Arriving at Aberystwyth

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Once you have accepted our offer of a place at the University, its time to prepare. In the information you will already have been informed of which date you need to be in Aberystwyth, and it is recommended that start making arrangements for arrival. Things that you may want to consider are

• arranging accommodation
• how to travel to Aberystwyth
• finding part-time work
• if you’re bringing your family with you, there will be the additional tasks of finding childcare and schools

Accommodation

Postgraduate students may wish to opt for accommodation in the University’s residences, alternatively you may wish to study in private sector accommodation.

Wherever possible postgraduates are allocated accommodation together within University residences. But please note that the Accommodation Office is unable to process applications until your application is fully complete.

More information on each of the University’s residences can be found on the Accommodation Office's website.

Accommodation for families

The University owns a number of flats for students with families; there is usually a waiting list for these properties.  It is essential to write to the Accommodation Office at the earliest possible opportunity stating what type of accommodation you would prefer. It would also be helpful to state the expected date of arrival and to complete the relevant application form.

The Accommodation Office maintains a regularly updated register of private sector accommodation suitable for student use.  Family accommodation is often less expensive in the villages around Aberystwyth but such accommodation may only available from September to June since frequently the summer months are already committed to the tourist demand and this necessitates a move each summer vacation.

The University operates a day nursery that is set in over a quarter of an acre of fully enclosed gardens with a large safe-play area. Full and part-time places are available for children between 6 weeks and 5 years of age. Aberystwyth also has two other nurseries and details of these nurseries and a list of local schools is available on request.

More information about accommodation can be found on the University’s Accommodation Office website.

Travel to Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is situated on the west coast of Wales, but offers convenient transport options. Students flying from overseas can be assured that public transport is available to allow reasonable travel from most main UK airports to Aberystwyth.

There is a regular train service from London Euston, and the journey time is approximately 5 hours. The main inter-city services offer connections to Aberystwyth from Birmingham. A frequent bus and taxi service operates from the station to both campuses. More information on train services can be found online.

Students arriving at London, Heathrow, Gatwick, Cardiff, Birmingham and Manchester airports can travel to Aberystwyth on bus or train services. More information on travel times can be found online.

Inter-city journeys by bus terminate at the railway station. A frequent local bus service operates to both campuses - look for the Waun Circular.

A large taxi rank is situated next to the railway station.

Work

The University’s Careers Advisory Service runs a Job Link scheme, which can help you to get in touch with employers offering the type of employment you are seeking.

Job Link actively seeks employers with vacancies suitable for students and graduates, and make that information available to candidates who register with us. It is not a recruitment agency, it will be your responsibility to contact the employer and start the job application process.

Job Link advertises part-time term-time jobs, vacation work, temporary placements, work experience and graduate placements.  Most of the jobs are with local employers, but they also have information on jobs throughout Britain and abroad. More information can be found on the Job Link website.

Term dates

Each academic year is separated into three terms. Dates of term vary according to the academic year. Please note that full-time taught Masters students will also be working on their dissertations between June and September. Research (PhD & MPhil) students work on their research projects at least 44 weeks of the year.