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Aberystwyth University - Student GuideTSR Wiki > University > University Guides > Aberystwyth University - Student Guide
These university guides by written by our members offer individual experiences of day to day life. See the main university guide for information on facilities, opening hours, locations, policies etc. The UniversityOverall OpinionsYou can use this section to offer your overall opinions on the university. What one main thing would you like to highlight to future applicants? Username: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: The experience I have had at Aberystwyth has far exceeded my expectations. I didn’t imagine the town or the university to be as welcoming and friendly as it is, and I certainly didn’t expect to grow attached to this little town. The university itself provides everything I could ever need in terms of academic and social features, and what I feel sets it apart from other universities is the level of care and interest they invest in each student.
Date: 23/07/2010 Comment: I kind of stumbled into studying at Aber, after not getting my grades, and therefore having to go through clearing. I'm so glad though! Not only is the Uni amazing academically - with a ridiculous amount of wonderful facilities, it also plays host to a fantastic social life (which was quite unexpected!) and thousands of great people. The support that i have recieved from the university and it's staff in my three years here has been amazing. I can honestly say that the only downside for me has been the hills!!!
Date: 28/07/10 Comment: The best thing about being in Aberystwyth is that you can have a good balance of academic and social life and there are so many facilities to accommodate both. The academic resources are endless and we have two 24/7 hour computer lounges which have a relaxing atmosphere and great for doing seminar or last minute work! The Union is great for social events, there are so many socities available to join and their organised nights are perhaps some of the best nights you'll ever have, especially Re-Load which is held every Wednesday full of 80/90s cheesy music and mass fancy dress! Also everyone is so friendly and there is this lovely community atmosphere that makes you feel just at home! Campus - Buildings and EnviromentUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: The campus has a varied mixture of buildings for departments; some are very old and preserved, such as the Old College on the seafront, the original teaching building when the university first opened. Now many of the academic buildings are situated on the Penglias campus at the top of the hill, which contains a mix of old and new structures, as well as many of the halls of residence. Many departments have their own academic buildings, or share with a few others, and all have plenty of space to accommodation the range of teaching activities which take place there. The university puts a lot of effort in the upkeep of the campuses, with plenty of greenery and environmental management going on. The only downside I find is having to trek over the Llanbadarn campus when I occasionally have lectures in the department of Information Studies, although, it doesn't take too long to wait for a bus.
Date: 2/08/10 Comment:The great thing about the buildings on the University campus is that they are all in close proximity. This means it only takes 5-10 mins to either walk from your hall of residence or from one building to the next. This is particularly useful considering you're very unlikely to have lectures in the same building. I studied Drama and Theatre Studies and I still had lectures in the Biology and Physics building. The Old College is situated in town and is a beautiful building, well worth a visit even if you don't study Education or Welsh...it's a bit like Hogwarts! Most people also forget the library in there and although smaller, it is very peaceful and you can get great views of the sea and consitution hill whilst you're studying. It can be quite hilly walking all around the buildings but you just have to think it's keeping you fit!
Date: Comment: Campus - NightlifeUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: The Students Union is situated on the Penglais campus, and hosts a range of events each night. My favourite nights include Quids In (all drinks £1 each), Re-load (a cheesy-90’s night) and comedy night. Plenty of other events such as film nights, poker nights and themed nights take place in the union, making it a good night out for all. The union consists of The Joint, where all the major events take place, and Bar 9, a smaller bar open throughout the day. Higher up the campus is Cwrt Mawr bar which is a handy place to socialize and have a drink on the campus with friends. They also have a games room and show live events such as football matches and elections. Username: LoisSansby Date: 23/07/2010 Comment: As well as having a brilliant nightlife on campus, Aber town is also great for a night out! Rumours say that there are more pubs/clubs in aberystwyth per square mile than in anywhere else in the UK. Whilst this is great for the 'party animals' amongst us, it is also quite nice for those that prefer a quiet drink with friends. And if you're not much of a drinker, nights out are still great - just for the atmosphere!
Date: 2/08/10 Comment: Aberystwyth is perfect for Nightlife as there is always something to do whether you want a chilled, relaxed evening or a lively night out. As well as the Union, Pubs and Clubs we also have two cinemas. The Commodore in town and the Arts Centre Cinema which is on campus. Although they both only have one screen they will show all the blockbuster movies so don't worry you won't miss your chance to see your favourite film! During the Summer especially, it's very popular (and I strongly recommend!) to have a BBQ and/or bonfire down on the beach, something that you won't be able to do at other Universities! SocietiesUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: The university has a HUGE range of societies, too many to list here, but if you can think of an activity you enjoy, there is likely to be a society for it. If for some reason there isn’t a society of your interest, you could start your own! All the societies advertise during Fresher’s Week and hold socials and events. Joining a society is a great way to make friends too! In my Freshers Week, I must have joined about 10 societies, and naturally couldn't attend them all! Username: Sarah_Lou_20 Date: 28/07/10 Comment: One thing I definitely reccommend when going to Uni is joining a Society! It's a great way to make lots of new friends, pursue a current passion or learn something completely new...there really is something for everyone! I was a member of several societies over my 3 years of study and was a proud committe member of two; Aber Dancesport (Ballroom & Latin Dancing) and Playrama (Drama). The opportunities you can get from being a member of a society are amazing. As a member of Dancesport I got the opportunity to compete all over the county including in Blackpool's famous ballroom and as a member of SSAGO I got to go on a once in a life time trip to Iceland!
