[Brizee]

Hey Guys,

Very quickly, my names Brian and I'm currently on the Executive Committee at Abertay Students' Association(UADSA) and a full time 3rd year on Computer Games Technology.

I'll be dropping in regularly to give you advice and assistance on getting into Uni - AbertayUni is floating around as well so they may answer a few questions too.

So that said, what have you all applied for?

[THESHade]

Ethical Hacking
I haven`t sent my application yet but I have everything ready (at least I hope)
After that I will just have to get an English certificate which shouldn`t be hard.
So see you in September

[Brizee]

Awesome, I know quite a few Ethical Hackers and I think some folks from the Ethical Hacking society (which you should definitely join ) lurk on the forum too. Have you been for any open days? Know what to expect etc?

[THESHade]

(Original post by Brizee)
Awesome, I know quite a few Ethical Hackers and I think some folks from the Ethical Hacking society (which you should definitely join ) lurk on the forum too. Have you been for any open days? Know what to expect etc?

I am EU student so I haven`t been to any open days yet but WHEN(being positive FTW )I get accepted I will come for a visit just to be sure that it is what I expect it to be and that it doesn`t look great only on the paper.

What month would you recommend me to come for a visit? May? I don`t want to come when everyone will have no time cause of finals, etc. I want to come and see the city, campus, tutors, clubs, Opal1, etc.

I also want to visit Edinburg + Glasgow + maybe England so that I can compare Unies (but if I get accepted to Abertay there is really little chance I would go to England but I would check them out as well just in case)
Free tuition fee is the best though





What do you think about your course anyway? I have a friend that is studying in Denmark ATM. He wants to eb a game developer but he is studying Software development in Coppenhagen. Do you think you have a better prospect as a CS student or SD student or do you feel like you are missing out on something?


What about Dudnee girls? (Bare in mind I am from Slovakia and women here are really hot/cute)

[Brizee]

Ah cool, definitely stick with the positivity

I went for my interview in February which is probably the best time - we have coursework hand-in's the first 2 weeks of January which will be marked for the next few weeks so February is sort of the quiet time between Semester 1 Coursework and Semester 2 Coursework, obviously if you can get in on an official open-day it will work out better as lecturers will have scheduled to be free.

Love my course, there is a lot of argument either way about the merit of Games specific courses over Software Development - mainly about Games Courses being too specialised and vocational and not teaching the broad skills needed or conversely that Uni's just rename their Computer Science degrees to attract those interested in gaming.

I can't speak for all Universities but Abertay clearly outweighs a relevant generic course in that it specialises in the fields that Games Development Companies tell the University their graduates need whilst covering general skills and good practice that means you could in theory fall back on an Application Dev Job - also Abertay is certainly a recognised name in the UK Games Arena and we regularly work with likes of Microsoft and Sony

[THESHade]

And do you have to write some long essays in your course or in Ethic.Hack. course or is it mainly practical work and theory?

What`s ur average living cost BTW? I made some estimations that 700 poudns could be enough and with 1k pounds I should live like a king. Have you lived in Opal1? Or do you know anyone that did? Any feedback?
Are Scots friendly to non-English foreigners? Or will I get beaten up?

what doyou think about Abertay Campus? is it good? (Well, i guess I will see but I can`t wait to go there )


And Februrary is too early. I would need to buy tickets now and I don`t know how finantially cabable I will be at that time.

[Brizee]

mostly coursework and critical reviews of it for my course, I think Ethical Hacking has a bit more theory work and essays but their is still plenty of practical work.

In first year I lived off about £600 per month but I know people that lived on less fine so yeah at 1k you should be sorted.

Opal didn't exist in my first year :P but I've been in and know folk that have - they're moderately strict when it comes to parties but the flats are generally good quality and, of course, as Opal is contracted by Abertay you have more avenues of complaint should something not be so good.

Scots, in general, are very friendly and even more so at Uni, even the Scottish students are for the most part moving from a different city so it's new territory for them too. As far as I'm aware there is very little racism at Abertay - it would be arrogant for me to say there was none but I haven't encountered any and we have strict disciplinary processes for such activity - in the wider community you're no more likely to be beaten up than anyone else, as long as you don't cause trouble you should be fine.

Abertay's Campus is small - there is no denying that but it has everything you need in abundance with a newly built multi-million £ library and the Ethical Hacking labs are definitely up-to-date, whilst the equally new and pricey student centre caters to almost any leisure need - the top floor has a cinema, art gallery and café selling cheap, hand made food. Next floor down is our Sports Bar with Darts, Pool etc., next floor the Lounge Bar where you can get quicker food and cocktails, the ground floor we have a little local shop for snacks and essentials and a coffee shop finally in the basement we have a small nightclub which you'll see plenty of in Freshers Week.

The campus is also literally a minutes walk from the city centre for anything I've missed.

