HELP ME OUT!!!

Ok, kids, I really need your help here, and as all of you are something like a weird, fucked up extended family, I expect to get it. Today I got an acceptance letter for an exchange program for an entire academic year at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. The problem? I don't really know all that much about Aberdeen and I need to make a decision BY THIS FRIDAY. A year is a long place to be in a foreign land, and it's even longer if you don't like it. I don't want to be stuck in some shit hole, so please PLEASE help me. Give me any information you have. I'm scouring the net already, but if you have experience with Aberdeen, I'd really appreciate an insider's voice. Thanks a lot kids! ANY ADVICE REGARDING ABERDEEN IS WELCOME!!!

Scotland is nice, what do they teach at Aberdeen? And will you still be able to come on the forum?

They teach all sorts of stuff. I think they're decent at a lot of things, but I don't know what they're really good at. I tried to get into the University of Edinburgh, but that didn't work out for me. Here's the web address for the Uni of Aberdeen. [url]http://www.abdn.ac.uk/[/url]

What are you going there for? And will you still be able to come on the forum?

first off im tellin ya to go to Scotland cause its Scotland!!!! (not to mention i got the Soctish blood in me...but that doesnt affect my decesion at all!!) and second off im just gonna mention this incase it slipped your mind, but go to a travel agenecy and ask for any info regarding Scotland and if they have it the place where you'll be living. and Rents...im glad you can consider me a fucked up weird extension famly member *sniff* it just brings tears to my eyes

ok, well first up- youll have to face the reality that your going to have to support Aberdeen ( the Don's). I here Ebbe Skovdahl is on the way out this summer if they can find a good replacement manager. Perhaps you could apply for the managerial position.

Also, i urge you to become good friends with Kevin McNaughton and Philip McGuire- they are the future of Scottish football, only slightly below Lee Wilkie.

But seriously- go for it if you have the opportunity there- because- people need to lessen the times where we have regretted NOT doing something. go to Aberdeen, tearing around like a headless chicken- and make what you will of it.

-- dont hesistate--

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by XChuck [/i]
[B]What are you going there for? And will you still be able to come on the forum? [/B][/QUOTE]

It's a student exchange program. Yes, assuming they have the internet in Northern Scotland.

Knoxville, thanks, in all my excitement I totally spaced about the travel agencies.

Wes, I've never done well with regrets. This is going to weigh heavily in my decision.

Keep it comin' kids, I need all the help I can get! Right now I'm in a blur of exhaustion and excitement, so even if it's painfully obvious and hasn't been mentioned hear, say it. Thanks!

excellent- aslo use for motivation [URL=http://underworld.qpalzm.com/song.php?song=confusionthewaitress]wise words from Karl Hyde[/URL]:

[i]
"you can do anything you want"
"you can be with anyone"
"you can go anywhere you want"
,she said

she said,
"you can say anything you need"
"you can be anywhere you feel"
"just pick up the phone"......
[/i]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Rents [/i]
[B] so even if it's painfully obvious and hasn't been mentioned hear, say it[/B][/QUOTE]

im proof of that one, to think i wasnt gonna say it too!

i nominate jenBRMC to help you out, rents, given she's from scotland 'an all.

what the hell, how did i get subscribed to this thread?

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by knoxville [/i]
[B]what the hell, how did i get subscribed to this thread? [/B][/QUOTE]

MWUAAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!! YOU'RE MINE FOREVER NOW!!!! *ahem* whoa. that was weird.

As for jenBRMC, I only hope she shows up to give me some much appreciated info.

There's always private messages, or emails from the profile screen thingy.

Hmmmm.... *scurries off to look for email address*

*moments later, scurries back* Thanks! *Again, scurries for the email*

My Uncle in the Navy had nothing but good things to say about Glasglow.

[URL=http://www.visitscotland.com/]http://www.visitscotland.com/[/URL]

And in a bit I might have much more useful information.

Glasgow's great, but how bout Aberdeen?

Try to avoid touristy websites. I've seen ones that make you want to go Newcastle (England) for the beaches.

Keep the info rollin' in, guys, but I think I'm gonna go. I mean, seriously, how many opportunities am I gonna have to study in another country? Not too many, that's for damn sure. And as an added bonus, I may actually get to see snow instead of rain! No regrets. That's going to be my new motto. No regrets.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Rents [/i]
[B]Keep the info rollin' in, guys, but I think I'm gonna go. I mean, seriously, how many opportunities am I gonna have to study in another country? Not too many, that's for damn sure. And as an added bonus, I may actually get to see snow instead of rain! No regrets. That's going to be my new motto. No regrets. [/B][/QUOTE]

Heres a strange sight about someone whose staying there for 6 months or something. I only glanced over but theres pictures and daily entries about, what appears, life is like there.

[URL=http://ivyai.blogspot.com/2003_01_19_ivyai_archive.html]http://ivyai.blogspot.com/2003_01_19_ivyai_archive.html[/URL]

That more information idea of mine seems to have failed for the moment.

