Welcome to Aberystwyth

Posted on - 18th August 2010 Tweet

Congratulations on passing your A-Level Results and Welcome to Aberystwyth. All that hard work you’ve doing for two years has finally paid off and you have a place at University, but what are you going to do next? – As well as ringing up friends and family and sharing in the excitement it will soon be time to start planning for University.

The same day as I received my results I was already planning, heading down to ikea to pick-up cutlery, washing basket, plates etc – this may appear not to be the most appealing thing to do but its all part of the experience. So as part of this I have just bullet pointed a few things you may want to consider, perhaps this will start a check-list off for you.

Kitchen Items – Halls of residence come already equipped with a microwave, kettle and toaster so don’t go getting carried away. You don’t need those items but I knew of a few people that brought them just encase. Toaster Maker (if you want some), cutlery, plates, bowls, cups, food containers, duster, washing up liquid… food, oven glove, can opener, bottle opener, oven tray etc.
Food/Drinks – you don’t need to bring these with you, especially if space is limited, however be aware that when you get here everyone has the same idea as you… shopping. So all supermarkets, roads and town are jammed packed with students and their parents. Nearest Supermarket? – http://www.rhys.eu/index.php/2010/08/aberystwyth-supermarkets/
Stationary – taking a trip to staples, the smell of wooden pencils and rulers all add to the back to school theme. You may want to search out some cheaper folders, pads of paper and anything else you might need.
Bedroom – Bedding packs are available to purchase (see Freshers’ Packs), however you may want to bring your own and save on costs. Don’t forget the duvet cover! – as well as this people tend to bring additional items. A stand for the TV perhaps? – a few pillows… a couple of cushions, blanket, bean bag? clothes even? – these are just to get you started.
Electronics – As students you’ll be busy studying, cooking, washing clothes, parting, sleeping etc (not necessarily in that order) but you may have time to watch a bit of TV if you have one, play on your games console or even a computer to work on. Just remember that if you have a TV you’ll need a good indoor aerial and a TV Licence (per room).
Insurance – in all Halls of Residence standard insurance is available; see the Freshers’ Packs – Halls info for more information about what it covers. However if you’re like me you may need additional cover for accidental damage or even to cover those extra valuables… an expensive bike… laptop cover for when taking it to the library etc.
Car Parking Permit – if you’re lucky enough to own a car then you’ll need a permit for your residence. Don’t worry they won’t start clamping or issuing warnings until after Freshers’ Week so there’s plenty to get one. More info can be found here – http://www.aber.ac.uk/residential/en/houseservices/parking.shtml
Internet Access – Wired connections are available in all halls of residence rooms and a wireless connection is available for most of the campus (there’s no wireless in bedrooms). Setting up Wireless Internet http://www.inf.aber.ac.uk/advisory/faq/253/ Preparing your computer for a wired connection before you arrive – http://www.inf.aber.ac.uk/advisory/faq/138/ – An Ethernet cable will be required.
Budget Planning – students may want to plan out how much they’re going to spend a week on food. Of course this can vary week to week, you may need printer ink one week and not another. To find out more about a Student’s Weekly Spend see – http://www.rhys.eu/index.php/2010/08/aberystwyth-student-weekly-spend/
First Night Out – you can head into town but the majority of students head over to the union on the first night. Can’t remember where the union is then not to worry – http://www.rhys.eu/index.php/2010/08/finding-your-way-to-the-union/
Getting to Know People – Facebook is fantastic for getting to know people before you arrive. You can often find people using the Aberystwyth Applicant group on the same course or living in the same area as you. A great way to exchange numbers and meet up with people on the first night (just don’t forget your housemates haha). To help break the ice you may want to buy a Freshers’ T-Shirt… just fill out and start making friends – http://www.aberguild.co.uk/onlineshop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_19&products_id=48