[panda s]

I'm a first year EH student. Living costs really depend on how you live. First couple of months here I was spending a lot because, obviously, I had to buy stuff for settling here, but now it's rent and about £250 a month everything else (food, clothes, partying, sports, hairdresser etc). If you've got a £1k per month budget then yeah, you can live like a king :P

The course has been quite simple so far, lots of practicals, some writing, an exam. Joining Ethical Hacking Society is the first thing you want to do when you come here in September because that's where all the fun is. Hack lab is very up to date and new toys are constantly being uploaded to boxes there

Scots are very friendly, my flatmate is Scottish and he is the friendliest person I've met here so don't worry about that. Couldn't understand a word he was saying when I got here though, but it only takes a couple of months to get used to the accent. There are many international students here, just make sure to keep your door open (even though the sign says not to) and visit as many parties as you can during freshers week - the best way to meet lots of people in short time and make new friends.

Regarding Opal 1:

(Original post by panda s)
I'm staying in Opal and I would recommend it to everyone. It's a bit pricey, but if you can afford it - go for it. Rooms are nice, security guys are very friendly and will solve any of your problems in no time as long as you're polite with them. No internet filters. If anything needs to be repaired you file a fault on a website and it gets fixed within a day or two. It's a 5 minutes walk to uni and 10 minutes walk to Dundee union, the place where you will be spending lots of weekend nights We never had any problems with parties here, even the massive ones. I honestly do not know how hard you have to party for campus security to turn up... Kitchens are a bit small for 15+ people parties, that's true, and there is no dishwasher so if one of your flatmates is an ******* and doesn't wash his stuff you just wont be able to wash yours - the sink will be full. There's a huge 50" telly right next to laundry room with HDMI port so you can have fun there while washing your clothes.

[THESHade]

Thnx everyoe. I just sent my application two days ago. I need to get to the intervie w Then I believe they will see my passion.

(Original post by panda s)
I'm a first year EH student. Living costs really =
Regarding Opal 1:

Thnx a lot mate.
Can I just ask. How big are the refrigerators? Does everyone in the flat has his part that he can use? Are rooms big enough that I would be able to pack tere a small 2nd-hand freezer + a destop PC with a 21Inch monitor, possibly 2 and still have some space to live? What about wardrobes? What about safety and security of my stuff? I am a bit paranoid
Ty in advance

[smartipants]

Hello everybody,
I've asked a few people this but no one has been able to give a decent answer. I'm waiting for a reply from Abertay for the EH course, but I'm fairly sure I'll get in. I'm planning to get a new computer before September, but can't decide between a desktop and a laptop. Any thought on the matter? I.e. Is it important to have one or the other, or does it not really make a difference?
Also, just out of curiosity, what's the male/female ratio on the EH course?

[THESHade]

(Original post by smartipants)
Hello everybody,
I've asked a few people this but no one has been able to give a decent answer. I'm waiting for a reply from Abertay for the EH course, but I'm fairly sure I'll get in. I'm planning to get a new computer before September, but can't decide between a desktop and a laptop. Any thought on the matter? I.e. Is it important to have one or the other, or does it not really make a difference?
Also, just out of curiosity, what's the male/female ratio on the EH course?

How can you be fairly sure ...? Did you bribe them?
You can send me aPM if u want



Depends how you want to write your notes in lectures I guess but you can always buy a 2nd hand netbook for that.

[smartipants]

(Original post by THESHade)
How can you be fairly sure ...? Did you bribe them?
You can send me aPM if u want



Depends how you want to write your notes in lectures I guess but you can always buy a 2nd hand netbook for that.

Okay I misspoke, looking at the entry requirements and from what I was told by the school, I think there is every chance I will get a place. Failing that, bribery

I actually have an android tablet which works quite nicely for taking notes, also fun to play with from the programming side of things although most of the functionalty is reliant on wifi. On that note, what internet connection can you get in the halls/on campus? I meant to ask when I was there but forgot...oops

[THESHade]

(Original post by smartipants)
Hello everybody,
new computer

I would go for a desktop for various reasons
-more power (Running multiple VMs, softwares, etc w/o problems)
-better durability
-in general cheaper
-you can turn it into a small server when it gets older or jsut play with it
-you can remotely access it
-Can always run (no over heating)
-you will be fine with it at least for 3 years (unless yo are a gamer or video editor)
-You have a tablet already

disadvantages
-not portable (solved by remote access)

And as I said before, you can always buy a 2nd-handed laptop or netbook for the money you `ve got left from not buying a laptop.

Hope it helps.
Joe

[German_Saskia]

Hey,

I applied for Forensic Science. Just waiting for an answer.

[Brizee]

(Original post by smartipants)
Okay I misspoke, looking at the entry requirements and from what I was told by the school, I think there is every chance I will get a place. Failing that, bribery

I actually have an android tablet which works quite nicely for taking notes, also fun to play with from the programming side of things although most of the functionalty is reliant on wifi. On that note, what internet connection can you get in the halls/on campus? I meant to ask when I was there but forgot...oops

Internet access in halls entirely depends on what halls you live in, Alloway and most of the other Abertay specific halls use UConnect the same as Campus, Opal1 have their own system as do most other private halls. Some may still require you to purchase your own connection from an ISP.

