Student Profiles
Yoanna Stoyanova
Name: Yoanna Stoyanova
Course: Psychology and International Politics (BScEcon)
I am from: Razgrad, Bulgaria
What is it like in Aberystwyth? Aberystwyth is extremely friendly. There are many international students, so you get to experience a lot of different cultures, you meet people from all walks of life who become some of your closest friends.
What it is like coming to Aberystwyth from your country how is it different? Obviously, moving to university is a big step, no matter if is a home University, or in another country. The change can be a bit scary, but in a week you feel perfectly at home. Plus, there are a lot of Bulgarian students here, which makes it even easier. What I like is that there is always someone who you can rely on, no matter what problems you may have, you’d always find somebody to help you.
How do you fund your studies? I have a loan that covers my 3-year course, which is great because all you’re left to cover financially are your living expenses. For that I worked during the summer holidays, or part-time during the academic year. I also had my parents’ support for which I am ever grateful to them.
Would you recommend Aberystwyth to other Bulgarian students? I’d recommend Aber because it is a student town, not a big and busy city where everyone is always in a rush, it is not too small either. The atmosphere is very pleasant, you feel safe, and when all the students are here, you can be sure to have a great time!
What social activities or extracurricular clubs are you involved in? I have been a volunteer in a cancer charity shop for over a year now and I really enjoy it. I have also been a Freshers’ Hero and a Student Ambassador. The Heroes are the first people you meet when you arrive at the university, they help you get settled in and introduce you to campus life.
What is the best thing about your course? I’d say the best thing is that I get to do two very different degrees. I have a lot more knowledge now about how both the world and the human mind work, much more than I did when I started my studies. It’s great because now I get to choose which path to take in the future. Doing a Joint Honour degree is very challenging, but in the end, it’s worth every minute.
What are you planning to do in the future? For the near future, I plan to work, either in Aberystwyth or somewhere else in the UK, so I can save up and do my Masters.
Denitsa Petrova Dineva
Name: Denitsa Petrova Dineva
Course: Business and Management, Undergraduate
I am from: Bulgaria
What is it like in Aberystwyth? Aberystwyth is a lovely place to both study and live. It is clean and neat, people are very friendly and welcoming towards international students. It is a small town but a very safe one and at the same time does not lack entertainment for young people.
Describe what it is like coming to Aberystwyth from your country. It is a lot different from where I live in terms of people, education, and lifestyle. In my opinion what I enjoy the most is being surrounded by British and Welsh people with different cultures. It can be a challenge at the start, due to cultural differences, but once you get used to it you just love it and integrate into the British society.
How do you fund your studies? I enjoy my studies to the maximum. The subject (Business and Management) is very, very practical. The tutors who are teaching my modules are so different from one another and every one of them contributes to my learning. If I had the choice to be a first year student again, I would choose the same subject again!
Would you recommend Aberystwyth to other Bulgarian students? In Aberystwyth you never feel too far away from home, even though you actually are! I would recommend Aberystwyth, there is a high number of Bulgarian students who live and study here. Aberystwyth has a great mixture of nationalities and this is a great opportunity to experience different cultures and customs. Aberystwyth is also cheap compared to a lot other places in the UK.
What advice would you give to a Bulgarian student considering Aberystwyth University? To always bear in mind that it will not be cheaper than in Bulgaria as sterling is one of the strongest currencies in the world but this compensates with high-quality education and in the end it is all worth it. Still, students will find Aberystwyth a lot cheaper compared to places like Birmingham, Manchester, and London.
Why did you study your course? Unlike degrees in Law and Politics my course is quite broad and applicable to a variety of careers. In the end all that matters to me is finding a decent and well-paid job.
Why did you choose Aberystwyth University? Aberystwyth University was my first choice out of five universities because as soon as I viewed it on Google Maps I loved the place and I knew I wanted to study here. Moreover, I read about how the university is the 5th university in student satisfaction and I wanted to go to a place where students are respected and counted as individuals with individual abilities and skills rather than being treated as a part of the mass of people.
What are you planning to do in the future? I am going into my third year now and after graduation I am planning to stay there for a while in order to work and save some money while looking for a full-time employment. I have been considering the option of doing Master’s degree.