Date: Comment: Teaching and CoursesTeachingUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: Whilst teaching varies from each department, I have certainly been pleased with the level I have received. My department uses a mix of lecturers, tutorial, practical’s and online resources to guide teaching, and members of staff always make themselves available for drop-in sessions should extra assistance be needed. I have very often gone to a member of staff to ask for help on an assignment, and they have made the time to sit down and go through it with me.
Date: 2/08/10 Comment:I can only speak on behalf of the quality of teaching in my department, Theatre Film and Television Studies, however I do believe all other departments have a similar quality and atmosphere. There is a system which ensures that you can gain the maximum from teaching as well as having to do your own research. Main lectures are useful as they give you an overall idea of the studied topic. These are then followed by semiars which usually consist of about 10-15 people allowing you to discuss the topic further. They are essential because they give you an opportunity to voice your opinions, clarify queries and again access to more information. Also all teaching is structed in order to help you succeed in your essays and exams. The staff are very welcoming and you'll find that you'll easily be able to confide in them. They also offer great advice on careers and future plans.
Date: Comment: Course OpinionsUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: The courses are pretty flexible, with most courses offering the possibly of taking a Joint scheme with another department, or a Major/Minor combination between departments. Additionally, many schemes have a certain number of optional credits to be filled each year, allowing students to choose modules outside of their usual department. I found this very useful, as I was able to get an understanding of topics covered in other departments, plus it allowed me to meet people from other degrees schemes.
Date: 2/08/10 Comment: The courses here at Aberystywth Univeristy allow you to design your degree scheme so that you can follow modules specific to your chosen career path and/or interests. There are over 150 courses to choose from and that's not even including all the joint honours you can study! Every course will have its core modules but you can then choose optional modules within or outside your department. You will also find that most courses will inlcude both theory and practical elements to enhance your study. These options largely increase your learning and experience here at the Univeristy.
Date: Comment: Facilities and ServicesLibrary and Study FacilitiesUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: The library facilities are extensive… as well as the main Hugh Owen library, there are a few smaller libraries for specific departments, as well as the National Library of Wales just below the main campus, which has a copy of every book ever published in the UK. All the libraries have computer facilities and plenty of spaces for quiet reading and working. Although my library, the Physical Science library is specific to my course, I tend to use the larger Hugh Owen library, as it is larger and open later. The only drawback is that all the libraries are not open 24hrs.
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Date: Comment: IT FacilitiesUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: All students have access to the IT facilities provided by the university. There are a number of PC workstation rooms situated around the campuses, with some being 24-hours. All computers have access to fast speed internet, as well as course-specific software. The internet around the campus is much faster than what I was getting at home, so I made use of it for downloading plenty of music and movies. The rooms can get quite busy during the day, but are often empty in the evening, which is great for getting some quiet work done. I have very often used the days for sleeping, and then done all my assignments in a computer room during the evening!!
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Date: Comment: Shops and FoodUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: The town itself holds plenty of supermarkets, including Morrison’s, Co-Op, Lidl and Iceland, many of which have handy offers on each week, with leaflets getting delivered to halls of residence. I use Morrisons myself, as it is the largest and has the widest range of food. It's a short car/bus ride away, but it's worth it. The town is full of restaurants and cafes, many of which I have still not explored. Weatherspoons is quite popular with many people due to their budget meals, although I prefer some of the smaller cafes hidden away in the backstreet.
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Date: Comment: SportingUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: There is a huge selection of sports clubs on offer, and plenty of facilities for them to use. As well as a huge all-weather pitch, sports cage and features of the campuses own sports centre include gym and swimming pool, many other facilities are available due to the towns location, including mountaineering and plenty of water-based activities. When I arrived, I paid around £35 for a Club Sporty card which gave me access to the Sports Centre and allowed me to use the gym for around £1.50 each time, which was much cheaper than other gym's I've been to!
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Date: Comment: Medical/Welfare FacilitiesUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: There is a large support network available to students at the university. The Guild of Students have counselors, whilst the university’s Student Welcome center provides a Money Doctor, welfare counselors and a whole host of other support teams. I've never used any of these features myself, although I've heard a lot of good things about them.
