Frequently Asked Questions

• When can I apply for accommodation?

  Applications for New Students (Fresher) and Postgraduate Students will open around the beginning of April.

  Applications for Current Students who would like to return to University residences next year will open mid November / December.

• How do I apply for accommodation?

  You can apply wherever you see this logo 

  For help with the application procedure please refer to our How to Apply section.

• New students - What happens next after applying for University Accommodation?

  What happens next after applying for University Accommodation?

• Current Students - What happens next after applying for University Accommodation?

  What happens next after applying for University Accommodation?

• What is the Accommodation Portal?

  The Accommodation Portal is an online service to apply for and secure accommodation at Aberystwyth University, including;

  • Application form
  • Accept your offer of accommodation
  • Accommodation Licence Pack
  • Deposit balance and online top up facility
• How do I log into the Accommodation Portal?

  Current Student:

  Aberystwyth University username (e.g. xyz07)

  Aberystwyth University password

  Problems logging in? Check your Aberystwyth University IT account is working
  

  New Student:

  UCAS/10 digit Personal ID number (e.g. 0123456789)

  Surname

  Date of Birth (e.g. DD-MM-YYYY)

  Problems logging in?

  • UCAS/10 digit Personal ID number - ensure that you do not include any spaces or dashes and include all 10 digits
  • Date of Birth - ensure that you enter your date of birth in format DD-MM-YYYY e.g. 01-01-1997
• Am I guaranteed accommodation?

  The following groups of students are guaranteed a place in University owned or managed accommodation for their First year of study at Aberystwyth University*:

  • New full-time Undergraduate students
  • New Postgraduate students
  • International Exchange/Erasmus students
  • Students returning from a temporary withdrawal/leave of absence to recommence their first year of study

  *Terms and conditions apply; please refer to our Priorities Policy for further details.

• When will I receive my accommodation offer?

  Accommodation is allocated by a computerised system on a first come first served basis in date and time order of you successfully submitting your online accommodation application in priority order as detailed in our Priorities Policy.

  New Students

  Accommodation offers will be sent on a daily basis (Monday - Friday) provided you have:

  1. selected Aberyswtyth as your Firm choice University

  2. applied for University accommodation

  3. an Unconditional offer

  If you have a Conditional offer this will become Unconditional once you receive your exam results, provided that these results meet the requirements of your academic offer.

  Postgraduate Students

  We will process your accommodation application upon receipt of your completed form.

  Current Students 

  We will e-mail you with an offer of accommodation shortly after applications close - this is usually around mid December.

• How do I activate my Aberystwyth University e-mail account?

  From July details on how to activate your Aberystwyth University e-mail account will be sent to you by e-mail from Information Services. You should activate your Aberystwyth University account as soon as you are asked to do so. This will ensure that there are no delays in securing your accommodation. Once you have activated your Aberystwyth University account all correspondence will be sent to this e-mail address and it is important that you check it on a regular basis.

• Is there a deposit I need to pay?

  The deposit is an online payment of £100 which is payable during completion of your Accommodation Licence Pack. However if you are already living in University accommodation your existing deposit will be used - so no deposit to pay!

• Can I request to live with my friends?

  Current Students - During completion of your Accommodation Licence Pack you will be able to complete an association form to request who you would like to live with.

  New Students – Unfortunately, we are unable to facilitate any requests for friends to live together due to the nature of our allocation processes.  Please be re-assured that you will be sharing your accommodation with other 1st year students, therefore we would encourage you to take the opportunity to meet new people.

• I need a certain type of room due to disability/health issues, what should I do?

  The University welcomes applications from disabled students and those with longstanding health or learning difficulties and endeavours to put appropriate support in place.

  Please ensure you include this information on the Disability / Health section of your accommodation application form. With your agreement this will then be passed on to the Accessibility Team within Student Support who will assess your needs. They will also require medical evidence to be submitted in support of your application and once this has been received they will then advise us on the most appropriate type of accommodation for you. 

  The Accessibility Team can be contacted on disability@aber.ac.uk, or 01970 621761/622087

• What is the accommodation licence pack?

  When you have accepted your accommodation offer you will be required to complete the Accommodation Licence Pack, by a given deadline date. This includes the terms and conditions of your licence agreement (contained within the Residents' Handbook), our online payment system to pay the required £100 acceptance fee and to set up a payment plan for your accommodation fees as well as information on living in University residences.

• What happens if I am on holiday when you send me my licence pack?

