Potential move to Aberystwyth - tell me about it!

[farmers]

Potentially relocating to Aberystwyth or nearby, but don't know much about it and would like to learn more before going further with the decision. We would want to be near the university, but don't know if there are better/worse places to live.

What's it like - best bits? Worst bits?
Are the schools ok?
Also wondering what the arts community is like in Aber?
We don't speak good Welsh, will that be a problem?

Please give me all your info :)

It's a university town my dd is there and loves it! When I've been down it's always been busy some of the streets are one way so it will take some getting used to shop people speak English street folk seem friendly xx

It’s a lovely town, schools ok, decent arts scene but don’t underestimate how far it is from anywhere else of a decent size. Neither the roads or public transport are great.

Yes, definitely aware that it's not so well connected. I lived in Australia for a long time, where everywhere is many hours away from anywhere else, so I think the distance should be ok

It's very Welsh medium... but you pick up a surprising amount just reading daily stuff. I went to Uni there and loved it...I'd move there again if I could :) The children would learn Welsh too (we moved further south and they picked up loads at school)
If you are outdoorsy it's fab... close enough to mountains and obviously the sea.
Bit of a trek to decent shopping though!

I think a lot depends on where you are moving from and the age of your children. The younger the children are the easier it will be for them to integrate. Schools in Ceredigion are good.

I visit Aberystwyth often and definitely hear a lot of Welsh but I doubt not speaking much of the language would be an issue. The primary schools in the area are predominantly English-medium with the exception of Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth. Plascrug is very diverse and I’ve heard parents are very happy with it. I think mainly residential areas like Waunfawr, which is very near to the university, would be nicer to live in than in the town itself.

It's a lovely safe place by the sea. Miles from anywhere though, which can be a total pain.
I would live uphill rather than down in the town which always feels a bit typical British slightly rundown seaside town.
Due to the university it's very accepting of people who don't speak Welsh but it probably helps if you do.