‘I deferred my entry because of my accommodation situation’
Fresher defers entry after being let down by uni’s accommodation ‘mistake’
Alex, 18, was coming to Aberdeen on a music scholarship.
But after being left homeless in the accommodation scandal, Alex decided his only option was to take year out.
He was initially excited to attend Aberdeen University: “I really didn’t expect to get into Aberdeen. I thought it was too good for me.”
And so the decision to defer was not an easy one: “ I felt like if I just took a year out for the sake of it, my family would judge me, think that I’m not hard-working.”
The University still declares on its online prospectus that: “If you’re a new student, we guarantee to find you a place in our portfolio of accommodation, provided your application reaches us by the deadline.”
But Alex applied on time and was landed with a hotel nearly three miles from campus and four from town, with no hope for properly secured halls.
The cock-up left him with no choice: “I would say that their response has been anticlimactic. Sorting out private accommodation is something any of us could have done.”
And Alex found that everyone wanted to give their opinion on the subject: “I’ve had comments ranging from how it was a good choice, and as long as I work it out and get accommodation sorted properly in 2015.
“A couple of people have told me it was a bit cowardly, and to embrace the opportunity early.
But Alex said the university’s “mistake” has given him the opportunity to travel: “ Me and my girlfriend also plan to visit Norway this winter, and Italy this summer, if things go to plan.”