  Most places should offer internet connection in order for you to check your e-mails regularly. Your licence agreement and payment of your acceptance fee both need to be done online.

• New Students - Why can’t I have my licence pack before July?

  Your licence pack needs to be sent via a secure e-mail address. From July details on how to activate your Aberystwyth University e-mail account will be sent to you by e-mail from Information Services.

  Please note that once you have activated your Aberystwyth University e-mail account all correspondence will be sent to this e-mail address only, therefore it is important that you check it on a regular basis.

• I have also secured accommodation in the private sector, what are my options?

  You will need to choose which room you would like.
  If you would like to secure University accommodation but have already signed a contract with a private sector Landlord, you will need to contact the landlord to see if they can release you from your contract. Some may allow you to be released from your contract only when you have found someone to take your place. If your room was arranged with a group of friends, it is advisable to talk to your friends and agree that everyone is happy for you to leave your private sector accommodation. You will need to ensure that a new contract for your private sector accommodation is signed by the replacement tenant and your name removed. If you would like help to fill your private sector room you can post the room availability on the Accommodation Office's Facebook page.

• I’d like to reside in Welsh medium residence – what’s available?

  We have dedicated accommodation available for students who are Welsh speakers or learners and would like to live in a Welsh speaking environment, Pantycelyn-Penbryn and a block of Fferm Penglais. Our students come from all over Wales and join in all kinds of activities. Central to the activity is UMCA, the Welsh language students’ union, which organises social events and provides student welfare. Cymdeithas y Geltaidd offers rugby, football, hockey and netball teams, and organises rugby trips. Aelwyd Pantycelyn is well-known for its successful choir, which can often be seen competing at the Urdd or on Côr Cymru on S4C. There are also opportunities to take part in clog dancing, folk dancing and recitation, and plenty of socialising with it!

• Is accommodation available for Clearing/Adjustment applicants?

  We provide guaranteed accommodation for clearing/adjustment applicants. To qualify for this you will need to have applied by the 1^st September in the year of entry and accepted the offer of accommodation made to you by the deadline date detailed in the Accommodation Offer.  Please note that a place in University accommodation is guaranteed, but not a specific type of room or location. Further information, including online tours of accommodation can be found at - Accommodation

• Once I've been offered a place on a course, how do I apply for accommodation?

  Shortly following confirmation of your place to study at Aberystwyth University you will receive an e-mail from the Accommodation Office inviting you to apply for University accommodation (please note that if you have already activated your Aberystwyth University e-mail account then we will contact you using this therefore, please ensure that you regularly check it). The e-mail will provide you with information on how to make an application using our online Accommodation application form. You will require your 10 digit UCAS personal ID number, surname and date of birth to login and apply for accommodation. Further information on how to apply can be found at - How to Apply

• What happens after I have applied for accommodation?

  You will be sent by e-mail an offer of accommodation, which will inform you the type of room you have been offered. Further information on the process of accepting this offer and securing University accommodation can be found at - What happens next - New Students

   

• When will I know which residence I will be living in?

  When you receive your offer of accommodation this will contain the name of the residence that you are being offered.

• Why haven’t I been allocated my 1st choice of accommodation?

  Unfortunately, we do not guarantee that you will receive your 1^st choice of accommodation. Your preferences have been used as a guideline in allocating your accommodation and we have made every effort to allocate you to your preferred accommodation but this was influenced by the availability of rooms at the time of allocating.

  The accommodation is allocated by a computerised system on a first come first served basis in date and time order of application. However, certain students have priority and their accommodation may have been allocated as a higher priority than yours. Please see our Accommodation Priorities Policy for further information.

• Can I change to a different type of accommodation now I have received my offer?

  Please contact us in the Accommodation Office where we can happily check and provide you with alternative accommodation options should we have availability.

• When will I know which flat/house/room I'm going to be living in?

  You will be told your flat/house and room number when you arrive and collect your key.

• How can I find out my full postal address?

  It is very important that you provide your correct address in order to ensure that any post is delivered to the right place – to find out yours visit our Postal Address webpage.

• Can I view my room before I move in?

  Unfortunately we are unable to allow students to view their University accommodation before their arrival at the start of term.

• What do I need to bring with me?

  Take a look at our Moving In section for a full list of items to bring with you.

• What is provided in my room?

  Every bedroom is slightly different, therefore please refer to the Types of Accommodation pages for a list of bedroom items specifically for your residence.

