New students (undergraduates and postgraduates)

Information Services (IS) is responsible for the provision of library, computing and media services for Aberystwyth University.

All current registered undergraduate and postgraduate students are entitled to have access to library, email and computing facilities at AU, subject to Information Services Regulations and Guidelines.

To make use of our facilities you will need an Aberystwyth University email account and an Aber card. You will be emailed with instructions for activating your email account and applying for your Aber card prior to the start of your course.

Email account

You will be able activate your University email account online shortly before your course begins: www.inf.aber.ac.uk/advisory/faq/14/

Your email account gives you access to:

  • University email
  • computers in libraries and computer rooms all over campus
  • the University computer network, both wired and wireless
  • electronic information sources e.g. ebooks, ejournals
  • Blackboard, the University virtual learning environment
  • networked filestore to backup your work
  • your library account to manage you loans

Aber card

You should apply for your Aber card as soon as you have activated your email account: http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/is/library/card/
If you do this at least a week before your course begins it should be ready for you to collect on arrival.

Your Aber card is used:

  • as the door key to your study bedroom  - depending in which Halls of Residence you are
  • to purchase food in University hospitality outlets; if you are in catered residences it will be credited before you arrive
  • for library borrowing including the use of self-issue machines
  • to access 24-hour computer rooms
  • for printing and photocopying
  • as your Student Union card
  • as your Sports Centre card

Setting up your computer for use on the University Network

Once you have activated your email account you will be able to set up your computer ready to connect to our network when you arrive: http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/is/stunet/

I.S. Activities for new students

During the first week of the Michaelmas term we provide a range of activities to welcome new students and introduce our services so you can make the best use of them during your time here. These include:

  • help with activating your email account and setting up hall connections
  • collection of Aber Cards
  • introductory talks and library trail

Full details can be found on this webpage : http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/is/help/newstudents/welcome/