your comments
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Ray Griffiths, France
Good to read that "Aber" is still the same life-enhancing experience it was when I became a fresher in 1955.
Fri Oct 9 09:03:09 2009
Rob Chelmsford
I was at Aber in the 70s and I still miss it, esp the sunsets. A few years back I was at a works Christmas party and discovered that my boss had been to Aber circa 1990. We bored everyone else rigid for hours! The enthusiasm for the place never leaves you.
Wed Jan 14 09:28:07 2009
Sarah Wilkins, Dolgellau
I love coming to aberystwyth to do my shopping -not much here in dol! best shops to visit are queenie wahini where i go every holiday to stock up and i like going into her dandy wolf for the soap. clothes there are a bit dear for me but i will go back when i have a good job.
Fri Dec 12 12:20:36 2008
Jamie from Birmingham
OMG i only graduated this year and i miss Aber like anything! Being such a small place but packed with crazy students makes it the place to be. Everyones up for being crazy all the time no night goes by without the students out on the lash or generally lazing about in town still dressed in clothes from the night before or shorts and flip flops late afternoon! I miss the life the fantastic people and its crazyness. I would do another degree (if i could afford it) just to go live the dream all over again! I LOVE ABER!!!
Fri Oct 10 09:53:30 2008
Adam from Aberystwyth
A nostalgic yearning which is in itself more pleasant than the thing being yearned for. Aberystwyth is a University town that'll make you feel so at home you'll never want to leave. When a third of your city is made up of 'lazy layabouts', you feel like the entire town is one extended campus that goes on forever. Don't be put off by being far away...independence is what Uni is for! And you can always get the bus into Cardiff, or the train into somewhere non-remote. No need for a car, bike, or anything other than a cheap bus pass for the days you can't be bothered to walk the hill. Enjoy! it!
Mon Sep 8 14:33:20 2008
LD from London
I spent only one year in Aber in 1981 before regrettably moving to another uni. It was the best year of life and 20+ years on I still think of Aber and the friends I had.
Wed Aug 6 08:25:47 2008
Louise, Ireland
Awh i ABSOLUTELY love Aber, its amazin. Pure love reload and the choice of many many pubs in town. Made so many amazing friends and only been here 7 months. but i wouldnt change my decision to have come here. only draw bak is the difficulties i have with getting home, it can take anything from 10 hours and the worst one yet was 20 hours. but well worth it:)
Wed Apr 23 17:01:17 2008
Kate from Cambridge
I studied Drama at Aber and loved every minute of my three years. The thing I remember most is walking through the town and always meeting someone you knew as it is such a close knit community, especially on the sea front. Just remember it is good to leave and see the big wide world when you leave as many are tempted to stay! You can always go back...
Mon Feb 11 14:58:19 2008
Adam from Burnley
I graduated Aber in 2006 and if I'm honest, I have missed the hell out of it since.I went to Aber as a lonely little Northern monkey and made some of the most amazing friends in the world. Penbryn Block 3 Ground Floor!! 21 less-than-gentlemen cooped up together for a year... recipe for disaster! Remember indoor wheelie chair curling?! I still laugh till I cry when I think about it!! And wheelie chair jousting with pans on our heads and mops in our hands?! The times were good my friends, the times were good!I have to say a HUGE thankyou to the entire Drama department because without them I wouldn't currently be living out my dream as a drama teacher.For all the amazing days, wild nights and hazy mornings, for the lazy days on the beach, for the seven hour journies home (hmm...) and for the greatest three years I could have possibly imagined, thank you Aberystwyth.
Tue Jan 29 16:15:23 2008
Nichola , Nottingham
I don't like these people saying Aber is isolated. I agree with Liz from Chesire, it is a protected bubble. There is very very little crime or violence everyone is so friendly i've got more mates than I can count cos the size of the place means you know everyone which makes nights out amazing. It's extremely beautiful and there is s great feeling of our community of students being more like a massive family. If you're picking a uni pick this one trust me. The slight isolation means you can concentrate on having a good time and not the bad things going on in the rest of the world. Aber is a slice of paradise.
Tue Sep 11 08:41:53 2007
Hayley Carlton from Borth
Queenie Wahini is fab! It has got to be the best clothes shop in Aber! If you go in, you'll have a job to come out empty handed. And they sell Shabnam's dress from BB8! Where else could you find that?
