We recommend when you first arrive in Aberystwyth that you should register yourself with local health services. You should not wait until you need medical treatment.
Registering with a Doctor
In Aberystwyth you can register at any of three local GP practices so that you can access help when you need it whether you are feeling unwell or simply looking advice on a range of medical matters.
While services may slightly vary from practice to practice many are able to offer or signpost to support and advice on a variety of health issues including sexual health, smoking, alcohol, drugs and eating disorders.
There are three local practices in Aberystwyth, each uniquely located depending on where students live (although you can choose to register for any):
Padarn Surgery, Penglais Road, Aberystwyth, SY23 4PA
Telephone: 01974 241556
Website: www.padarn.wales.nhs.uk
Padarn Surgery is based a short walk away from most university accommodation near campus.
Church Surgery, Portland Street, Aberystwyth, SY23 2DX
Telephone: 01970 624855
Website: www.churchsurgery.com
Church Surgery is based a short walk away from the centre of town and is therefore close to most private and seafront accommodation.
Ystwyth Surgery, Parc Y Llyn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, SY23 3TL
Telephone: 01970 613500
Website: www.mysurgerywebsite.co.uk/index.aspx?pr=W92025
Yswyth Primary Care Surgery is based a short walk out of the town centre and near private accommodation based in Llanbadarn.
More information about GP practices in Aberystwyth and the local area can be found on the Hywel Dda University Health Board website. Each are open from around 8/8.30am until 5/6.30pm Monday to Friday to deal with any queries or concerns you may have.
You can register for any of the above practices or find out more information about the service they provide online via their website. As part of your registration you may be asked for your NHS Number, town and country of birth, term-time address as well as recent medical history relating to allergies, medication, vital statistics, lifestyle choices or any diagnosis or ongoing treatment.
Registering with a Dentist
In Aberystwyth you can register at any of four local dental practices so that you can access help when you need it. Looking after your dental health is just as important as your general health and while finding NHS treatment can be tricky it could mean that you don’t have to go through the stress of finding treatment or having to pay to go private in an emergency.
There are four dental practices in Aberystwyth, each located within a short distance of the town centre:
Eastgate Dental Surgery, 29 Eastgate Street, Aberystwyth, SY23 2AR
Telephone: 01970 612457
Website: www.eastgatedental.org.uk
Friars Dental Clinic, Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, SY23 1PB
Telephone: 01970 623369
Website: hwww.mydentist.co.uk/dentists/practices/wales/west-wales/aberystwyth/park-avenue
North Parade Dental Practice, 61 North Parade, Aberystwyth, SY23 2JN
Telephone: 01970 612266
Website: www.mydentist.co.uk/dentists/practices/wales/west-wales/aberystwyth/61-north-parade
Portland Street Dental Practice, 23-25 Portland Street, Aberystwyth, SY23 2DX
Telephone: 01970 612581
Website: www.colosseumdental.co.uk/practices/portland-street-dental-and-implant-clinic
More information about dental practices in Aberystwyth and the local area can be found on the Hywel Dda University Health Board website.
Each dental practice will have their own way of registering new patients and may limit the number of NHS patients they are able to have at any one time. As such you should contact practices directly using the details above to discuss their registration processes and any charges that you might have to pay when accessing their services.
Should the worst happen, and you require treatment urgently call for free on NHS 111 where you will be advised of the nearest appointment through the Hywel Dda (the local Health Board) Emergency Dental Service.
Accessing an Optician
In Aberystwyth you can register at any of three opticians so that you can access help when you need it. Poor vision can affect your ability to concentrate and study, so whether you already suffer from poor eyesight or are having problems with your vision is important to get your sight checked regularly.
