"Just as its website states, the University of Wales Lampeter is indeed small, green and friendly. No false-advertising lawsuits will be lining up here. In fact, people are often so impressed with the market town that it is busting at the seams with ex-students or people who came for a visit, and just plain forgot to leave.
I can only talk from personal experience about this little town in green West Wales, but that is rather apt as Lampeter itself is quite a personal place. I first came across it, not trekking through the Teifi Valley, but in the fervour of my gap year, desperately trying to fit applying to universities in with holding down a full-time job in a big town.
I stumbled across the university via the internet looking for degree schemes that might tickle my fancy. An hour and a phone conversation later I had all but packed my bag ready to go!
Accommodation
The university guarantees all first year students accommodation in halls of residence, and quite often if you want to stay in for the second or third year, you can that was certainly a weight off my mind. All halls are fairly well equipped, and now we have internet access in our rooms it makes it that bit easier to talk to mates back home!
Getting a house or flat in town is easy enough if you start looking early on, I have a cottage with a real fire and wooden beams lined up for next year which you don't often find in big cities! In fact my mum is threatening to leave her semi-detached in Reading to come and live here.
Small is beautful
The petite-ness of the place can never really be a disadvantage, okay we have no multiplex cinema (but we do have free film screenings four days a week); okay we have no McDonalds (but we do have the student union café who serve an all-day breakfast for under three pound!!), and okay we have no HMV but ask anyone round here and they will point you in the direction of our fab record and movie rental shop Hags Records.
What we have plenty of is a fun and dedicated students union with something different going on every night, a different pub for each day of the week and above all, as far as academic life goes - one of the oldest institutions in Britain, part of the well respected University of Wales, and a team of lecturers on all departments whose enthusiasm for their work and their students surpasses many of today's busy and larger university institutions. Sometimes I think I'm very lucky to be here."
Written by Milly Withers, a second year English Literature and Film Studies undergraduate at Lampeter University.
Check out other articles about student life in Lampeter:
""If you do not enjoy city life and like living in a semi rural atmosphere then Lampeter is the place to come." - Dinah"Lampeter is very different to other university lifestyles" - Helen Watters
your comments
Ian Clay Rotherham
I spent 1983 to 1987 as a student at Saint Davids University College (as it will always be known to me). I spent my second year in California and my third in Germany. I thnik you have to be an ex Lampetarian to appreciate why my first and fourth years were the best
Sun Mar 1 20:02:24 2009
Auz, Lampy
Well , from what i read, some people really enjoy lampeter. However Lampeter is a very complicated place. Some days the sun may be shinning and the bird singing and others you just want to end it all!. Lampeter is a place that you'll enjoy if you are from a small town or are seeking a place like lampy, if you are then go for it. Although the drinking culture is very high here, no matter how you try and butter it up its here and it isn't changing any time soon. The football team drink every week and the same goes with most societies, think bout it there us no cinema or anything like that so what! else are you meant to do, you can't study every waking moment!. Even though it is small it is easy to lose yourself here. After my first term it took me a while to get used to cities again, and that was just after a term. The reason why people dont leave is because they can't handle the real world any more , because lampeter is the twilight zone, quite frankly. If you have a car you can take day trips but if you dont , lampy might not be for you. Please please don't take some of these posts seriously really think if you want to come here, different people have different reaction to this place.
Fri Nov 14 15:55:11 2008
Richard: Pontypridd
I spent 4 happy years in Lampeter, followed by 4 working in London. For me, coming from Manchester originally, being away from a city wasn't a problem - it just made visiting one more fun. What is truly unique about Lampeter is that the isolation and large proportion of students to town folk means even the town feels like part of the campus. Overall, it's a unique, strong community, where everyone knows you and everyone's friendly - the total reverse of the personal isolation you can get in modern massive institutions. Isolated geographically maybe, but I never had a dull moment, and made friends for li! fe.
Mon Sep 22 07:30:54 2008
Anneka In Leicester
I went to Lampeter uni for 4 years, just left this past June and I have to say that I loved it. Yes it's small and there's not alot to do but that is why you make your own entertainment. If you're constantly bored and have nothing to do then maybe you should remember why you are there. It is easy to get the balance between studying and haveing fun wrong but once you find it then it's a great little place to be. It's a lot safer than other uni's and the lack of shops are good for the bank balance, which lets face it, is good for a student. Plus you can get anything you really need off the internet. If you are considering going to Lampeter to study then I really would recommed it, after you leave then theres no going back so make the most of it while it lasts.
