Tell me about Aberystwyth University

[AberCurious]

DS wants to read Geography at uni next year. On paper, Aberystwyth University looks good (the course content and the fact that it scores very highly for student satisfaction, and the actual geography department scores well against other geography departments across the country) - but I know literally nothing about it there apart from that it's a small seaside town a very long way from anywhere else! That said, we're in the W.Midlands so it is about the right distance from home for us.

What's the social life like there? Having grown up with Brum on his doorstep he is used to an urban environment and obvs Aberystwyth is not thatI He's sporty (rugby mainly, hence the appeal of Wales!) and likes socialising / drinking.

Standard offer is BBB (his school are predicting ABB), but I am wondering if he should try and stretch himself for a Russell Group Uni (even if the Geog department itself is not as strong as it is at Aberystwyth) or somewhere better known / more prestigious?

Trying to work out whether it's worth a visit to the open day this month and would be grateful for input from Mumsnetters who might know it or have DC there.

Hi bestiswest, doesn't it all seem such a long time ago?!
DS doing great thanks, hope yours is the same.

Accommodation is pretty good though I have to say the flat DS lived in his second year was pretty dire! After his year abroad he went into the new Penglais Farm suites for his fourth year and they were very nice, though obviously 5 years old now so not pristine any longer. At the time Aber didn't charge tuition fees when on a year abroad which I know many other places did, assume it's still the same.

Currently many universities waive home fees for Erasmus students but some charge around 10-15%. It is not an Aberystwyth initiative.

My son is there now reading international politics and military history. He adores it, as do most of his friends. He says he would stay after Uni if it weren't for the difficulty getting a job. We are also from the West midlands and the journey is quite long but a very pretty drive, and a direct train if you do that. It's hilly, certainly. My son is not a big drinker or one for going out a lot; he prefers socialising more quietly with smaller groups of friends. The surrounding area is great for the outdoors types, so I guess it depends what you like to do. I would imagine it's great for geography, with the various habitats and landscapes locally. And it's cheap. I pay him £200 less a month than I had to pay his sisters in London and Bristol.

I went to an applicant day at Aber last year. There were lots of students there from Birmingham as the train route is direct. The car journey is lengthy form anywhere and it feels very remote. there is a mountain pass of sorts before the town with no phone signal. It is ages to anywhere. The town itself (to my DS's eyes) was run down. The uni was nice. Very hilly. A long way down to town for really rather basic shopping.

However, it has high student satisfaction, the students we met were very happy and lots of ex students rave about it. I think if you are outdoorsy, it is some people's idea of heaven.

My daughter is just starting her second year there I'm from est Midlands too I love it and would dearly love to move closer we stayed overnight recently there was a thunderstorm AT SEA we could see the lighting and not get wet there are bonfires on the beach the students are great my ten year old started dancing randomly they all joined in

My DS has just started his second year at Aberystwyth, and loves it there. He enjoys his degree course, the accommodation, and the social life in the town. There are lots of societies they can join too. I'd recommend going to the open day, as we didn't go to any until he put in his Uni, choices. He was all set to accepting Lancaster, and said he didn't need to visit Aberystwyth. I said he didn't have anything to lose going and looking around. He loved it and accepted the offer. It's got a nice safe environment vibe there, if that's possible to have these days.

My son went to Aber and loved University life there so much he stayed an extra year to work there. It is a very safe area which is one thing that sold it to us as parents apart from the promising Psychology Department and good access to but it is also a coastal area which tickets the box for my son who wanted to study by the sea. The community are welcoming and supportive of students and the university is a great place to learn with the National Library of Wales and Arts Centre close by. The town is a short walk down hill from the university and the countryside is close by.

My son studied his Psychology Degree here and loved it. A safe place to learn, close to coast and countryside in a welcoming community. The university is well placed and has good general facilities, and we were impressed by the Psychology Department there. The National Library of Wales is also close by and there is an Arts Centre on site. The Student Union offers lots of opportunities to join different clubs and there is an active social life. Importantly, it boasts excellent results and student satisfaction. Once you see what it has to offer you will not be disappointed. It is not the busiest location but it has a definite charm that kept my son and several others from leaving after graduation for another year. Definitely worth a visit.

I am an Aber Uni grad and I studied there for four years, graduating with an MA in 2012. It is true that Aberystwyth is a very small community miles from anywhere, but we had a very active social life. We used to go out 3-5 times a week. There are countless pubs and whilst the club scene isn't extensive (there's two) places stay open until 2am and generally the party continues until 4am (or whenever - depends on your crowd). Aberystwyth is essentially a student's playground so it is anything but quiet. I can't advise on the sport side of things as this was never my scene, but there are many sports clubs and societies to join. All of them have a social side that seeks to get people involved. In regards to the grades, the vast majority of people I went to uni with entered with grades much higher than predicted. I entered with AAB and I was not in the minority. Nevertheless, I recognise the appeal of a RG university.

However, none of these things are what makes Aber special or worth considering as a place to study for three years. Aber Uni is unique. The people that study their form lifelong friendships and become like family. Maybe it is because Aber is so far from everywhere, but through thick and thin people are there to help and support you. Beyond the friendships you take, you also become part of a community of graduates. I am constantly meeting Aber grads and even though they may have graduated many years before or after me, there is a kinship of a shared experience. Aber Uni is a magical place and it becomes part of who you are as a person. I have never met anyone who loves their university like Aber grads do. If your son chooses Aber, he will have made a good choice.

I graduated from Aber in 1990 so can't comment on it currently but just wanted to agree with the previous poster - it is a magical place and those 3 years were the best time of my life!

I'm an Aber graduate and I absolutely loved it. I had a cheap but cosy flat overlooking the beach, the town always felt safe - even in the early hours. And I gained some excellent opportunities in addition to my lectures/ seminars. Thumbs up from me!

Oh also - the train line from Aber to the Midlands is direct and reliable so it's super convenient if you are in Shropshire, Birmingham, Wolverhampton etc.