Amazing

Wonderful teachers

I found these reviews really helpful when I was picking what course to apply for so thought I would add my experience! The best aspect of Aber is definitely the location and I know you don't go to uni because of how it looks, you will be disappointed if you are expecting to have lessons in the old building on the sea front, but I just love how close everything is. For first year I have stayed in campus accommodation and the support has been great, apart from never fixing our sink, and they have 24 hour support if you have any problems. I have found every member of staff really helpful and kind too. To be honest, I'm a bit of an introvert and don't drink much so I was a bit worried how I would fit in, but you honestly do find your place. I did not believe this at all when all uni's would say this on open days, but you will be surprised how many people you will meet in the same situation. I went into an all girls flat and made amazing friends. But even if you don't get along with your flatmates (it happens often) the uni is good with swapping people if you are not happy. As to what could be improved, as much as I love being by the sea, its not the easiest place to get to. you know this when you apply, but just something to remember. But the trains are reliable apart from the flooding in winter which drives me crazy. but transport for Wales always provide a rail replacement bus or take you back to Aber if that happens.

I could never find any reviews for English lit and History so here is mine. I had mixed feelings when deciding what to choose as I knew that I loved to write and analyse, but couldn't decide what career to go into. Doing a joint honours is great if you are unsure what you want to do in the future, as you technically have two degrees for the hefty price of one. Recently when I have to pick my modules for second year, I found out you can also take a module in a different subject. I really wish I knew about this when I applied because its great! You have to check with both of your departments and make sure the module fits in with what you are learning about, for example I picked a module in information studies involving archives as I knew It would fit with history well. The content of these courses are great, the lectures and seminars are nicely spread out, and I do feel like I'm learning a lot. But I also have a few complaints that you should consider. I do not have a personal tutor for English, and although my tutor for History is amazing and answers my questions for both subjects, other students on my course also feel like we are not getting full support. We have been told its a staffing issue, but its not great if you need help with English and don't know what member of staff to ask. The English department has also been a bit disappointing as we don't have in person lectures. Our course for this year has been a trail run for future lectures which I really hope they don't enforce, and it would be worth asking about on your uni tours. Our lecture's were old recordings from Covid, which would have been fine as the content and powerpoints were good, but you felt like you were being taught old content from 2021. The lecturers also kept mentioning social distancing and masks which was weird when you were watching them in 2023. We did voice our concerns to our students union and we are now getting brand new videos weekly that are recorded by our lecturers, but it seems like more effort than just to just run them in person. Hopefully the uni doesn't go ahead with this plan as I love going to lecturers in person as you have more motivation to go rather than sat in your room listening to it. I also think the staff could be more efficient with marking as currently I'm writing an essay for history as I have not been given feedback from one from four weeks ago. I understand there are a lot of students to mark, but now I don't know what to change when going into future assignments. Despite these negatives, it is an incredible course that I love. This will sound sad but my favourite thing to do is get a drink from the arts centre cafe and sit in the library working on an essay for hours with so many resources available. We are so lucky to have the National Library of Wales so close as you can easily apply for a readers card. I can access any sources I want on their website as well as the uni libraries 'primo'. For History this semester I did Welsh history which was amazing with lecturers that were so passionate about the subject. You can tell that every member of staff loves their job, and love when you participate. It's a great uni, but has its flaws like all of them.

Time for a rave for the accommodation as I love it! I got into Aber through clearing despite me applying through UCAS as I didn't get my first offer, which meant my room was randomly allocated. But I love the accommodation portal even if it is a bit glitchy, as you can add your social media's (totally optional) and chat to your flatmates before you start freshers week. My flat made a group chat apart from one girl as she decided not to add her socials. We already became close over message and got along so great. PJM is shared bathrooms which I thought would bother me, but it really doesn't. Although its six girls sharing one shower, it somehow works as some use it in the morning and others at night, but I know people that made a router if it's really annoying them. I don't really like how the post workers can get into the flat as they have keys for parcels, but they can't get into our individual rooms. I just don't think it's necessary as they could leave them on the outside step. We have also applied for our sink and toilet to be fixed many times and they haven't come, but we get on with it. I love my room as it has everything I need, the heating works most of the time apart from when I first arrived and I had to get it fixed for our flat. But all good after that, and you always feel safe. I can see the sea from my room which I love, and its so close to your lessons which might not be a good thing if you love sleeping and tell yourself its only a five minute walk.