All the most 2016 things to happen in Aberdeen this year

Purely based on the stories that have made the news in 2016, it could quite possibly go down in history as one of the worst years in a long long time. We’ve lost legends, unions and the best baking show to ever grace our screens.

In the year everything that ‘would never happen’ happened, Aberdeen, as isolated as we are, had its own fair share of ultimate ups and devastating downs.

The weather played a mindfuck 

Back in January, literally in the space of a month, Aberdeen was named the sunniest city in Scotland, AND completely destroyed by Storm Gertrude. Whenever you tell someone that you live in Aberdeen, they will undoubtedly ask if it is cold, but it is oh so much more than that. There was a single day this year when it rained, it hailed there was a thunder and lightning storm, and the sun shone. Also, temperatures this December have reached 15 degrees. What.

You little tease

We won some awards 

Aberdeen has actually smashed it in the award department this year, both the city and the university alike. In February, we were voted the safest city in the UK, followed by the 3rd kindest city in the UK in March. The University of Aberdeen made it into top 150 unis in the world, and was ranked as the 4th best uni in Scotland. I mean like no biggie.

Sexy

We played our own little part in ‘stickin’ it to the man’ 

Okay this one happened late in December last year, but it is more relevant in the events of 2016. RGU presented Donald Trump with an honorary doctorate in recognition of his achievements as an entrepreneur and businessman in 2010. However, after the HUGE success of an online petition, lead by students and locals alike, he was stripped of the award. A spokesperson for RGU said ““In the course of the current US election campaign, Mr Trump has made a number of statements that are wholly incompatible with the ethos and values of the university.” Fight the power.

Coming up trumps

Our clubs made it into the big leagues

Our very own Garage, second home to the Venga Boys, Cascada and S Club 7 (technically S Club 3 because they’re never all there), won The Public Health Initiative award and The Best Health Initiative award back in March.

On the other end of the scale, Institute was voted the second worst night out in the UK, with Underground close behind in fourth place. We could not possibly be any more proud.

That’s our boy

Our Union is still very average

It’s not really a surprise is it. Despite ‘the Hub’ now being referred to as ‘the Union’, it’s still not up there in the social scene of Aberdeen. This year there were fraud scandals in AUSA, societies struggled to get funding and students voted the its SU as the fourth worst in the UK. You can only feel sorry for whoever beat us to the top three.

Thanks for nothing

We realised we can’t use doors

Up there with one of the best local news stories of 2016. Let’s never forget the email that had to be sent out to RGU students after someone broke their arm in a revolving door. Of course, accidents happen, but  this very detailed explanation of how to use a door, sent out to all students by the university, is quite something. Stay safe everyone.

What a read

We were spoiled with new openings 

The night out scene has seen quite the revamp this year. Perfect for avoiding the horrific state of the world we see on the news. There’s new club and venue Unit 51, Brewdog’s extension Underdog, snazzy new bar Revolucion de Cuba, our old classics launching new nights and events and so many more beauties.

Also, FIVE GUYS?!

Unit 51 (artwork creds to Graft Murals)

We did Movember, and we absolutely smashed it 

This year, the University of Aberdeen was the highest fundraising uni in the whole of the UK, raising an insane £22,878 for mens health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity. 100% up there with one of the greatest achievements of 2016. Everyone who took part, both in letting their facial hair grow free and in donating to the case should be mightily proud. Our sporting teams were right up at the top end of the highest raising teams in the UK.

Look at all that ‘tache goodness

Despite all the lows in the media, up in Aberdeen we have had some pretty decent highs. Whether it’s for a good or a bad reason, 2016 will be one to remember.