ABERDEEN

The fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world, Aberdeen is climbing the world university rankings whilst, they say, rejecting the so-called 'industrialisation' of higher education. Aberdeen has a varied mix of students and 11 of its research faculties are ranked amongst the top 25% of the UK.

Nicknamed the Granite City, it is characterised by gothic towers and cobbled streets. Being on the north-east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen is not the most well-connected university, but if you want a safe haven far away from the hustle and bustle, it's a great choice.

The social scene is diverse with over 100 student societies, probably because Aberdeen is so far from anything else, despite all the campus bars being recently closed down.

AB FAB, the university's LGBT society, which also welcomes straight students runs a variety of social and campaigning events including regular club nights, film nights, and an annual ‘Gaylidh’ charity ball. The society was this year's winner of NUS Scotland's Award for Best University Society and Aberdeen University Student's Association won the Equality and Diversity award.

The gay scene in Aberdeen makes up in enthusiasm what it lacks in size with Cheerz Bar being the most popular venue.