Tue Apr 1 14:52:41 2008
Vicky Sheriff in Lampeter
I just wanted to make a quick comment to P from Lampeter. I think you are a little mistaken in what you say about students drinking. While it is true that we have one of the highest drinking unions in Britain, it is important to realise that that is mainly due to the fact that students in Lampeter don't really go anywhere else! The union is the main place that people go to drink, whereas in bigger towns the union isn't visited as frequently. Also, there is pleanty to do other than drink as long as you are willing to put the effort in. I, myself, am 21 and I choose not to drink most nights, yet still find myself very sociable and busy. There are many clubs and soceities which offer activities not related to drink. There are various sports teams (while we don't have a high reputation are still fun to take part in) and many other academic societies such as Anthrozoology and Documentary Society, and then other fun things to do like Paintballing, Wargamers and Poker! There are many things to do other than drinking, but I think in such close quarters we notice the drinkers more!
Sun Mar 30 19:01:48 2008
P from Lampeter
I have to 'kind of' agree with S from Lampeter on this one, Sorry. On paper it's the perfect place to study as there are no distractions. However, there are times when you do need to unwind and one of the only things availible is drinking. Most students I know (from Lampeter and other uni's) have had problems with drink in there first year but it seems to carry on for some people here and really affects their studies. In a survey during my first year, Lampeter had the most pints per head than any student's union in all of Britain. Personally I think the town itself is fine its the university that has a dark underbelly. It's okay if nothing goes wrong but if something does - little is done about it. I am white myself but I can't help noticing that other ethnicities and international students are not catered for in the same way, sometimes as if they don't matter as much and our uni is highly multicultural.
Tue Feb 19 14:59:35 2008
Vicky Sheriff in Lampeter (but from Swansea)
I'm in my 4th year now. I finished my undergrad degree last year and I have stayed on to do an MA. I was hoping that if I stayed here long enough, I would grow to hate the place and be ready to leave, but I just keep loving it more and more. I can't see how I'm ever going to be able to leave. I love the place so much I got the university logo tattooed onto my wrist where I can always see it. Lampeter isn't for everyone, but it is for me. The union is tiny, which I think is amazing. I know pretty much everyone, which means that there is always someone to talk to. You don't get lonely in Lampeter; bored sometimes, but never lonely!
Mon Jan 7 08:34:40 2008
Lvia Fra Mnziana (rm) Ialy
The college is more beautiful...I'll go there with my friend...
Mon Jun 25 16:23:52 2007
Kim Bhumididi, Felinfach
I graduated with a BA in Religious Studiesvlast year. The staff in the TRS are great. I really miss the university experience as it did lots for my confidence. I am doing a PGCE teaching now and teaching a course at Cygnus books. Thanks Lampy.
Wed Apr 11 10:19:06 2007
David Gibbs,Kuwait
I spent three of the best years of my life in Lampeter (1992-1995). It is a wonderful little town, and like so many people say on this website, it is what you make it. In many respects the Univ is "the world in miniature", as we had everyone from Welsh Nationalists, Swedish beauties, Muslim fundamentalists, LBGs, Christian Union....the list is endless! I was sorry to leave like most, but as time passes - and I return there from time to time - I realise it was the people who made it so wonderful too. I also find it interesting that people have web access in the halls of residence now "to keep in touch with their mates from home." That's why I went away in the first place!!!
Wed Feb 28 09:52:10 2007
John, Lampy
Lampy is very dear to my heart. I have grown so much in so many ways since coming here. However, Lampeter can be a bad place to be when one is feeling a bit low, and Lampathy sets in. Going home to the city makes one realise why Lampeter is a very special place.
Fri Feb 16 14:58:41 2007
Jenny - Lampeter
Lampeter is... different to say the least. I'm currently a first year in my second term and I am loving it! I've never been a city girl, so Lampeter suits me fine, I like it here, you form very tight friendships, and you spend alot of time with friends, you make your own fun! There are so many socs. Medieval Soc, Battle Soc, Jam Soc, Card Soc, Punk Soc, Underground party Soc, Rock Soc, the list goes on!
Sun Jan 28 15:44:15 2007
Mark Douglas: Cardiff
As many have said on here Lampeter is a bitter sweet memory. Had some great times and some bad times but all in all Lampeter is what you make of it.