• What is provided in my kitchen?

  Every kitchen is slightly different, therefore please refer to the Types of Accommodation pages for a list of kitchen items specifically for your residence.

• Do I need insurance?

  Contents insurance is included within the accommodation fee, however you should read through the policy carefully to ensure that every item you will be bringing with you is covered. View our Personal Contents Insurance page for full details.

• If I bring a television do I need a TV licence?

  Yes - You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, or download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer.

  For further information, and to buy a TV Licence, please refer to our TV Licencing webpage.

  Please note: if your residence includes a TV within the kitchen then a TV licence is included in the accommodation fee for that device, however if you choose to bring your own TV then a separate licence will be required.

  You will also need to provide your own indoor TV aerial as our bedrooms do not contain aerial sockets.

• If I am bringing my car do I need a permit to park outside my residence?

  Yes. Please refer to the Student Parking pages for further details.

  Spaces are limited however, so we would only advise bringing a car if absolutely necessary. Aberystwyth is a small town so everything is within easy reach and we also have excellent public transport services for students. Annual bus passes are available at a reasonable price, further information and an application form can be found on the Students Union website.

• When can I move in?

  The start and end date of your stay will be found in your Accommodation Licence Agreement and you will be able to select an arrival time and date during completion of the online induction, both forming part of the Accommodation Licence Pack. Please also see our Moving In page for further information and dates.

  You may also find other useful Dates for your Diary handy.

• Can I arrive before the start of my Accommodation Licence Agreement?

  For Welcome Week (start of the academic year in September) unfortunately we cannot allow arrivals any earlier unless you are attending Activities Week or are an international student arriving on our Meet & Greet service.

  For any other times please contact the Accommodation Office.

• What do I need to bring with me in order to collect my key?

  You will need to bring your Key Release Form with you in order to collect your key. This can be found at the end of the Online Accommodation Induction which forms part of your Accommodation Offer. The Key Release Form will include the date and time that you have booked to arrive.

• Where do I collect my key from?

  Information on where to collect your room key from will be included in the online induction as part of the licence pack sent to you. When you have completed the induction you will be able to print off a key release form which you will need to bring with you in exchange for your room key. Please also see our Moving In page for further information and dates.

• Where can I park to unload my belongings?

  A parking permit isn't required for Fresher's weekend, however students and their families are asked to observe a 20 minute drop off period at their hall of residence before moving their vehicle to a car park.

• Where can my parents stay?

  Unfortunately, your parents, relatives, friends or whoever is bringing you to University will be unable to stay with you in your University accommodation. There are a large number of Bed & Breakfasts and Hotels in and around Aberystwyth, however these tend to get booked up quickly over the Fresher's Weekend so we would advise you to book early.

  You may find the Discover Ceredigion website helpful with your search.

• Can I arrive after the start of my Accommodation Licence Agreement?

  During completion on the online induction, which forms part of the Accommodation Licence Pack you will be able to select an arrival time and date which also includes the facility to book a late arrival date, in order to ensure that your room is held for you.

• Payment of Accommodation Fees

  Accommodation fees for students living in University accommodation can be paid by either a single payment of the yearly fee or via a maximum of three instalments, in October, January and May.  Students are required to make the necessary arrangements for payment whilst completing the online Accommodation Licence Pack when securing University accommodation.

  Enquiries regarding the payment of Accommodation Fees can be made to Student Fees Office (Student Welcome Centre, Penglais, Aberystwyth, SY23 3FB)

  Tel: 01970 621583, email: fees@aber.ac.uk

• How much is the Acceptance Fee?

  £100

• When will I need to pay the Acceptance Fee?

  This must be paid by the deadline date given in your licence pack.

  This must be paid by the deadline date given in your licence pack.

• How do I pay the Acceptance Fee?

  By credit/debit card using our secure online payment system which is within the licence pack.

• How much does my accommodation cost?

  Please refer to the Accommodation Fees page.

• What is included in the accommodation fee?

  Please refer to our What's included in the Accommodation Fee? section for full details.

• What should I do if I cannot pay my accommodation fees?

  Enquiries regarding the payment of Accommodation Fees can be made to the Student Fees Office (Student Welcome Centre, Penglais, Aberystwyth,SY23 3FB). 

  Tel: 01970 621583, e-mail: fees@aber.ac.uk

• What happens if I lose my keys / Aber Card?