Mon Jun 18 10:25:08 2007
Lucy Somerville of Aberystwyth
Just been to Queenie Wahini and spent a fortune -it was all too good to resist. They have got the best clothes this side of the Severn Bridge and I could have spent more. Bought a fab dress by Miss Sixty for £25, but you're unlikely to find one of your own as they tend to sell only one of any particular item -great if you don't want to be a carbon copy of everybody else in this little town. Highly recommended. P.S. check out their funky wallpaper!!
Thu Apr 26 14:19:15 2007
Jon from Liverpool
Aber's isolated on a map, but don't let that put you off. A superb location next to the sea and surrounded by fantastic Welsh scenary. Everything is within walking distance, depsite 'the' hill
Fri Feb 9 09:48:15 2007
Sian, Aberystwyth
Aber is great to study and also just to live. Just because you're a student doesn't mean you have to slum it!Most pubs are really nice but some are dingy, smokey and old fasioned - ok you might be able to get a cheap shot but wouldnt you rather be comfortable clean and treated well by the staff instead of having you drink chucked at by the bar staff or queing up like youre in a cattle mart check out Lord Beeching!Staff are really nice and pints and wine r well cheap!
Sun Jan 28 19:29:40 2007
The Family squires
Congratulations to the University Challenge students who creamed Oxford on TV this evening ( Jan 22 2007). What a brilliant show of general brilliance. Well done Aber!
Fri Jan 26 18:05:28 2007
Billy from Warwick
Well what can I say? Aberystwyth, or aber to the crew, a place where you can frolic in the sea, bonfires on the beach, drink to your hearts content, sunsets amazing, everyone has gone crazy from the fresh air - it's never isolated when you know ten buddies to go drinking with, beware of the Portugese fishing vessels, fall in love with the rocks, or as I did with a girl instead, and enjoy your time, cus when you're like me now in the working world - you will always relate back to aber as living the ultimate dream!!
Fri Nov 3 09:54:31 2006
Pete Speight, Aber
One word: Reload
Tue Oct 10 09:23:54 2006
Adam from York
At a first glance Aber is spectacular, the seafront is amazing and it's a lovely little town.
However, once the novelty has worn off you realise that you feel cut off from everyone as it is very remote. There is also a serious lack of things to do if you don't play or follow a sport.
Tue May 9 08:51:48 2006
Sarah, Drama Student from Liverpool
Aberystwyth is a great place whether you are used to cities or remote countryside. Anyone who says there is nothing here and that it is too remote obviously has never bothered to leave their halls during their time at aber as everything is there. There are so many pubs and clubs, so much to do all the time. Its really easy to get involved and make friends too.
Thu May 4 09:19:22 2006
Ben Wilson from Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Truly beautiful place. The academic side is ok (I do English) but it can feel a bit isolated what with having no cities or towns nearby. Great if you like the country but pants if you like the city.
Tue May 2 09:26:40 2006
Emma
I did my undergrad degree in Aber and not only did so well under the supervision of great staff in the Film & TV department but also loved every minute of my time here so much that I'm still here! I'm two thirds of the way through my Masters and I'll be here next year when I've finished it too!
I've made some life long friends here as well which adds to the enjoyment of the place but if you ask me everything about Aber as a town is magical (although trudging up the hill in the rain isn't very magical at the time!) and as a uni is first rate - no complaints here!
Sat Apr 1 03:34:33 2006
Laura Burnett
In my second year now of the law degree. I've found that Aber is just right - not too big and not too small! Everything is within walking distance - except maybe McDonalds.
Thu Mar 23 01:38:56 2006
1st Year History Student from Norwich
The sea and often sun is great, but you can't escape the remote feeling of Aberystywth. The total lack of entertainment on offer, left me rather regretting my choice to come here.
Wed Mar 22 20:34:39 2006
Eddie from Warrington
Aberystwyth is probably the best place on Earth. I've yet to find anywhere I enjoy living in more. It's got all you need, and live music is just starting to happen now, so it's all mighty! Aber forever!!
Thu Mar 9 16:53:26 2006
Sally, Aberystwyth (Originally Liverpool)
Aberystwyth is the best place to come and study. Everyone is crazy and random all the time. You will have a hell of alot of fun! You will get a great degree! You will make friends for life with not only the students but the locals are great too! It may not seem like a big place or like it has much but its there if your prepared to find it! I love it and I never want to leave!
