Settling In

Find out about your surroundings, the many societies and sports on offer, how to get help and support, and meet and make new friends.

Accessing help & advice:

There’s a wealth of advice and support you can access during your first few days in Aberystwyth to help you settle into university life.

With most of the queries and questions you have, we’ll be able to assist via our virtual helpdesk services (www.aber.ac.uk/en/student/help)

Virtual services

Whether you need technical support from our Information Services team, have queries about accessing resources, require advice on orientation activities and registration, we are here to help!

Our Student Help and Advice webpage provides useful links to key services, outlining the ways you can engage remotely to get the information you need. Whether through online chat; Microsoft Teams appointments; telephone helplines; online FAQ resources and support via email, you’ll have access to a range of services.

After accessing virtual services, you may be advised to visit one of our helpdesks, or be provided with an appointment time for a particular service.

Our Student Services offer support for international students, disabled students, students who need help with mental health and wellbeing issues and employability. They can also advise if you have any concerns about money and run various mentoring schemes to help you adjust to settling into university life. If you feel overwhelmed or homesick or are concerned about another student don’t worry, we are here to help.

The IT and Library Service Desk (Information Services) is available via online chat, telephone and email, MS teams: 08:30-17:30 Monday to Sunday.

Looking after yourself

The transition to university life can bring lots of opportunities, which can be easy for some, and tougher for others.

Common experiences

homesickness as you settle into a new way of living and being away from home, and possibly culture shock if you are adapting to a new culture
difficulty adjusting to student life, as your routine will change to fit your new timetable
seeing changes to how you manage your lifestyle, such as how much you eat, consume alcohol, socialise or shop

Take care of yourself

be sure to socialise and grow your network of friends, by chatting to class mates, lecturers and neighbours, joining clubs and societies, taking part in events, volunteering and work experience opportunities
try to avoid becoming isolated, and stay in touch with family and friends
drink plenty of water and keep hydrated, particularly if you are drinking alcohol
try to eat a balanced diet and to avoid too much convenience food
get a good night’s sleep
exercise to help achieve and maintain good physical and mental health
ask for support if you need it - the university has a variety of services in addition to what your school will offer, who can support you with a range of concerns

If you are living in university residences you may find it helpful to speak to your Residence Life team in the first instance.

Further advice

If you experience problems during your time at University, no matter how big or small the issue, the Well-being Service are here to help you.

Keeping you informed

We want to be sure that you receive the latest news and guidance from us to help support you throughout your student life.

Your university email

Students tell us that email is the best way to contact them.

Please check your emails daily to ensure that you receive important information relevant to you. This will include:

Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor's messages
Academic department messages specifically about your department and the changes they are making that will affect you and your studies.
Professional services departments specifically offering paid and non-paid work experience placements.
Weekly Bulletin is your weekly newsletter, keeping you up to date with important changes and news.

No doubt you will receive other emails in your inbox but please look out for those coming from a @aber.ac.uk address.

Be alert and protect yourself from scam e-mails.

ApAber

ApAber is an app for students at Aberystwyth University; to make it easier for you to plan your day. ApAber can be downloaded before you arrive at Aberystwyth so do it now! Further information on ApAber, including how to download it can be found here: www.aber.ac.uk/en/is/it-services/apaber

Getting around

Aberystwyth University's Penglais Campus is accessible with plenty of open and green spaces to enjoy. It is easy to get around the campus and the town on foot or bicycle.

Download ApAber to find your way around campus.

Bring a bike

If you own a bike, why not bring it with you, along with a helmet and secure D lock? Cycling is healthy, green and fun way to travel around Aberystwyth. The University provides secure storage facilities at residences and around the campus buildings.

Travelling to Aberystwyth

Travelling by train

There are regular train services to Aberystwyth from London Euston, Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street and connections at Shrewsbury from the east all services. For current train service information please refer to the Transport for Wales website.