MY $.02

If I were you I would be jumping at the opportunity like a teased puppy. As soon as possible I want to leave the States and my family.

As said in Rent, "forget regret, your life is yours to live."

Yeah.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Rents [/i]
[B]seriously, how many opportunities am I gonna have to study in another country? [/B][/QUOTE]
you should definitely go

Oh man. Thanks kids for all your help. This is exactly the confidence boost I needed. I really appreciate your encouragement. Oh geez, I'm gettin' all mushy and shit.

P.S. TBS, thanks for that blog. I think I'm going to read it top to bottom when I get a chance.

......seriously, what the hell how did i get subscribed to this thread lol i thought only people who created threads could subscribe to them, ahh shit my inbox is full of "THe Cult Emailer" Someones Replied to ..."

im so out of it and completly unaware of shit

rents, CONGRATS!!! this is such an awesome opportunity for you! even if aberdeen sucks, you're still in scotland, still very close to other exciting places. here's another thing: it's not like you're signing up for a 7 year stint in the navy, or being jumped into a gang...if you hate it, you can always leave.

are you or anyone you know AAA members? they'll hook you up with all kinds of information if you show up at an office with a membership card.

hey, keep us posted!

p.s. knoxville, go to your personal settings and uncheck the box that says "send me an e-mail when someone replies"

Heres what a few honest Scots said(I could possibly get e-mails if you want them for any advice):

"Edinburgh is cool, Glasgow is better, but Aberdeen is a bit of a shithole to be honest. I wouldn't live there, personally, but then again it depends what you're looking for, and also I'm Scottish so I wouldn't necessarily be impressed by things that a foreigner would be.
It's quite a small city, with a small town mentality, not the best nightlife, and quite isolated from the rest of Scotland. Although everywhere in Scotland is quite isolated from the rest of Scotland unless you're in the central belt (Glasgow and Edinburgh).

It's nickname is "The Granite City" because most of the buildings are made of granite. This gives it quite a drab, grey look, in my opinion.

It's a three hour drive to Edinburgh/Glasgow.

I don't like being negative though, Scotland's a great place, it's just that Aberdeen wouldn't be the best place to experience it."

"
Aberdeen isn't the best city in Scotland but it is OK. A bit windy for my liking and like Alan says a tad grey but it ain't all bad. I'd go, there's plenty good times to be had as long as they don't mind the chilly weather. Crap football team though, don't even think of going to Pittodrie."

"Beware though, I don't know where you're from, but Britain is a VERY expensive place to live. Prices are DOUBLE of what they are in Canada & the U.S."

"I'm scottish although i live in Edinburgh which is just beautiful. Aberdeen is a little boring and not as bustling/exciting as edinburgh but the Uni has a great reputation - a few of my friends go there. Its reasonably close to Edinburgh and Glasgow and you'll probably really enjoy it so i say go for it. and bring an umbrella or three......"

I traveled around Scotland few years ago and loved the place. If I had to live somewhere else than Finland I'd move to Edinburgh. Fucking great city.

Glasgow felt grey and cold, but I was in there only for a few days and it was after Isle of Skye. The pubs were geat though.

Aberdeen? Haven't been there, but a three hours drive to Edinburgh doesn't sound bad.

You should go. Traveling is always good for you and it's only one year of your life. And you're probably gonna end up hoping it'd be more.

Since the hysteria of yesterday, I've come to my sense and decided that I'm definitely going. Regret just isn't me and I know I'd be bashing my head in on the desk next year if I passed this opportunity up. If anybody still has advice as to things I should or shouldn't do while I'm there, I'm all ears, er, eyes I guess would be the more appropriate term in this case.

moe.ron, excellent advice, thanks. I'll be home during spring break, during which time I'll stop by the local AAA office.

And as for everybody telling me how great Edinburgh is, you have no idea how badly I want to go there. During this whole exchange program application process, Edinburgh was my top choice, but I guess I'll have settle and make the most of Aberdeen. I'll just have to make a few trips down there. Any suggestions as to places I should visit while I'm touring the land?

check out the house you'll be staying at dude. i mean if its a fucking crap house with bratty kids running around on dog shit filled lawns then ya might wanna do some re-thinking. also meet the people, dont wanna be spending a year with people you hate

No worries there, I'm guaranteed accomodations in the school dorms. I'll have plenty of opportunities to meet people and I'll finally have a place of my own to retreat to when I'm feeling anti-social.

ohhh i thought you'd be staying at someones house

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by knoxville [/i]
[B]ohhh i thought you'd be staying at someones house [/B][/QUOTE]

And if he was I would hope Scotland had at least some more dignity then America's suburbia.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by knoxville [/i]
[B]check out the house you'll be staying at dude. i mean if its a fucking crap house with bratty kids running around on dog shit filled lawns then ya might wanna do some re-thinking. also meet the people, dont wanna be spending a year with people you hate [/B][/QUOTE]

so does that mean- a critical point for you- if offered a chance to study overseas- is the company/dorm? the experience wouldnt be better than the average few twats?

I hope you have fun, Rents. And remember ro visit the forum!