Experience in Oban, United Kingdom by Katherine

What is it like to live in Oban? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's a lovely seaside town, very welcoming to tourists and friendly people that can help with directions. It is fairly quiet for most of the year but can get very busy in the summer when the weather is nicer.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Oban?

There aren't many students, the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) centre is located just to the north so PhD and masters students commonly live in Oban to study here.

How much does it cost to live in Oban?

It is fairly average for Scotland, food and restaurants are of average price (maybe £20-30 for a 3 course meal) and there are some cheaper places to eat. The fish and chip shops and seafood restaurants are the best I've been to and have reasonable prices.

Rent is variable, depending on the type and location (between around £250 and 400 a month for shared accommodation, £500-1000 for reasonable 1 or 2bed flat).

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Oban? Is there any advice you can give?

There are a number of estate agents that are happy to help with rented accommodation and private advertisings on gumtree.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is lovely, there is an amazing Italian restaurant on the esplanade (Piazza) and it's partner seafood restaurant (Eeusk) which is award winning for its seafood. There are a number of delicatessen and independent cafes.

What places would you recommend visiting in Oban?

McCaig's Tower offers an amazing view of the bay. The Oban Whisky Distillery is a good tourist attraction if you like Scottish Whiskys. Taking the Cal Mac ferry out to Mull (Tobermory is a nice little villiage) and visiting castle Stalker. Ganavan beach is nice on a sunny day. And there is an open top double-decker tour bus that drives around the surrounding area to some of the villiages and islands.

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Is it good to eat out in Oban? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Piazza, Eeusk, The seafood temple and Cuan Mor are all lovely.

Is the nightlife good in Oban? Where is good to go?

Not particularly. There are nice pubs but not anything particularly fancy. I think a new pub-"club" opened on the waterfront by the station. There is also a ceilidh bar (where you can learn traditional scottish dances) called McTavish's.

Other than that Markie Dans is my favourite pub and is usually the busiest on a Friday/Saturday night.

What advice would you give future students heading to Oban?

Try and see as much of the countryside and the islands as you can, find some locals that can show you around and tell you more about the little places.