  Please contact the Accommodation Office as soon as you realise you have lost your keys and we will issue you with a replacement. A standard replacement charge of £30 per key will be applied.

  For replacement Aber Cards please visit the Hugh Owen Library.

• Who is responsible for cleaning my flat/house and room?

  Residents are collectively responsible with the other occupants of the flat / house for keeping the kitchens, bathroom and corridors clean and tidy to meet the requirements of the Licence Agreement.

  You are responsible for keeping your bedroom clean, including en-suite bathrooms if applicable. You need to make sure that your room is kept tidy, cleaned and hoovered regularly, and doesn’t present a safety risk to anyone else.

• Will my accommodation be inspected?

  All residences are inspected on a termly basis, a schedule of inspection dates and locations can be found on our Inspection Dates page.

• Can I cook in my room?

  Under no circumstances can you cook in your room. Bedrooms are fitted with smoke detectors and if they sense smoke the fire alarm will activate. Appliances such as microwaves, toasters, sandwich toasters and kettles must only be used in your kitchen, and must have had an electrical safety test and be labelled accordingly. 

  For further information please refer to our Residence Handbook 2014-15.

• Am I allowed to smoke in my room/residence?

  Smoking is prohibited in all AU Buildings, semi-enclosed building entrances and immediately outside all entrances, windows and other areas where smoke could enter a building. This applies equally to traditional smoking materials and e-cigarettes. If you smoke, stand at least 3 metres from buildings and ensure that cigarette ends are disposed of safely and properly. Don’t litter the grounds. Failure to keep to the policy will result in disciplinary action.
• Who do I call if I need assistance?

  If you require any assistance please refer to our Help & Assistance page. 

  However, if you require an Ambulance, Police, Fire or Coastguard you should immediately call the Emergency Services on:

  External telephone - call 999 or

  Internal telephone - call 222

• Can I transfer to another residence/block/flat/house/room once I have moved in?

  We do facilitate requests to transfer to another residence etc, however we don't usually consider this until after the third week of the first term in order to allow residents to settle in. If you would like to be considered for a transfer at this point then please visit the Accommodation Office (Mon - Fri 08.30am - 6.00pm)

• Can I move out of my residence early?

  If you are experiencing problems living within residences and you therefore wish to move out prior to the end of the licence agreement then please contact the Accommodation Office as soon as possible in order to discuss your concerns. A request to leave University Accommodation is usually only authorised in exceptional circumstances, however we may be able to advise on the alternative options available to you.

  We would advise that you do not sign a contract in the private sector until you have discussed your situation with us to avoid being liable for additional rent.
• What happens about my accommodation if I decide to withdraw from University?

  We can only accommodate registered students in University accommodation. Therefore if you decide to withdraw from University you must inform the Accommodation Office immediately as well as completing the necessary withdrawal forms from Student Support and your Academic Department (if applicable). We can only release you from your accommodation licence agreement once confirmation of your withdrawal has been received by us from the Academic Office.

  If you leave your room without telling us and don’t return your key, you will still be charged for your accommodation. 

  Further information on the withdrawal procedure can be found on the Information for Students pages.
• What happens at the end of my stay in University residences?

  Please vacate your accommodation on the final day of your Licence period by 10.00am. 

  Please leave your room in the same condition you found it. If you do not clean your room or have caused any damage, you may be charged for both. Check under the bed, mattress, on top of the wardrobe and behind drawers for any personal belongings.

  End of term information, including where to return your keys to, will be sent to you closer to the time.

  A full check of your accommodation will be carried out once your keys are returned.
• When will my deposit be returned to me?

  The Student Fees Office will refund your deposit to you within 28 days of your departure.

  Further information on this can be obtained through the Student Fees Office.

• How will my accommodation deposit be refunded to me?

  If you paid your accommodation fees by instalments then your deposit will be refunded into that same account. If you chose to pay your accommodation fees in full at the start of the year then the Student Fees Office will arrange for the deposit to be refunded by cheque which will be sent to your home address.

  If you are an International student we would advise you to ensure that you do not close your UK bank account until you have received the refund of your deposit. If you wish to receive the refund of your deposit into an account in your home country you can complete an International Refund Request form and return this to the Student Fee’s Office.

• Where can I live next year?

  Accommodation in University Residences is available for students who will be going into their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of study. Please refer to our Current Students section for further details.

  Alternatively, you may wish to search for accommodation in the private sector, if so we can also assist with this, further details can be found on our Private Sector Accommodation page.