Mon Mar 6 22:26:09 2006
Mark Arthurs, Exeter
Aber rocks! Graduated from aber almost two years ago... Now a cop in Devon and by god how i miss the parties, randomness and the craziness of aber...See you at the May Ball 2006!!!
Mon Feb 27 19:48:01 2006
Steven, Coleman-Williams from Aberystwyth uni
I've just finished my first semester, few pointers, go easy in the pubs if like me it takes you 8 pints to get drunk - it costs too much.
Come with LOTS of savings (unlike me). But aber is great and have plans to stay here FOREVER!!
Fri Jan 20 17:48:13 2006
Iain Ashby, Sheffield
I am currently in Sheffield on an industrial year and cannot wait to get back to Aber. What Aber lacks in venues and facilities compared to towns/cities like Sheffield, it makes up in spirit and atmosphere. In Aber, students are a huge part of the town's identity & economy, as opposed to being a poor underclass like a lot of towns make you feel like.
Tue Jan 3 12:13:53 2006
John Hughes Aberystwyth
Being a Student In Aberystwtyh is an eye opening expereince, the people, the town and the university are wonderful, Aber is a place where dreams can come true
Sun Nov 20 15:44:14 2005
Iain, Aberystwyth (originally Bedford)
2nd year, studying Drama & English. Coming from Bedford, a provincial conformist market town (hiya Bedford xx), Aber is considerably smaller, yet what it lacks in size it makes up in life. How many other university towns can one casually announce they're going for "a paddle in the sea" at 4am (incidentally, take care of waves, and generally other dangerous things...don't play ball games in the road etc). The Bay might be a bit dingey, but it's MY dinge. Can't really imagine myself anywhere else.
Good craic.
Fri Oct 28 23:00:27 2005
Caroline from Birmingham
I spent my first year at Aber last year studying drama and loved it, unfortunately over the summer I was diagnosed with lupus and have had to leave because Bronglais hospital doesn't have the facilities to deal with it. You don't realise how much you love a place till you have to leave, so I urge everybody to enjoy their time in Aber, coming from a city I did miss nightlife and shops, but Aber is unique and has lovely scenery, I really miss it!! And the uni is excellent, I didn't realise how great it was till I transferred to a college in Birmingham that isn't a patch on Aber at all!!! So I urge all new students to make the most of it cus u will miss it when u leave!!!
Fri Oct 21 15:30:14 2005
Krisna
Authentic that one word that spring to mind when you come to ABER.
Mon Oct 3 21:10:33 2005
James - North Parade, Aber
Back in Aber for my second year of uni, and it feels like i never left for the 4 months holiday!! Truly a great place, love it to bits!!
Mon Sep 26 01:04:14 2005
Carys from Aberystwyth
Right as we start getting ready for freshers week, I just want to make a plea, have fun, but please don't touch the cars. Mine's already been damaged and it costs money :-D
Fri Sep 16 17:52:41 2005
Spencer James
At the end of September there is the Bay Radio Reunion. Its taking place between the 30th September until the 3rd October.
You can find out more at www.spencerjames.net/aber05.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
Fri Sep 16 17:51:42 2005
Hannah, Nottingham
It's an awesome place to go to uni or to just visit, with something for everyone. The night life is always exciting and living there as a student u find that no matter where you go you're bound to bump into someone you know. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good laugh with their mates and enjoys going out at night for a few drinks.
Fri Aug 19 11:35:26 2005
Robert from Manchester
I was a student for 2 years at aber and cant wait to return for my third year. Its a time bubble with a 60's feel to some parts which is great because it generates a brilliant community spirit. There is plenty for anyone to do no matter what you prefer. pity the bubble seems to be bursting and main stream business is arriving. why go to subway when for half the price you can have a fresh roast bap from the butcher :) morgans rule
Wed Aug 17 10:51:29 2005
Emily from Lancashire
I've just finished my first year at aber and I completely fell in love with the place! My parents had to carry me from my room to get me out of the place. I'm so glad that I picked Aber, the location is amazing (you won't get a better sunset anywhere else), the people are amazing - I know that the people I've met here will be friends for life -, the nightlife is amazing - there's something here for everyone! I've already accumulated enough memories to last me a lifetime and I've still got two years to go! I never want it to end.
Mon Jun 20 23:50:46 2005
Helen from Cheltenham
I've just finished my first year and am completely in love with Aber! Its very small and everyone knows everyone so watch out what you do!
