Traveling to Aberdeen

If you have been cleared for admission to study at Aberdeen university, you will be able to meet your supervisor on line or on campus if circumstances allow and this if can be done in a safe and socially distanced way. The University are copying your supervisor into this message so they are aware of your planned start date, and you are invited to make contact with them, if you have not done so already.
If you are currently out of the UK and plan to return to Aberdeen, you MUST complete this UK Government form, even if you are travelling from a country or territory where you do not have to self-isolate when you arrive in the UK. The Scottish Government website has up-to-date guidance on the process for people entering the UK, including countries that require self-isolation, steps you should take before you travel and access to forms you will need to fill out.
If you are showing any symptoms of Covid-19 or have tested positive within 14 days prior to arrival, do not travel to the Aberdeen campus or the accommodation site. Whenever you decide to travel to Aberdeen please note the self-isolation guidelines, as these are subject to change often at short notice.

Quarantine arrangements

If you are arriving from outside the UK you may be required to quarantine for 14 days in line with current Scottish Government guidelines. Check the most up-to-date information regarding where you are travelling from on the Scottish Government travel regulation pages.
Our New Student PGR Guide provides you with all of the information you need for returning to campus when the time is right for you to do so.

On-campus

It is important that you let me know when you intend to arrive in Aberdeen. The University will also be asking you to keep in touch about where you are located once you start your studies, as the University recognise that not everyone will be able to travel to Aberdeen initially. See form to be completed about your location at https://www.abdn.ac.uk/studenthub/personal-details/study-location
On campus, buildings will re-open and there will be some access to libraries and study spaces. If you are returning to campus, you will be required to follow the physical distancing and hygiene practises, following the one-way system, entering and exiting through the correct doors and wearing a suitable face covering.
You will notice many of the buildings are operating one-way systems and that staircases may be labelled ‘Up Only’ or ‘Down Only’. Please pay close attention to all on campus signage. These measures are in place to enable physical distancing that will keep everyone as safe as possible. It is likely that measures could change based on official guidance and in this case these changes will be quickly and clearly communicated to you.
These measures will only be effective if everyone follows them closely. The University are asking all the staff and students to adhere to the Covid Campus Pledge, recognising the personal and collective responsibility when you access campus. This states that you agree to follow any directions or requirements that the University puts in place to manage the impact of Covid-19 as well as indicating that you understand you have a social responsibility to adhere to all national guidance and requirements regarding Covid-19. The University will play it’s part in helping you to comply with the measures through clear communication, signage and on-campus assistance. You can also find more useful information on all aspects of student life within the campus commitments.
The Health and Safety mandatory training module is ready for you to complete, you’ll find it in the MyPGR organisation in My Aberdeen.
Your experience will be individual to you, and you will receive more details of access to buildings and facilities in due course. The University may not be able to provide you with a dedicated PGR study space in the first instance, but there will be some access to study spaces where physical distancing measures can be observed.

Registration and Visas

If you require a visa to travel to study in the UK, there is a step by step guide to help you navigate this.
You must also register as PGR student and set up your IT account. Detailed guidance can be found on university webpages.

On-campus learning

If you are undertaking taught courses as part of your research degree training, a blended learning approach has been introduced, allowing you to flexibly access learning materials if you are not able to travel to the campus for a variety of reasons including travel restrictions, health or other personal reasons.
The PGR School training and development team have planned and are setting up a comprehensive programme of online provision (workshops, courses, events, small group and individual consultations) for AY20/21. All PGR students will be able to access the full range of provision next year, whether you are on campus, in Aberdeen or elsewhere. In October the University launch its ‘Getting Started’ series which includes orientation modules and online workshops tailored to each stage of your research degree.
You will be able to access an online induction and orientation programme designed to help you make a successful start to your research degree and the University will host virtual drop in sessions during w/c 02 November. The University will host the PGR Welcome Reception when it is safe to do so.

Support Services and Welcome Week

Our full range of support services will be available to you throughout the year either online or in person and in during Welcome week, the University has located some of the key services within Elphinstone Hall. Here you will find Infohub – your one stop shop for all your questions, finance assistance, IT help, Registry and Student Support & Experience where you can ask staff questions and get help with a number of issues such as completing your Visa check, accessing online services, accommodation queries and much more. The PGR School will be in Elphinstone Hall 05-09 October where you can come and meet with one of the team and discuss any queries you may have.