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Original poster

Any experiences of Aberystwyth or UEA - clearing

49 replies

Womanontop · 15/08/2024 18:46

DS didn't get his predicted grades so has lost his offer at an RG uni.

He now has offers for Aberystwyth and UEA, but we have no experience of either and cannot get visits in in time!!

We're in the NW so both are a trek (3.5/4.5 hours).

Aberystwyth has much much cheaper accommodation (£60 a week cheaper). Whilst he likes to go out he's quieter (so not a lads, lads lads type) but he worries it'll be too dead and he won't get a part time job etc. He also prefers the course at UEA, but the expense and extra hour away are off putting.

Any reviews/advice would be gratefully received - he's spent the day in panic mode!

OP posts:
Simonjt · 15/08/2024 19:02

Aberystywyth is lovely and holds the record for the most pubs per square mile, small but mighty.

However I would prioritise preferree course over preferred location.

OublietteBravo · 15/08/2024 19:12

I think he should go for the course he prefers. After all, the course is the reason he’s going to university in the first place.

Original poster
Womanontop · 15/08/2024 19:20

Thanks!

The course is only slightly preferable at a push, he doesn't feel it is enough to decide on this alone IYSWIM.

OP posts:
spanieleyes · 15/08/2024 19:20

Aberystwyth is great, tricky to drive to but there is a direct train service to Birmingham which we used on a regular basis! It is quiet but still with plenty to do and accommodation seems to be plentiful and not too expensive! There are jobs available, including over the summer.
Sorry, don't know UEA!

Notmydaughteryoubitch · 15/08/2024 19:21

My DSS went to Aberystwyth uni, graduated about 4 years ago - he wasn't massively fussed about going out too much but did have some fun times I think. There were still lots of societies to join, I know he joined the kayaking one and met friends and socialised through that including trips abroad, did kickboxing and football too. Academically he did well, they are well considered for the course he did I think (international studies).

Marshmallow70 · 15/08/2024 19:38

My DC is about to go into 3rd year at Aberystwyth and loves it there. Seems to be a good choice of societies with organised nights out so lots of chance to meet people with similar interests. Facilities on campus are good and accommodation is reasonably priced. There are opportunities for jobs and lots of students stay over the summer months to take advantage of the summer season. Overall if your child likes the idea of a more laid back experience, right next to the beach, I would say go for it!

BESTAUNTB · 15/08/2024 19:55

My mate’s nephew graduated from Aber in June and misses it. He loved it there. He has a training contract with an accountancy firm in a different city though. People seem to love Aber, it gets good feedback on here. I work with a lawyer who graduated in the late 1990s and adored it.

But the course is vital so…..

Skule · 15/08/2024 20:05

What's the course?
Aberystwyth is particularly strong in Geography/Geology, Politics/International Relations and Computer Science.
UEA also strong in Geography/Geology, and particularly in English

MyOtherCarisAVauxhallZafira · 15/08/2024 20:08

Is it UEA at Norwich? DHs cousin used to work there and loved it. I think it has a solid reputation, quite a few UEA grads around here (Essex) and Norwich is a great small city

HPFA · 15/08/2024 20:08

My DD is going to Aberystwyth! French and International Relations. She really liked the look of the modules, I liked the fact it's rated highly for teaching and students seem to love it.

We've just booked her accommodation which did seem very cheap compared to others.

I did go to UEA on a conference once - the campus is really nice but it does seem to be in the middle of nowhere - someone said you could go weeks without speaking to a real person. It's three miles from the centre of Norwich so not really comparable to other city unis.

Sleepyquest · 15/08/2024 20:22

I went to UEA and still live in Norwich. Great place to be a student

Sleepyquest · 15/08/2024 20:23

HPFA · 15/08/2024 20:08

My DD is going to Aberystwyth! French and International Relations. She really liked the look of the modules, I liked the fact it's rated highly for teaching and students seem to love it.

We've just booked her accommodation which did seem very cheap compared to others.

I did go to UEA on a conference once - the campus is really nice but it does seem to be in the middle of nowhere - someone said you could go weeks without speaking to a real person. It's three miles from the centre of Norwich so not really comparable to other city unis.

That's absolutely bonkers. It's on the outskirts of the city sure but it's hardly rural and there's a lot going on there all the time. 10 minute bus ride into the city centre!

