An experience unlike any other
I chose to study at Aberystwyth specifically because it is the origin of the field of International Relations and maintains this reputation as the leading department of its kind.
The department truly has some of the best scholars in their field, and it is an amazing experience working with them. I have had the opportunity to learn from and talk to academics I have admired for some time. Not only do we have the ability to learn within the classroom setting, but we are exposed to a wide variety of conferences and conventions that allow us to showcase our own work.
Aberystwyth as a university is very welcoming and easy to navigate. There are various programs and services available to fulfill the needs of its students, including fitness facilities, cafes, libraries, and study spaces.
Aberystwyth is a quaint and picturesque town. It is small and safe, and you always meet someone you know around town. The surrounding landscape is beautiful and allows for amazing leisure activities on days off. I would absolutely recommend studying at Aberystwyth to anyone as I have had an amazing year thus far. I have met amazing friends from all over the world and have gained an experience unlike any other.
Aberystwyth has far exceeded my expectations and it will be a sad day when I have to leave.
- Nicole
A great place to live and study
Settling into the university was pretty easy. I’d been to the UK a lot before I started school, and the country isn’t so different from home. My flatmates were great, too, so that helped. Aberystwyth is a small town and doesn’t take long to feel comfortable.
WHAT IS THE TOWN/CITY LIKE?
Aberystwyth is really a great place to live and study. Obviously, Britain’s weather has a well-earned reputation for being dark and rainy, and Aberystwyth is no exception. But aside from that, it only takes a 10-minute train ride to be in legitimate countryside here – Wales has some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen. Aberystwyth itself is nestled between the hills right on the coastline. The beach is a lovely place to relax, barbecue, and hang out. It’s a quick walk to some picturesque viewpoints over the bay. The town is small and welcoming with the student body making it a rather diverse, interesting, fun place. Beware, though, if you plan to do traveling either within Britain or abroad, Aberystwyth is quite isolated indeed.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR UNIVERSITY?
The two main reasons I chose Aberystwyth were the reputation of the International Relations department and the beauty of the town/countryside.
WHAT IS THE COST OF LIVING LIKE COMPARED TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY?
Obviously, Britain itself is a bit more expensive because of the exchange rate, but this part of Wales is cheaper than most places in the UK. It’s really not any different than home.
DO YOU LIVE IN UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION OR PRIVATE HOUSING?
I’m in university accommodation, which is fine. There’s tons of private housing around, but I didn’t feel like looking when I was trying to get everything else sorted out.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
In my spare time, I read, go for walks in the hills, hang out at the beach, sample some of the locally-owned cafes, travel, try to keep up with things at home, and I also play on the basketball team and handball club.
HAVE YOU TRAVELED TO OTHER PARTS OF THE UK (OR OTHER COUNTRIES) DURING YOUR STUDIES?
Definitely – why would you study abroad and not do some extra traveling? I just got back from a spring break trip to Germany, Italy, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea. Last semester, I went to Poland for a bit. I’ve done a fair amount of hiking throughout Wales and England as well.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW STUDENT AT YOUR UNIVERSITY?
Do note how isolated Aberystwyth is - a three-hour train ride to get to any airport can be annoying sometimes. Aside from that and the occasional depression from the weather, just come. Aberystwyth is such a beautiful town, the people are great, and it’s cheaper than home.
WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH ACROSS THE POND?
Across the Pond was great. I wouldn’t have been able to manage going to school in Britain without them. They take the guesswork out of applications, give great advice when it comes to picking which school(s) to apply to and eventually attend, and really care – they want you to study in the UK and do a lot of hard work for you so that it’s painless and you can enjoy yourself.
- Michael
Lovely town with even lovelier people
I chose to study at Aberystwyth University because it is a partner with my home university. Their drama program is well reputed and offers applied theatre courses which my home university did not. The classes I have taken this term are wonderful, and the department and its staff have all been welcoming and accomodating.
The university is great, the diversity and amount of extracurricular activities are fantastic, and there is always something for everyone! The facilities are up to date and well kept, and the faculties are always prompt to respond to any queries you have.
Aberystwyth is a lovely town with even lovelier people. Everything is easily accessible with plenty to explore and a great nightlife.
I would absolutely recommend Aberystwyth University to anyone who is considering coming here. I would especially recommend it to my fellow theatre students at my home university to come and study abroad here.
- Emily
A great education
I really enjoyed my time at the Health Sciences University (formerly known as AECC University College). I write this at the end of my 4 years and time has flown by! I feel like have really had a great education here and made some friends for life. It’s going to be really sad to leave as it feels a lot like home now but at the same time I have learnt so much I feel prepared to go into the real world and become an actual chiropractor!
BRODIE’S TOP 3 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MASTERS IN CHIROPRACTIC
- Getting involved in the breast feeding clinic – It has been a great opportunity to work with the student midwives from Bournemouth University and have learnt a lot from them. I would recommend getting involved in this in clinic for anyone who is interested in paediatrics
- Living in Bournemouth – I have loved every moment of being by the coast (also the sunniest place in the UK). I will really miss spending sunny evenings having BBQ’s on the beach
- Being transformed from a student into a working professional – I really feel like the University College has made the bridge from being a student to a health professional a smooth transition. The tutors are there to support you as students but treat you as their colleagues which is nice
BRODIE’S TOP 3 TIPS FOR STUDENTS THINKING ABOUT STUDYING CHIROPRACTIC
- You have to be passionate about being a chiropractor. It is a tough course and the only way you’ll be successful is if you really enjoy what you’re studying
- Observe as many chiropractors as possible you will soon find out how diverse chiropractic can be and all the routes that you can go down
- Come to one of the open days to get a feel of the college and talk to some of the students. Studying at the HSU is a unique experience and is different from most other University’s as your living and studying with people who only do chiropractic. This is great as you get help and support from other students and you all go through the same experience together
- Brodie
A vibrant, coastal location
The best thing about studying at the University of Brighton was the vibrant, coastal location. Living here also gave me easy access to all of the hustle and bustle of London as well as the rest of Europe.
Without a doubt, the best part of my course was getting to know my lecturers and tutors. I often set up tutorial sessions prior to assignment deadlines and wound up getting to know my teachers much better in the process. I still keep in touch with some of them! I also think the diverse classes enhanced the classroom atmosphere.
Because of my degree, I discovered I was most enthusiastic about sports mega-events and decided to pursue working with them as my career path.
I think you get out of the university experience what you put into it! You need to be open to learning in new ways from your peers and they will learn just as much from you - whether it’s in the pub, over a pizza, or at one of the many university social events.
- Amelia
