Aberystwyth University - Student View

Founded at a time of growing welsh national consciousness, it's a close-knit university and quite small. Most students are taught at Penglais campus (1960s buildings with superb view of Aberystwyth town and Cardigan Bay); others at the small but beautifully sited Llanbadarn, which also houses other colleges.

Although most students come from outside Wales, some 10% have welsh as their first language and there are plenty of courses for those who want to learn the language (town is about 50% welsh-speaking). Lots of mature students and students from overseas.

Accommodation available for about half the student population, some self-catering and some pay-as-you-eat; launderette facilities on and off campus.

Careers service runs 'year in employment' scheme, allowing all students on any course to do a year-long industrial placement between their 2nd and 3rd years. Central library opens 9am-10pm.

Aberystwyth is about half-way down the West Wales coast; travel by rail or road is slow, but beautiful scenery for miles around. Most students stay in Aber over the weekends, when there are plenty of ents and activities.

SU offers a wide entertainments package, 3 bars, shop, travel bureau, insurance centre, 100+ clubs and societies, well-developed welfare service and opportunities for social, political and cultural activities.

Thriving sport, with leagues in most sports competing at local, welsh and UK levels. Aber's student community action places student volunteers in a range of projects; Rag Aber raises thousands of pounds every year for local and national charities. The Courier Magazine is student-run (5 times a year); Yr Utgorn is welsh language sister publication. Bay Radio, the student station broadcasts weekdays around the union and is available online.

Family planning clinic (pregnancy and STD advice); AIDS counsellor in hospital. Nightline is student-run confidential advice service and excellent student-led welfare service.

Town has a cinema, arts centre, 50+ pubs and weekly market. It is easy to meet other students.