I went there for 4 years and am glad i left but going back once a year makes me realise why i went there.
Terry's doesnt exist anymore as it has been turned into an Indian Takeaway and some things have changed but many havent. If u choose lampy then make sure u do ur research first as it is a lovely place but very isolated and ur life there will be as good as u can make it..
U will also need to make your own entertainment !
Wed Jan 10 09:39:53 2007
Emma Farrell, Northern Ireland
I went to Lampeter in 1998 and was sucked in for nearly seven years. There are times when I regret leaving! I miss Terry and his pizza's, I miss Mr Conti and his delicious Mocha, I have been unable to find that thick choclately goodness anywhere else. I miss Joy and Phil who gave me my first job in the Kings Head. I miss Dai who taught me to waltz in the Royal Oak! I even miss Welfare, and staying up all night in the union. (I wonder if it's the same pool table! The stories it could tell!) I miss the porters, Magic Mountain, the list goes on! I received my social education in Lampeter. Lampeter is truly unique and everyone has a different experience but it really is as if the world outside disappears. I wouldn't trade my time there for anything in the world.
Tue Jan 2 12:31:28 2007
Anon
I've got a place to study English Literature next year, I've visited and am looking forward to it.
Tue Nov 21 17:38:25 2006
John Vincent N.Yorks
Had a great 3 years back in the early 80s - fav memoriy was Gary Glitter walking in to the local chippie for some food before a gig at SDUC. Other endearing memory was frothy coffee (no cappucino then) and a bacon sarnie in Emlyn Emlyns.
Fri Nov 17 09:52:42 2006
Reubin Rosenthal from Llanelli, S.Wales
I moved to Lampy land around 4 years ago, first doing the summer uni course, then doing an access course for a year. I then studied medieval history and creative writing for a year. As a disabled student, I found lampeter nearly wholly accessible. Most shops would assist me in and out, and Hags, the video shop, would even bring films out to me if I was having a "bad leg day". The disabled resources team worked miracles, getting me the equipment I needed to study for this peiod of time. Not a day goes by where I dont wonder what my old friends are doing, do they still live there? I really miss the town as well as the way of life, the sense of calm and tranquility that comes over you when you first move in. My advice, do whatever you want, whenever you want, just don't push urself to far, otherwise your studies will suffer.
Tue Jul 18 14:09:41 2006
Tall Paul, Lampeter
Moved here 12 years ago went to uni and never left. Choose life - Choose Lampeter!
Apart from the rain that is! and the sheep, and the lack of any decent shops, public transport, jobs, hope etc.
Great!
Tue May 9 16:32:29 2006
Joana, Telford
Having gone to Lampeter as an Erasmus student from Lisbon, Portugal, it was quite a shock. It did not help that it was also the year when it rained consecutively for 60 odd days. But I was happy and I ended up transferring, finishing my degree at Lamp and start the MA. If you are lucky to get a job in town like I had for 3 years, then you are sorted. Don't come to Lampter though, if you are hoping to support yourself through Uni. Jobs are hard to come by. All these people complaining.... city kids... lampeter is what you make of it. I love it and I go back as often as I can. Were there more jobs in the area and I would be living there permanently. It's my second home and my real home.
Thu Dec 22 09:40:38 2005
Phil Dore, Cardiff
I studied anthropology at Lampeter from 1995 to 1998, and still miss it.
Like a lot of people who went there, I wound up developing something of a love-hate relationship with Lampeter. On the minus was the sheer smallness of the place, which tended to make it a claustrophic and sometimes rather tedious place to be stuck in, especially if you didn't have a car. On the plus side was the almost heartbreaking beauty of both the town and the surrounding countryside, and the wonderful sense of community that I've yet to find at any other university. Lampeter students (both past and present) are a breed all of their own, and happy to be part of that breed.
Wed Dec 21 20:03:19 2005
Rebecca Cottle, Hemel Hempstead
It's a quiet place but I think it's great. Such a small place but you fit in so quick and find yourself very happy making the best friends in its friendly atmosphere. Spent a very happy three years here. The staff are very supportive on your course. Always loads on in the union and had fabulous times. Made my best friends there.