Date: 28/07/10 Comment: As well as the University's superb health care there are also three main surgeries in town. It is highly reccommended that you register to a doctor during your stay at University, however don't worry too much about it as full details of these surgeries are given to you on arrivial and a registration form so it's all really easy! I registered with Ystwyth Medical Surgery and although it's not in the town centre like Padarn and Church Surgery it is still only a 10min walk/ 5min bus ride and the staff are really helpful and friendly which is what you really want should ever need a visit!
Date: Comment: OtherAre there any other facilities offered? Are specific facilities offered for religious activity - such as prayer rooms or chapels? Facilities for disabled students? If you have experience of these things, share them here. Username: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: A handy support facility on offer to new students is Signpost mentoring; this involves new students who perhaps feel they need a bit of extra support, being allocated a mentor, usually a trained final year student. Through this scheme, the student can meet with the mentor, who can help discuss through any issues and point the student in the right direction.
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AccommodationWhat are/were your halls like?Username: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: I stayed in Cwrt Mawr in my first year, in one of the recently refurbished blocks. I had the large room on the end, which had more than enough space for me and all my stuff. Everything I needed was provided; bed, desk, lamp, sink etc. The rooms also come with a high speed internet connection which is included in the rent costs. We shared a large kitchen between 7 people, and everyone had plenty of storage space. In addition, we had 2 showers and 2 toilets between us all, and because we all came and went at different times, none of us ended up having to wait to use the facilities. We had a Residence Tutor in our flat, who was a Postgraduate student responsible for welfare of students within a set block of flats.
Date: 28/07/10 Comment: I also stayed in Cwrt Mawr in my first year and Pentre Jane Morgan the student village in my third year. Both are excellent accommodation! Cwrt Mawr and the other halls of residence are great for your first year because you're in flat with at least 6-10 other people which is enough people to make a good set of friends but small enough to really get to know each other and not feel too shy! Our flat hit it off straight away, went to all the fresher events together and have been firm friends ever since! Pentre Jane Morgan is great because it is set out just like a house but you don't have to pay all the bills that you would have to pay if you were in a house in town.
Date: Comment: Non-University AccommodationUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: Most 2nd years tend to live in private section accommodation, as the Accommodation Office cannot guarantee accommodation to all students. As Aberystywth is ‘Student-town’, there is a huge selection of flats, houses, apartments available to be rented for the year. The Accommodation Office holds a database of landlords and properties in the area, whilst a number of letting agents also operate in the town, holding a number of properties. Living costs tend to be a bit more expensive in town, as the bills can be quite high, although simple budgeting can help prevent a financial crisis! Username: Date: Comment:
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The Town of AberystwythShops, Buildings and EnvironmentUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: Whilst Aberystwyth isn’t full of high street names, it does alright with a Burton, Dorothy Perkins, New Look and a number of local shops, and there is always online shopping!! The town has many historic buildings, including the castle ruins. In terms of environment, there is the spacious beach, and lots of countryside walks. During the summer sun (which usually arrives during the exam period), I would spend many days lazing on the beach with my friends. Although the beach isnt the best, there are lots of other beaches a short car/bus ride away.
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Date: Comment: Nightlife/RecreationUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: Aberystywth is famous for its nightlife, with some 50 odd places to purchase alcohol I believe. Because of the large number of pubs, it means they don’t all get crowded, so you can get to the bar quickly. My personal favorite is Cambrian which has LOTS of cocktails on offers. The town has two nightclubs; Why Not (or Yoko’s as many people know it as) and Pier Pressure. Yokos is quite small, but has some good promotions on. Pier Pressure is situated on the pier, and has a few pound-parties each week, as well as having a spacious dance floor… certainly my favourite of the two. In addition, the town has a nice little cinema which a showing each night, and situated on campus is the Aberystywth Arts Centre, which as a huge selection of arts, dance, theatre shows, all at very reasonable prices.
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Date: Comment: Local TransportUsername: AberInsider Date: 22/07/2010 Comment: Whilst transport isn’t really necessary around the town as everything is in walking distance, the bus service is very good. I paid around £33 for a bus pass, and for a year, I had free travel around Aberystwyth on the busses, which was great for when I couldn’t be bothered to walk up the hill!!! There is also a large taxi rank by the train station, which will run up the halls for about £4. The train station runs a service to Birmingham New Street every two hours, and from there a connecting train can be caught. The few times I’ve used the trains it’s been quite busy, so I try to go earlier on in the day as opposed to the peak times.
Date: 28/07/10 Comment: Another great thing about the bus pass is that not only can you travel around Aberystwyth for free, you can also get 50% discount of tickets to anywhere else in Wales. As my home town is near Cardiff I could get a return ticket home for only £10! A lot more cheaper than than train! Even if you don't live in Wales it's great because if you ever want a day trip or weekend down in Cardiff or Swansea for a bit of a change or even just a small trip to the beautiful Ynyslas sand dunes you can end up saving a lot of money!
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