On the west coast of Wales, Aberystwyth is a small, friendly university town with plenty of things to make studying here appealing. Here, you’ll find a great mixture of history and culture, as well as lots of student-focused venues and events. The uni also has a great reputation and offers courses across a wide range of subject areas. Read on to find out more about why this town is a great place to study.
1. Educational opportunities
The University of Aberystwyth is located in the town, and was recently ranked within the top 45 UK universities according to the Complete University Guide. The university also ranked in the top 10 UK unis for three subject areas – Celtic studies, information technology & systems and agriculture & forestry, so if you’re studying on of these subjects it’s perfect.
Read more about the University of Aberystwyth.
2. Vibrant nightlife
As it’s a uni town, there’s plenty of nightlife in the area for students to take advantage of. You’ll find bars, pubs and clubs in the town, so no matter what kind of nightlife you prefer you’ll find something. From the clubs with DJs spinning decks all night to the quieter local pubs and bars where you can have a good catch up with your friends, Aberystwyth has plenty on offer.
3. Cost of living
Compared to many of the major towns and cities in the UK, the cost of living in Aberystwyth is relatively low, which means you’ll get more with your student loan here. The rent in Aberystwyth is where you’ll notice this the most, so you can save on rent and instead have more money to spend on socialising!
4. Close to the beach
Just a short distance from the town is Aberystwyth beach, the perfect place to celebrate after you’ve handed in an essay and want to spend the day chilling out, sunbathing and eating ice creams. Living by the sea is a real selling point for many students, who enjoy the beauty of the seaside and the relaxation it offers.
5. Beautiful local area
As the town is on the west coast of Wales, you’re not only close to the beach, but lots of beautiful natural landscapes. Just a short distance away from the town, you’ll find rolling hills and plenty of greenery. Studying here truly does immerse you in nature, whether you prefer the hills or the beach!
6. Historical town
In Aberystwyth, you’ll find plenty of historical landmarks that display the town’s rich history, including Aberystwyth Castle and the Library of Wales. If you’re interested in exploring the town’s history, you’ll be able to just walk around and drink it in thanks to the well-reserved buildings around the town.
7. Transport connections
From Aberystwyth, you can easily access other towns and cities in Wales and England. You’ll find direct trains to Birmingham, Cardiff, Carmarthen and plenty more destinations on these lines, meaning you’ll be able to go home to visit family, take a day trip or go and catch up with your old college friends.
8. Large student population
For the size of the town, there’s a relatively large student population, which is obviously great if you’re thinking of studying here. It not only means you’ll have lots of students to potentially make friends with, but it also means that the town has plenty to cater to its student population, including student discounts and deals.
9. Cultural and artistic hub
Living and studying here, you’ll obviously have the chance to explore and be immersed in Welsh culture. The city has events, festivals and celebrations throughout the year where you can participate in local culture, and you’ll also find that the uni has its own art gallery you can explore.
10. Compact town
The town itself is quite compact, meaning it’s easy for students to get around on foot. This means you’ll be saving on transport costs, and you can get some exercise in as well! The town is small but has all the amenities you’d expect from a uni town, so you’re getting the best of both worlds.
11. Friendly locals
The local people are known for creating a welcoming and friendly environment, which will help you to settle in and feel at home. The town is very community-minded, so you’ll find plenty of local events you can attend to get more involved in the local community.
NEXT:
If it sounds like Aberystwyth is for you, then start searching for courses now.
Or, check out our guide to Aberystwyth.