Student Profile

Cáit Ní Ghionnáin

Name: Cáit Ní Ghionnáin

Course: BA Honours Degree in Irish Language and Literature and English Literature

I am from: Brighton, East Sussex

Are you postgraduate or undergraduate student?

I recently graduated from an undergraduate BA Honours degree course.

What is it like in Aberystwyth?

Aberystwyth is above all a friendly place, and I think this is one of the main reasons that helps students to integrate and get the most out of their University experience. It is also a beautiful place, beside the sea and is full of character and history. Along the seafront there is the gorgeous Old College, which I was very priviledged to study in as part of the Department of Welsh. There is also the stunning castle and endless beautiful places, within Aberystwyth and endless scenic areas, just a short drive outside of the town. Aberystwyth also has a vibrant Welsh speaking community; being surrounded by such a beautiful language has inspired me to learn it and I have greatly enjoyed experiencing another culture.

Describe what it is like coming to Aberystwyth from your home town, how is it different and what do you enjoy about being in Aberystwyth?

Despite being from a city, I do not believe myself to be well suited to such an environment. Aberystwyth despite being smaller, is still a vibrant town, with a thriving artistic community. Some of the many things of interest I find in the town are; Breton dancing, Irish set-dancing, numerous choirs, folk-music nights and much more. In Aberystwyth I feel a part of a community, something which I never felt living in my home town.

How do you fund your studies?

I funded my studies by virtue of Bursary as well as money from my Student Loan. As well as this my fantastic parents also helped me with my cost of living by helping me with my rent. I searched for part-time work to help me supplement the money from loans and bursary but unfortunately I was unsuccessful.

Why would you recommend Aberystwyth to other students?

I would recommend Aberystwyth to other students because the University is fantastic, the lecturers are friendly and down to earth and have passion for their subjects. In regards to the pratical side of things, the cost of living, in terms of rent, (and moreover the cost of a pint!) is very reasonable in comparison with the rest of the U.K.

What social activities or extracurricular clubs are you involved in?

I am involved in my church community, which is St.Winefride's Catholic Church and I joined the Catholic Society (CathSoc). I am also a member of a Gregorian Chant Choir, which sings in Latin once a month and on Feast days during Mass. I enjoy Breton dancing, as well as Irish Set-dancing. I also love to sing and attend folk-nights in pubs around Aberystwyth. I also joined the Photography society and commenced an evening Welsh For Adults Course, which I intend to continue and found immensely enjoyable.

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course is the variety it offered. I find this is especially the case with Joint Honours degrees, such as the degree scheme which I chose. I was able to study subjects as wide ranging as Scottish Gaelic, Anglo-Saxon and Modern Irish. I was also very priviledged to have spent an Erasmus year at Trinity College Dublin, which was a fantastic and rewarding experience which I enjoyed immensely.

What advice would you give to a student considering Aberystwyth University?

I would advise them to come to the University!

Why did you choose to study your course?

I chose to study my course because I have a passion for the Irish language, as well as the history and literature of Ireland. I chose English Literature because I simply adore words and relish the opportunity to study literature. I loved the subject throughout school and college, and wanted to continue to learn more about it.

Why did you choose Aberystwyth University?

One of the main reasons why I chose Aberystwyth University is because it was the only place in the U.K in which I could take the course I studied. It offered me the opportunity to study Irish completely from scratch, and also take Irish alongside English Literature.

I also felt that Aberystwyth is a place in which I could see myself living in, and being able to have a fullfilled and enriching academic life, as well as social life.

What are you planning to do in the future?

I plan to save money by working, in order to continue my studies to postgraduate level. My ambition is to be able to enter a career in which I will be able to make use of the skills I have acquired during my academic career.