Tue Jun 7 14:52:55 2005
Kim from Leicestershire
I think Aber is fab, love the may ball, and re-load which probably says something about my taste in music. Can't speak welsh but it doesn't matter. Don't own a car but doesn't matter. Beware though!! It's near impossible to avoid someone in Aber so be careful of what you do and with whom!!!
Mon May 16 23:39:21 2005
Becky, Aberystwyth
I have to disagree with Matt from Birmingham..... "The may ball for example is very mainstream; there is nothing alternative to that." well i think your find there is two alternative may balls, all on different nights so you can pick and choose, one run by punk indie and rock soc, and the other dance and trance. How more diverse can you get!!
Sun May 8 18:34:19 2005
Liz from Cheshire
I'm in my third undergraduate year at UWA and I have loved studying here. The feeling of isolation mentioned is more one of protection from the outside world. Aberystwyth is like a bubble. Half the population is made up of students and so the atmosphere is very student orientated. It is a small place with beautiful scenery.
Fri Apr 1 23:56:57 2005
J from London
I like Aber, the music scene is a bit quiet and too much pop and grunge where is the UK garage?
Tue Mar 29 20:22:41 2005
andrew. local and student
I have lived in aber all my life bar one yr. I missed Aber a lot, and now I'm back, it's even better. I can't speak Welsh, and I don't feel excluded at all. The town is a great place, cheap booze and good pubs especially the academy! What a pub! I know lots of people that love aber, especially if you're from cities and don't mind travelling to find good clothes shops!! Bar that, it's ace
Wed Mar 16 02:53:44 2005
James, from near Stratford upon Avon
Aber has a great social life, so there is plenty of chance to meet new friends, especially with something going on somewhere every night of the week. The only minor disadvantage its its distance from anywhere else, although it makes up for this with some truly stunning scenery, and some breathtaking sunsets across Cardigan Bay in the evenings. The town is just the right size, with enough to do to keep from getting bored. Looking forward to spending the rest of uni here.
Fri Mar 11 16:09:04 2005
Joe + Domini
Aberystwyth is fantastic... Come here it is much better than any other university.
Wed Nov 24 16:33:38 2004
Josie from Bournemouth
It's great here in Aber, apart from the rain, but then I expected that anyway! The people are friendly and I love wandering down to the sea. Only trouble is that the work has started now and I don't have as much free time as I'd like to explore.
Fri Nov 19 20:04:40 2004
Clare from Lancashire
Aber is great, especially all the pubs! It rains a lot though :(
Fri Oct 22 20:22:32 2004
Sarah from Aberystwyth
aber is fab, except the may ball!!! especially the queue!!!
Thu Sep 23 12:28:35 2004
Lee Hughes from Llandeilo
Aber is brilliant it has a very relaxed atmosphere and it has the benefit of the national libary
Thu Sep 16 11:07:22 2004
Julia from Oxford
I really love living and studying in Aberystwyth. Coming from Oxford I really appreciate the beautiful sea views and the closeness of a small community. Aberystwyth is a really lovely friendly little town which has become very dear to my heart.
Fri Aug 20 15:29:30 2004
Matt from Birmingham
There is too much emphasis on the commercial side of things. There is not enough diversity. The may ball for example is very mainstream; there is nothing alternative to that. Very mainstream on campus, not so much in town.
Fri May 7 13:37:40 2004
Alan from Southampton
I don’t like the way the English students here are somewhat excluded from local culture. They don’t seem to interact very well with the Welsh students I find.
Fri May 7 13:37:03 2004
Richard, from Bournemouth
My experience here has been purely academic. I have not had the chance to know more about the “native” population here. I know little about the town itself.
Fri May 7 13:35:39 2004
Rune, Exchange Student from Denmark
I like the students, the lecturers and there is a good community in town. It’s a shame I don’t have the money to stay longer!
Fri May 7 13:34:58 2004
Giacomo, International student from Italy
I love the sea, but Aber is a bit isolated.
Fri May 7 13:34:13 2004
Michael from Pwllheli
Everybody knows everyone which is great but you can’t do anything for fear of being found out!
Fri May 7 13:32:53 2004
Claire from Nottingham
I love the location by the sea, it’s very beautiful.
Fri May 7 13:32:02 2004
If you're an Aber student or if you've studied here in the past, tell us what you think by filling in the boxes below.