Hullofromtheotherside · 15/08/2024 20:38

Uea strong on environmental studies, international development and creative writing and similar. Uni is on the edge of town so much more integrated than other campus unis but also in the countryside. It has lots of clubs and a friendly vibe. Has a well regarded vice chancellor

Lovetotravel123 · 15/08/2024 20:41

I found UEA to be well organised and professional. I think it does well on customer satisfaction ratings. I guess it’s also close to Cambridge for job opportunities afterwards, although I guess that might not matter so much.

Twoshoesnewshoes · 15/08/2024 20:45

UEA is a (long) walk into the city centre, it had a large leafy campus leading in to countryside but it’s definitely not in the middle of nowhere!
norwich is a great city, lots going on.

UEAStaff · 15/08/2024 21:23

which course is it, OP?

gladiolionthesideboard · 15/08/2024 21:27

Don’t know Aber. UEA is wonderful for many courses and actually way better than many RG in terms of teaching.

Temporaryanonymity · 15/08/2024 21:28

Aber is hilly. Not an issue for us as we also live in a hilly city but our fellow open day attendees found it pretty remarkable.

My son loved the open day and is now refusing to look anywhere else, but it’s great for his course so that’s good.

MrsMitford3 · 15/08/2024 21:30

I did go to UEA on a conference once - the campus is really nice but it does seem to be in the middle of nowhere - someone said you could go weeks without speaking to a real person. It's three miles from the centre of Norwich so not really comparable to other city unis

UEA fantastic Uni-and def not in the middle of nowhere-I read that bit twice because it is unrecognisable to DD's UEA undergrad and masters experience.
City fun and accessible. After first year students live all over norwich.

You can walk but buses easy. Fun and vibrant place to be a student.
DD found her tutor's available and supportive, course brilliant.

Highly recommend!!

QueenofLouisiana · 15/08/2024 21:39

I’m a UEA grad, DS is currently at Aber.

Aber is definitely not dead! Not a lot of clubs, but Pier Pressure seems to do good business on student night (guess where in the town you’d find it!). Many clubs and docs going on: from Swifties to airsoft to kayaking. Also events organised which are alcohol free.

Jobs seem to be available in hospitality, some in DS’s flat have online admin jobs. The cost of living means that it is possible to work less as the plan covers more.

UEA is bigger, I loved it and had a great three years.

which course?

RedRosie · 15/08/2024 21:42

I work in HE and have visited/spent time at both in relation to conferences and meetings etc. Both are interesting small towns, although quite different. They are also both solid academic options, so I would go with the course of choice, and maybe focus on which that really is.

I stayed in Aberystwyth halls during a conference a couple of years ago and they are great value I'd say. Very nice in the newer ones. It's a hard walk up and down that hill between the town and the University, but the sea air is fresh at the top!

Needsomepeaceandquiet · 15/08/2024 22:12

I went to Aber and it was brilliant. It wasn’t dead back then and it definitely won’t be now. Walking up and down the hill every day was definitely good for keeping fit but being by the sea was fantastic. The views from campus are fantastic and the sunsets there can be amazing.

Original poster
Womanontop · 15/08/2024 22:21

Thank you all SO very much, this has been really helpful.

The course is History.

He had an offer for Leeds - which we know well and is about an hours drive so this has thrown us entirely

DH and the kids have never been close to Norfolk and I went to Wells next the Sea a few times as a child. Same with Wales.- Llandudno and Tenby is all we know.

He needs to decide tomorrow so we can only manage to visit one of the unis

OP posts:
boys3 · 15/08/2024 22:44

Have had DCs at both UEA and Aber. Norwich is not a big city but is obviously a lot bigger than Aber. 140,000 ish vs > 20,000. Aber had plenty going on, the beach is great, the hill is a proper hill, not many go home at weekends….because well it’s a long way from anywhere. Accommodation is certainly far cheaper than most places. Our DC at Aber lived right on the seafront for years two and three. Lots of pubs and plenty going on. Everyone seems to know everyone, which is great most of the time.

Norwich though is a lovely smaller city, and UEA was very friendly and welcoming. The DC who went there has just finished and plans on staying. Lots of buses makes travel in and out of the city very easy plus there are the electric bikes as well.

Prodol · 15/08/2024 22:56

I studied History at Aber: graduated 10 years ago now though.

I loved it. Was heavily involved in a couple of societies and also really enjoyed the course. I got a part time job (Matalan) easily and worked for the three years I was there.

Happy to answer any questions!