Next in the “how to survive in Aberdeen” series:

It’s not exactly a metropolis. There’s a reason why the student society arranges Christmas shopping trips to Glasgow.

Night life is still impressive for an Oslonian, people do know how to party.

Sign at the toilets of a rock scene

Beware, alcohol prices have dropped 60 % in the last decade or two, and is now in fact cheaper than soft drinks. Official posters remind citizens that “everyone benefits from one alcohol-free day a week.” It really is crazy, but people seem to tackle it well, not drinking more in general but rather more exclusive stuff.

EDIT: I might be saying that because I entered in 3d year and my peers have learned the hard way…

Do come in time for Freshers’ week. It’s a bit like the homely russetid (which doesn’t translate at all, it’s a really extensive 6. form leavers’ party which lasts for 3 weeks, a true proof Norwegians are still vikings) complete with the meningitis warnings and the “it was the time of my life, but never EVER again” comments afterwards.

Those who watch their waistlines watch out; ready-mades are either stuffed into a pie or deep fried, and just about everything is sweetened. Portions are tiny though, and I don’t see many obese people at all.

Fashion seems a bit… Old-fashioned? Or rather, neater and more buttoned-up, more traditional and less flashy-fancy. I’m not going to post any theories on why it is so, there are others who know a lot more about that.

Steven seagull and his steroid cousins do make themselves noticed, as the dedicated facebook group Aberdeen Seagulls Are Fucking Huge And Scary proves.

Photo by Sophie

I like the way they sell cakes by writing ‘butter’ on them, even if there’s no butter in them. Butter is far from a word of honour where I’m from…

The attitudes towards alcohol differs also significantly from home. The student halls have their own bar, employed by university staff bearing the uni logo. It feels funny ordering a beer from a school employee.

The library here has the most fantastic books, and they can be borrowed a whole year! I got a most fascinating book on the Picts and a beautiful medieval-style reprint of C. Agrippa. But when will I have time to read?

Ouch! Freshers’ week is renowned for high pace, and I’m starting to feel it. My body gives subtle hints like aching in the knees for no reason and I keep remembering stupid things I’ve done ages ago. Usually when such things pop up in my head I’m dead tired, so I take it as a sign and slowen the pace a bit.