed lunch at the double decker bus, we ended up chatting with a couple seated across from us and the gentleman asked if we were from the colonies or Canada. I was dying in side with laughter. They were really lovely and they shared info about Aberdeen and talked about the U.S. but not current events. They had only been to NYC and Florida (Why Florida?).
She also introduced to a local group called Girls Who Walk Aberdeen and they plan walks as well as different activities. I haven’t participated in an activity yet as one of the activities I was interested in was sold out. But I’ll keep you posted.
Fun Things during my first week or not?!
During my first week, in addition to visiting the beach, settling in and connecting with Haley, I tried out a couple of different coffee shops because I need my weekend coffee spot as many know Green Tea in Rozzie was where you could find me on Saturday and Sunday and of course the staff knew my order. So, I think I found my Saturday spot but unfortunately they’re closed on Sunday. Still on the hunt for a bar. I did find a nice bar downtown but it’s too much of a walk although there is always the bus. I also visited the local Art Museum, which is free.
The bar is the Craftsman and they do breakfast and dinner, which I tried out both and caught some music on Saturday night. It has a good vibe and it’s dog friendly. Side note – every time I’ve caught live music either here or in Ireland, every musician has played Noah Khan. I find it quite interesting.
In addition, I checked out Harbour Works, a warehouse that has food trucks, a bar and music. Although the night I was there they had a DJ, which wasn’t my thing. But I did have a Korean BBQ taco that was delicious. One thing I’ll say about the night life here is that it’s extremely diverse age wise.
Finally thing I should mention that happened during the first week was that the fire alarm went off in our building and it happened on the weekend. The fire trucks showed up and I’m pretty sure someone burned their breakfast because when I made my way out of the building the ground floor smelled of burnt toast. And the alarm in this building is LOUD!
Well overall I survived my first week and I’m settling in quite well.
Next up my post on Welcome Week, getting my bank account set up, a UK number and much more!
Leave a Reply