The University will be closed for the winter break from Friday 22 December, reopening on Monday 8 January 2024. During this time, most UoA staff will be out of the office. Please refer to the services below for information on events and support available during this time, as well as the availability of some teams throughout December.
Student Helpline: 24/7 Counselling Support
The Student Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It offers immediate emotional support from qualified counsellors. Contact the helpline by phone using the numbers below or download the free Spectrum.Life app to access the online chat and lots of practical advice to support your wellbeing. Sign-up using your @abdn.ac.uk and institutional code ABERDEEN.
- Student Helpline freephone number (UK) 0808 196 2707
- Outside of UK 00353 1518 0277
Hillhead Community Centre
While the University is closed, the communal area and community centre in the central building in Hillhead will be open daily from 2.00pm - 8.00pm. The SRA team will available most days and will be running activities which are open to all students. Drop into the lounge for hot drinks, mince pies, meet fellow students, play games and watch movies. Hillhead Events
Students’ Union Christmas Events
The Students’ Union will host a number of events over the holidays giving you the chance to meet new people while taking part in fun activities. From movie nights to arts and crafts and Christmas Olympics, check out the SU Events page to find out what’s on.
Need a warm place to study?
Several rooms will be available in the MacRobert Building to keep you cosy. Most other UoA buildings, including all libraries, will be closed. Study Spaces, Support & Resources | Students | The University of Aberdeen (abdn.ac.uk)
Travel & Transport
The 9U shuttle bus will stop at 6.15pm on 22 December and restart at 7:50am on 8 January.
Medical Care
If you are unwell over the winter break, you can use the services below for medical care.
- GP Support: Contact your GP in the first instance. Remember you need to have a UK phone number for your doctor to call you back. Pick up free SIM cards from Infohub before 4pm on the 22 December.
- Pharmacy: Your local pharmacist can advise and prescribe medication for minor health concerns.
- Emergency Services: In a medical emergency, you should dial 999. You should only call the emergency service when you, or someone else, is seriously ill or injured.
Check the Know-Who-To-Turn-To guide for helpful guidance on NHS services.
December Availability
Student Advice & Support
The Student Advice & Support Drop-in will be open between 1pm – 3.45pm on weekdays from 4-15 December. The team can be found on the 2nd floor of the Student Union Building for questions about disability support, personal and money matters, mental health or wellbeing.
From Monday 18 - Friday 22 December there will be no drop-in service, but the Student Advice & Support team will still be available via email (student.support@abdn.ac.uk), phone (01224 273935) and for pre-arranged appointments.
From 5pm on Friday 22 December until 9am on Monday December, the Student Advice & Support Office will close. Please visit the website or use the Student Helpline for support in a crisis.
Careers & Employability Service
The Careers and Employability Service will have appointments available until Friday 22 December. Virtual Adviser queries can be submitted up to midnight on Tuesday 19 December. The team will be out of the office during the festive break and appointments resume week beginning 8 January 2024.
Multi-Faith Chaplaincy
The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy will close at 4.30pm on Thursday 21 December.