How to make friends during Freshers?
Esperanza: Go to as many activities as you can. Don’t be afraid to go to events or parties just because you don’t know anyone, that’s how I met some of my best friends! Remember that most people during Freshers are as nervous as you are, you got this.
Millie: Going to freshers' events during the day and evenings really helped me to meet lots of people but I also made lots of friends from all different courses and years by joining clubs and societies.
Ffion: Go to freshers fair, there you will find out information about different student groups doing ‘give it a go’ sessions where you can meet people with similar interests to you. Attending SU events can also be a way to meet people like you, such as our meet and greets.
Tanaka: Try Meet and Greet events, or small talk with your flatmates and even though it can be scary, especially if you’re an introvert/ambivert like me, give it a go! You never know who you’ll connect with.
Nanw: Go to every possible event even if you’re hungover.
What are your top tips for any new students starting at Aberystwyth in September?
Esperanza: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Try different societies and clubs, even if you have never thought of joining them before. You might find a new hobby that you had never even thought about. It’s also an amazing way of meeting new people.
Millie: Try some new sports or hobbies, explore Aberystwyth during the day don't just wait till your night out to see the town. Watch out for seagulls!!
Ffion: What are your top tips for any new students starting at Aberystwyth in September? Put yourself out there. A popular opinion is that your friends make your time at university and going out and making new friends can really improve the experience.
Tanaka: Own your story even if it does not look like everyone else’s. Don’t be afraid to say yes to something new but also to say no to something that isn’t in tandem with your personal values etc. You will find your people eventually! Lean on your support systems once you do find ones you trust.
Nanw: Make the most of the first year and don’t feel too much pressure to your place straight away.
What is your favourite Freshers memory?
Esperanza: Going to Consti with my new friends. It was a beautiful sunny day and the views were amazing. That was the moment when I knew Aber was my place.
Millie: Meeting new people and having all the time to explore the town.
Ffion: My favourite memory from Freshers was the Icebreaker event. It was a space where I stayed sober but still had a great time with all my friends and it was a great way to meet other freshers.
Tanaka: Dinner at my place events at Cwrt Mawr with friends and flatmates.
Nanw: Singing karaoke in the Llew Du.
Why choose Aber?
Esperanza: Aber is such a supportive and welcoming community, where you will build friendships for life. The sea is also an amazing plus.
Millie: I love the beach and having it so close to where I am living is a dream for me.
Ffion: The community that Aberystwyth has is unlike others I have seen. There is also so much to do and it is a lovely town.
Tanaka: It ticked all of my academic and financial boxes and the international accommodation award really won me over!
Nanw: The Welsh Department is amazing and there’s a social life which enables me to live entirely in Welsh.