The University of Aberdeen and Police Scotland have confirmed that a student has died at Hillhead Student Accommodation.
In an email to students, a university staff member wrote:
“You may be aware of activity at Hillhead earlier today. I would like to reassure you that there is no risk to staff or students. Sadly, the incident involves a death and we are supporting Police Scotland with their investigation.
“We understand that incidents of this nature can be upsetting and would encourage anyone who may be affected to reach out to our support services on our website – Services, Support & Wellbeing | Students | The University of Aberdeen.
“We will share more information with you when we are able.”
Around 11am today, emergency vehicles appeared outside New Carnegie Court, but by 5pm most emergency vehicles had left.
Police Scotland are investigating the death, but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
Below, we signpost some available support services.
The Student Advice & Support Office offers impartial advice and can be contacted at student.support@abdn.ac.uk from 9am to 5pm on working days, or at drop-in sessions at the top floor of the Students’ Union Building on Monday to Thursdays from 10am to 12pm.
The Student Helpline offers free, immediate counselling or advice for students when University support services are closed, available 24/7 at 0808 196 2707. Or, use WhatsApp to text “Hi” to 074 1836 0780. If calling from outside the UK, it’s 00353 1518 0277. The Student Helpline can also be accessed via the Spectrum.Life app.
At Hillhead, Resident Assistants are available daily, with Hillhead reception reachable at 01224 274000. University security, covering Hillhead grounds, can be reached at 01224 273939 or using the SafeZone app.
Other helplines include Samaritans, who provide free, confidential, non-judgemental support 24/7 at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org.
Breathing Space provides a confidential phone line (0800 83 85 87) or webchat for anyone in Scotland feeling low, anxious, or depressed, available on weekdays Monday-Thursday 6pm-2am, and all weekend from Friday 6pm to Monday 6am.
HopelineUK also offers confidential support and practical advice by phone at 0800 068 4141 or by text at 07786 209697 on 9am–10pm on weekdays, 2pm–10pm on weekends and bank holidays.
The Student Counselling Service offers self-referral appointment. They listen, understand, and help you work through any problems you are experiencing either in-person, by phone, or online.
The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy team offers a confidential, non-judgemental listening ear, and events, to students of all faiths and none and can be emailed at chaplaincy@abdn.ac.uk. They are open on 25 High Street on Monday-Thursday 10am-4.30pm (except Tuesday when it opens at 10.30am) and 10am-2pm on Friday.
If you are experiencing an immediate emergency or crisis, contact 999.