Trang Mai Tran

BSc Single Honours Psychology

1.Why did you choose to study at Aberystwyth?

When choosing a university, I was recommended to take a look at Aberystwyth University by my high school principal, Dr Nguyen Thi Quynh Lam, who received her Doctorate here some time ago. While some of the other universities did not give me any replies, the AU staff were really helpful when I contacted them for more details. For an international student who literally did not know anyone in the UK at the time, I felt like I wouldn’t be lonely if I were to come here - and I was right.

2.What are your impressions of the course, teaching staff and the department?

Despite being a relatively new department, the Psychology department surprised me about its quality of teaching. The lecturers are really helpful and efficient, and even though we are the first year group of the single honours Psychology course, it has been run pretty smoothly. The lecturers are very friendly, and you can approach them for answers about coursework and lecture materials, or sometimes just for a chat when they have time. It was in this course and through those conversations with my personal tutor that I found an area of research which I am interested in for doing postgraduate study.

3.What do you think of the University in general?

I have had the honour to be one of the departmental student ambassadors, whose job is to act as representatives of the students on Open days and Visiting days, and provide the parents and new students with information they require. One parent and student told me, “When we first came to Aber and then got to meet you guys and the teaching staff, we felt at home.” I completely agree with what they said. The University is very welcoming and has a heart-warming atmosphere (despite the cold weather of Wales).

4.What do you think of Aberystwyth, the town, people and area?

One special thing I noticed about Aberystwyth is that it is really safe, which is one of the very first criteria I was looking for in a university or any place. For an international student like I am, I was afraid in the beginning that I wouldn’t be able to communicate with the local people, but they are very kind and understanding, and the people around here are probably one of the elements that have kept me motivated in all these three years away from home.

5.Would you recommend studying at Aber to other international students?

I definitely would recommend studying at Aber to other international students. Of course it will also depend on the course and department that each student is interested in, but the University as a whole and the people around you play an important role as well, especially for international students. For a cry-baby like me to have held on this long and actually enjoyed my time here, I think anyone could enjoy their life here in Aber.