Sun Oct 2 10:39:34 2005
Judy, Cwrtnewydd
I studied for my first degree in Lampeter and loved it so much I stayed on to do my masters. It is small, friendly and a home from home; everyone I know loves it here. The staff are friendly. Didn't we just come in the top ten universities in the country?
Fri Sep 30 18:28:26 2005
Alan Meyrick from Leicester
Lampy is bitter sweet to be honest. I met some of my closest friends, still close after 10 years. It is the lack of amenities that can work for you or against you. If you're prepared to socialise then you will get to have a great pool of friends and some rememorable nights. If you expect the Union to come to you and you to be watching Cold Play with thousands of others, or a Cream night - then you are out of luck. The best thing was the more you put into Lampy the better it got, it's cheap, 90% of people are sound, though it can be a little small town mentality at times, with one or two pubs being anti-student or it was when i was there. There are times when 'Lampeter lethargy'kicks in and that's a good time to go to Aber, Cardiff, Swansea just to click in with civilisation again and hit the nightspots (transport of your own is a bonus - trains & buses are rubbish/non existent) see it before you commit as it is small with about 3 streets and very little shopping, although Terry's breakies were awesome. For me it was great, i went to other Uni's to visit, and a lot knew no-one and it was quite insular, even though the Uni's had everything. If you go - then get stuck in, join socs, get out, don't be a shrinking violet, and enjoy it!!
Thu Sep 1 14:37:13 2005
MR, Surrey
Just make sure you have a car or life really sucks in Lampeter as a student. I both love and hate the place. Don't forget that in small towns you get small town thinking.
Fri Jul 29 12:17:45 2005
Sarah Adams in Lampeter
Lampeter certainly isn't for everyone - there are times when there really isn't that much to do. However - after finishing my degree I really don't want to go back to city life (i.e. Portsmouth). You need a totally different mind set to get on well here - and although it can be described as 'fields and sheep', I have always found it more appealing than 'office blocks and pollution'. Its worth checking the place out before you decide to study here.
Fri May 13 07:20:15 2005
Emma from Canada in Lampeter
I'm at university here and while it can get boring at times I can't imagine being anywhere else. I love it. Lampeter is unique and wonderful and I shall look back on my time here fondly and with great affection.
Wed Apr 27 18:52:22 2005
Jenine, Hartlepool
I went to lampeter uni and I had the fabbest time ever! I made some great friends and couldn't imagine going anywhere else. It's really small which some people might find a bit odd but I liked it. Everyone knew everyone. Highly recommended.
Wed Apr 6 19:26:12 2005
Aoife from southern Ireland
I went to lampeter and was sorry I ever left.
Mon Jan 31 15:44:22 2005
S from Lampeter
Don't be fooled! Yyes Lamp is a nice little town to drive through maybe once or twice , stop at the ice cream shop etc BUT as a uni environment, it sucks. The University is lacking in funds to actually do ANYTHING interesting, the student union is WAY too small , even for the amount of people here. "You can never leave"! (like the royston vasey sign says) as there is no train station and the nearest ones being over an hour away on a manky bus. I am a 2nd year student here but Lampeter's charm wore off a long time ago, maybe its just me? (well i know ppl are like me as they have upped sticks and left) Which is what I plan to do next year with all hope.
Sorry Lampeter , you look real good on paper , but in reality your all fields and sheep.
Sun Dec 12 13:40:03 2004
Lucy, Manchester
This year i have applied for Media Production at Lampeter, hopefully i'll be there this time nexy year!
Fri Nov 12 12:12:57 2004
liuliu CHONGQIN IN CHINA
I am very happy to meet you,and I am very intrested in your place.
Mon Oct 4 07:45:48 2004
Sandra Lewis: Huddersfield
Make the most of Lampeter and all it has to offer: the town and the university. It may not seem like much but believe me you'll miss it when you've left, I certainly do! It may seem like the middle of nowhere but there lots of things not too far away to take advantage of: Aberaeron, Aberystywth, Camarthen; all good for a day out, whether it be shopping of just something different to Lampeter. There are lots of thing to do within the university: read the notice boards, go to all the theme nights, club nights and offers at the bar. Enjoy it while it lasts!
Mon May 3 10:32:26 2004
If you're studying at Lampeter - or if you're an ex-student - tell us what you think of the place.
With 1,200 students, Lampeter can lay claim to being the smallest University in Britain. Milly Withers is a second year undergraduate and she's written about what it's like to study in the town. 