There are three opticians in Aberystwyth, each located within a short distance of the town centre:
Boots Opticians, 2-4 Great Darkgate Street, Aberystwyth, SY23 1DE
Telephone: 01970 617274
Website: www.boots.com/stores/3433-aberystwyth-darkgate-opticians-sy23-1de
Probert and Williams Eye Care Cyf, Tan-yr-Eithin, 15 Baker Street, Aberystwyth, SY23 2BJ
Telephone: 01970 611555
Website: www.probertandwilliams.co.uk/
Specsavers Ltd, 30 Great Darkgate Street, Aberystwyth, SY23 1DE
Telephone: 01970 636170
Website: www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/aberystwyth
More information about opticians in Aberystwyth and the local area can be found on the Hywel Dda University Health Board website.
Each optician will have their own way of registering new patients. As such you should contact opticians directly using the details above to discuss their registration processes and any charges that you might have to pay when accessing their services.
Supporting Health Costs
Generally seeing a GP and accessing medical treatment on the NHS is completely free, including for most international students. Wales also provides free prescriptions.
There may however be occasions when you are asked to pay for costs such as dental treatment, sight tests, glasses, and contact lenses. However, as a student you may be entitled to help towards your health costs. To ensure you are not paying any more than need to you can complete a HC1W form which allows those on low incomes who are eligible to claim for help with health costs.
Keeping Active
Undeb Aber and the University Sports Centre offer a host of different activities to help students socialise, maintain their wellbeing and keep active. No matter what level of fitness you have or what sport you are into, there is always something for everyone to enjoy.
The University Sports Centre contains a host of facilities including a swimming pool and saunarium, fitness centre, climbing wall, dance room, squash courts, main sports hall and sports cage. Alongside state-of-the-art gym equipment they run a variety of group classes from relaxing yoga to energetic spinning sessions. All students staying in University accommodation can use all Sports Centre activities for free.
If you prefer outdoor activities, there is a small and full-size 3G pitch and running track located next to the Sports Centre. The University also operate several sporting facilities based in various locations around the town including Vicarage Playing Fields, Blaendolau Playing Fields, and Tennis Courts.
For more information about the Sports Centre visit the University website.
Undeb Aber also provide opportunities to get involved with a range of competitive and recreational activities available by joining one of our 50 sports clubs or nearly 100 strong student-led societies.
From Rugby League to Ultimate Frisbee, Yoga to Medieval Re-enactment there is something for everyone and if you can’t see your particular interest you can start a sports club or society of your own. Sports clubs and societies are a brilliant way to meet people with similar interests as yourself, make friends, try something new and enhance your experience.
For a complete list of sports clubs and societies as well as how to join visit the TîmAber section of our website.
Healthy Eating
Being a student and eating healthily can for some be a challenge. Healthy food always seems pricier than convenience food with the ease of for example putting a pizza in the oven rather than spending time preparing a healthy meal often appealing; however, there are some useful tips that may help you:
- If you have a packed day at university, why not prepare food in advance and take a packed lunch. The Students’ Union has microwaves for you to warm-up your food.
- Save money on expensive recipe books by searching online for healthy student-budget friendly meals.
- Make mealtimes fun – try cooking competitions with your flatmates/housemates.
- Always carry some healthy snacks in your bag it will save you the temptation and expenses of buying food on the go or from vending machines between classes.
- Try to maintain three regular meals per day, be aware of the importance of eating regularly. Skipping meals such as Breakfast can lead to dealing with hunger later in the day.
Be aware that healthy eating is very different from suffering with an eating disorder which can take many forms (see our guide on Eating Disorders for more information).
What can the Undeb Aber Advice Service do to help?
The Undeb Aber Advice Service is independent from the University and provides a free, confidential, and impartial service to all Aberystwyth University students.
The Advice Service can assist you in a range of ways, including:
- Signposting on how to access local health services.
- Assistance with applications for help with health costs.
- Review any draft statements that you prepare and offer suggestions.
- Help you to collate appropriate evidence to support your case.
Contact an Advisor
Useful links
First Produced: November 2020
Reviewed: April 2024