Studying Computer Science at Aberystwyth really has changed my life; two and a half years ago I never could have imagined being where I am today. I've made some very good friends from Aber and not just students - so many of the staff are really nice, especially when you catch them outside of work.

Aber is a beautiful place to live, those who enjoy the great outdoors will find plenty to keep thembusy. For those who are looking for the social aspect of university life there's an excellent choice of pubs to sample and the department itself is a surprisingly social place.

Finally for those who like to learn the department offers many chances; there are many seminars, talks and deparment trips to conferences further afield.

I'm currently on my industrial year at IBM Hursley, contrary to popular belief I haven't made a single cup of tea since I started. Instead I spend most of my time writing Java tools for the rest of my team. Another Aber student who's also at IBM told me about a poster he'd seen reading: "My degree taught me everything I need to know. My year at IBM taught me how to use it." I cannot stress how true this is (it's also true of any industrial year, but it is particulary true of IBM).

A great thing about IBM is that they don't just want you to do your day job. I'm involved in a range of other activities from teaching my team of assembler geniuses how to program in Java to producing a game to teach science to school children.

I chose to study at Aberystwyth due to its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The facilities and academic support available to a Computer Science student were exceptional and were an enormous benefit throughout the duration of my degree course.

I enjoyed taking part in a range of sporting activities offered by the University and thoroughly enjoyed the social scene at both the Uni and Aber Town. My industrial year complimented all that I had learnt during my first two years of study and is something I thoroughly recommend. I am really glad I chose Aber Uni – I have made a lot of friends, got my degree and had loads of fun in the process!

(P.S: my sister, Sally, is equally impressed by Aber Uni and has also decided to study here.)

They say that your time at university are your best years yet. This is certainly true in the Computer Science department in Aberystwyth. The courses are well structured and the lecturers are friendly with an open door policy so you can go talk to them at any time (well within reason!!).

I chose to do Internet Computing which gave me such a broad education dealing with all sorts of modules from programming to project management. The course not only deals with the techie side but prepares you ready for your time in the workplace. Finally studying in Aber would not be the same if you took away the student ethos of the town, the beach, the hills and most of all the uni and town's friendliness.

As a newly graduated student who has completed the Computer Science degree course at the University of Wales Aberystwyth this year, I can honestly say that the three years I have been in Aberystwyth have been fantastic.

Moving away from home for the first time is a bit daunting at first, but the staff in the Department are so friendly, you'll feel that Aberystwyth will be a "home from home" in no time. The department even go to the extent of arranging a team building weekend at a local outward-bound activity centre - to "break the ice" and help first years settle in and make new friends.

No computing experience? - no problem! Even if you know computing inside out or have nil computing experience you need not worry, as the first year in the department is designed to get everybody up to the same level by the end of Part One of your course. I had no programming experience whatsoever before my first year, but I found that by the end of the first year that I was ready for the remainder of my course.

With excellent halls for accommodation and great departmental and University facilities, coupled with a superb view of Cardigan Bay - its no wonder that Aberystwyth University has recently scored excellent ratings in a recent Student Satisfaction survey. Come to one of our Open Days and you will not want to go back home!

I decided to come to Aberystwyth because the Department is very friendly and enthusiastic. There are many facilities available for all students, the location is ideal, the beaches are beautiful and the area is very picturesque. I visited on an Open Day and that influenced my decision because everyone was very friendly. Aberystwyth is great because it is a leisurely University with few formalities.

I chose to come to Aberystwyth mainly due to the fact that it is a sea side costal campus and you feel instantly at home. I had never been to Aberystwyth before but when I spoke to the staff in my department over the phone, they were so nice and friendly and immediately I knew this was the kind of University I wanted, especially since I was coming from a totally different country, I really need a friendly environment. Aberystwyth is such a close knit society and it seems everyone knows everyone, it's relaxed and peaceful and going to University here is almost like being away on holiday. I like my department and my chosen course because of the staff and the quality of learning, everyone here is passionate about their jobs and their passion motivates and moves the students to excel in what they do here and learn great life lessons.

I chose Aberystwyth because the Software Engineering course seemed one of the most interesting in the country. I wanted to do an undergraduate Masters, which Aber offered and I also wanted an Industrial Year which is compulsary on SE MEng. I also didn't want to be in a big city but wanted a well respected University. Aber's location is ideal for anyone who enjoys the outdoor life with Mountains, Rivers, Surf and Beaches all right by

I love the location (see above), but more than that I love the atmosphere. It's such a happy and laid back town, it's impossible not to fall in love with it. Nothing beats a sunny day on the beach at Aber. It's size is also perfect as you have everything you need in walking distance (shops, pubs, uni, housing etc), it is easy to get to know people as you see them around much more (makes settling in much easier and you won't feel lonely) and also the town caters for students as we are a high percentage of the population. It is quite normal in Aber to see people in a chicken outfit or dressed as a pirate on some social - in fact you begin to think nothing of a lifesize scooby-doo wandering down the street!

There is also a great cultural side to Aber life with some awesome live music playing in bars and pubs almost every night of the week. There may not be so many big name bands, but the talent in this town more than makes up for it. I'd rather see the Amigos in Scholars or Guy Maile in Rummers (both for free) than Franz Ferdinand for many of my student pounds any day. The art centre shows films and plays from many genres.

Then of course there is the whole money issue. Rent, beer and general living costs are much cheaper here than pretty much anywhere else in the country. Get more out of your Student Loan, come to Aber!

I love the fact that our dept has an "open door policy", so speaking to lecturers and staff about any issue you may have is easy and unintimidating. The staff are friendly and helpful. We have a student advisory service, where a student who has just done 2nd year is on hand daily 11-4 to provide help on assignments for the first and second years. This is really useful because the advisor understands common problems with assignments from a student's perspective and the advisor can seem less intimidating to ask what might feel like a silly question.