Catered Residences

Students living at Penbryn and Pantycelyn automatically receive an 'Aber Card' credited with enough value for at least one meal per day. The Aber Card can then be used to buy meals from any of our catering outlets.

The system is intended to allow students the flexibility of where and when to eat while also making it easier to budget for living costs.

Residents are able to top-up their Aber Cards beyond the sums included in the Accommodation Fee if they so wish.

Catered residences - your questions answered...

• How do I benefit?

  The Aber Card is a free-to-join pre-pay scheme which offers a 10% discount of all purchases of food and drink. You simply use the card to pay for your food and drink. Every time you use the Card you will be given a receipt showing your current balance which can help you plan your budget.

• How does money go on the Card?

  Your catered residence fee includes an allowance for meals. This is loaded onto the Card in three instalments, one at the start of each term.

• When can I use my Card?

  You can use the card as soon as it has been issued to you. The card is accepted at all of our catering outlets which are open from 8am through to 10pm.

• What if I run out of credit?

  The inclusive allowance should be enough for at least one meal a day, but you are welcome to top-up your credit balance using cash or card at any till. Don't forget other people can top up your card for you by simply completing and returning the the online from.

  Do remember that your allowance is for every day of the licence including holidays (excluding Pantycelyn). So do allow for this in your budgeting of your allowance.

• What happens to my remaining money at the end of term?

  At the end of the first two terms, any remaining balance will roll-over and remain usable.

• What happens at the end of the year?

  Your inclusive allowance will be forfeited on the last day of your accommodation licence. No refunds are made, so try to use up your credit by then!

• What happens to my remaining money at the end of term?

  If you've purchased additional credit by topping-up during the year, this will stay on your Card for you to use during the next academic year or the summertime, as long as you use it again within 6 months.

• What happens if I withdraw from catered accommodation during the year?

  Bear in mind that the value credited to your Aber Card at the start of the term is calculated on the expectation that you will be resident for the full term. If you withdraw early we will recalculate your inclusive entitlement on a pro-rate basis according to the number of days' accommodation you have paid for.

  For example, if you leave halfway through term, thus only paying half a term's accommodation fees, your Loyalty Card inclusive credit entitlement will also be one half of the original sum. If you have in fact spent more than this amount, you will be invoiced for the difference.

  If you will be withdrawing early, please consult the Hospitality Finance Office who can give an indication of how much your revised allowance should be and thus how much you have left to spend safely. Do not try to use up all the remaining value on the card as you are liable for the amount by which you exceed your inclusive allowance! Please contact the Residences team at Penbryn reception for further assistance.

• What if somebody else uses my card?

  Your Card is valuable and it's your responsibility to look after it. If your card has been lost or stolen, report it to a member of Hospitality Services staff immediately who will block the card. A replacement card will be issued by the Library at their standard charges. We are able to give a temporary card to students whilst they await their new card from the Library. 

Top tips...

• Check your balance regularly to help you budget and plan your spending if required, ask for a receipt.
• Avoid purchasing large top-ups if you are about to leave - we do not make refunds.  
• Remember that your inclusive allowance will not carry forward past the end of the year. 
• The Aber card gives you access to a range of facilities and services, so please keep it safe.

Full details of how the card works and how it can be topped-up are available in the Hospitality Aber Card section.