UConnect as I mentioned is the on campus wireless signal available in both University buildings, the Library and the Student Centre providing access to the internet with some filters in place, I believe most ports you require access to are unrestricted but if anything is causing an issue you can try getting in touch with Student Association who will see if their is a case for getting it unblocked.

The University is also registered with the JANET roaming infrastructure allowing you access to the internet via any other University Campus that is subscribed too it.

(Original post by German_Saskia)
Hey,

I applied for Forensic Science. Just waiting for an answer.

Hey,
Awesome! Our current Vice-President (denkmit on this forum) studied Forensic Science. Good Luck!

[German_Saskia]

Hey,
Awesome! Our current Vice-President (denkmit on this forum) studied Forensic Science. Good Luck!

Oh nice. Thanks. Just got an unsuccessful from an other University. Litte bit sad. Hope Abertay will give me an offer.

[panda s]

(Original post by THESHade)
Thnx everyoe. I just sent my application two days ago. I need to get to the intervie w Then I believe they will see my passion.


Thnx a lot mate.
Can I just ask. How big are the refrigerators? Does everyone in the flat has his part that he can use? Are rooms big enough that I would be able to pack tere a small 2nd-hand freezer + a destop PC with a 21Inch monitor, possibly 2 and still have some space to live? What about wardrobes? What about safety and security of my stuff? I am a bit paranoid
Ty in advance

There are 2 huge refrigerators, everyone has a shelf. Same with freezer and kitchen cupboards, there is even one extra that we are using to store bottles for recycling.
Plenty of space under the table in your room for a small freezer (~130cm height), not that you would need one anyway.
As for the space to live, here are some pictures of the standard room:
http://xarclan.nm.ru/table.jpg
http://xarclan.nm.ru/28122011.jpg
Wardrobe fits about 20 hanging shirts + 4 shelves. I also brought my -30 C winter jacket but doesn't seem like it is going to be of use here so I store it under the bed - lots of space there.
Safety - some sort of RFID locks is used everywhere and other people cannot access your room unless you let them in. I've heard a story that someone tried to dump content of his door lock to his computer but before he finished security guy showed up and told him not to do that Sounds safe enough for me.

(Original post by smartipants)
Hello everybody,
I've asked a few people this but no one has been able to give a decent answer. I'm waiting for a reply from Abertay for the EH course, but I'm fairly sure I'll get in. I'm planning to get a new computer before September, but can't decide between a desktop and a laptop. Any thought on the matter? I.e. Is it important to have one or the other, or does it not really make a difference?
Also, just out of curiosity, what's the male/female ratio on the EH course?

Doesn't really matter laptop or desktop, at the uni there will always be hacklab open for you. Taking notes by typing is much more convenient and fast though. I'm with laptop and the only problem is that most laptops have bad quality displays and mine is not an exception.

Internet connection - base 4/4mbit/s up to 100mbit/s for extra payment in Opal, on campus it really depends on which part of the uni you are at. When people at the hacklab start DOSing eachother, obviously, there will be problems with hacklab connection

Male/female ratio on the EH course is around 90:1 if not more. A little bit better on DF - I've seen at least 3 girls there.

[THESHade]

(Original post by panda s)
. I've heard a story that someone tried to dump content of his door lock to his computer but before he finished security guy showed up and told him not to do that Sounds safe enough for me.

Awesome response mate, I really appreciate that. The room looks a bit bigger than on virtual tour but that`s prob. just a visual illusion(AKA my bad sight) and seems like quite a lot of storage place. Even if not I am also considering getting the double bed-rooom with a couch (or wtw that is) so with that I guess I would have quite a lot of space.
Do you think I could have a look inside in March when I intend to come and check the whole city out? What about the hack-labcs, would I be able to see those? (Is it something special or jsut a bunch of computers and few servers?
I am too pumped up about Abertay I am not sure if I can handle a rejection

[smartipants]

(Original post by panda s)
As for the space to live, here are some pictures of the standard room:
http://xarclan.nm.ru/table.jpg
http://xarclan.nm.ru/28122011.jpg
Wardrobe fits about 20 hanging shirts + 4 shelves. I also brought my -30 C winter jacket but doesn't seem like it is going to be of use here so I store it under the bed - lots of space there.

Male/female ratio on the EH course is around 90:1 if not more. A little bit better on DF - I've seen at least 3 girls there.

Nice to see it's nicely even numbers.

Going off on a tangent, but I have to state my irritation with you for making me lose the game from that image of the rooms.

[panda s]

Sure, just give me a call when you know the exact dates.
Hacklab is an isolated network of computers and a few servers, you can test all kinds of crazy software there and the best thing is that only EH and DF students are allowed in so most of the time you should be able to grab a pc there. It also has a huge creepy biometric scanner in there - don't know much about that one, but I'll try to find someone who does for your tour, if you're interested.