What would be your top 3 tips for any new students starting at Aberystwyth in September?
Ash-
- Try as much as you can and try everything! I came to university thinking I knew exactly what I liked but turned out I didn’t like it as much as I thought I did. In my second year I begun trying new things and found I loved it and made my closet friends from it and it really helped me develop as a person.
- Don’t be afraid to take time for yourself. Especially during fresher’s week, you may feel you need to do everything and constantly be socialising but it’s okay for you to take a break. It’s actually really important you do. Whether that’s going on a walk alone or going to your room with a closed door, it’s okay. It’s fine to need time to regain energy or charge your social meter. Don’t feel bad for taking time for yourself.
- Everyone says first year doesn’t count and you don’t need to try. Ignore them. Take this year to have fun – definitely but getting out of a work/life balance and then tyring to fix that again in second year is very challenging and very hard to fix (take it from me aha). So still go and have as much fun as possible but still do what you can for your education to make future you life easier.
Dafi-
- Don’t be afraid to start a conversation – everyone is in the same boat.
- Ask for help if you’re lost – everyone is here to help you.
- Prepare a glass of water by the side of your bed before going out – life saver!!
Rachel-
- Go to Freshers Fair
- Join a sports club/society or try out a volunteering activity
- Have fun!
Cameron-
- Bring a doorstop and keep your bedroom door open if you feel comfortable. This means you and your new flatmates can say hello when passing.
- Step out of your comfort zone and attend meet and greets. This is a great way for those part of minority groups to meet likeminded people.
- Go for a walk around campus with a flatmate to get to know the location and each other.
Elizabeth-
- Actively look for things to do in your spare time
- Don’t take being by the beach for granted
- Don’t take the sunny days for granted either!
What is your favourite Freshers memory?
Ash-
- My favourite fresher’s memory was the ball they had at the Students Union. It was nice because all my housemates and new friends I had met throughout fresher’s week got together and dressed up really nice. We used the ball as like a pre-drink and then we went into town. It was nice being able to dress up in fancy clothes and have a really nice night out.
Dafi-
- The lads crawl with y Geltaidd
Rachel-
- Meeting some of my best friends who I am still just as close with now
Cameron-
- Whilst walking to the Students Union with a flatmate, a group of people said hello to me, and I decided to be brave and say hello back. After chatting for a little, we all went to the SU bar for a drink and I’m still friends with them all three years later.
Elizabeth-
- Meeting my friends, who I am still friends with 4 years later
Any advice you would give to a Fresher?
Ash-
- Everyone is going to be anxious and keen to make new friends as most people will not know each other. Put yourself out there and you will meet the right people for you. It is the best and easiest time of your life to meet new people.
Dafi-
- Follow UMABERSU and UMCA on all social media channels including the new UMCA instagram @UMCA_GRAM for all updates and info on events
Rachel-
- Take the plunge and try something new, you never know what you’re going to get out of it!
Cameron-
- If someone says hello or compliments you, say hello back and chat to them! You never know what could come of it.
Elizabeth-
- Don’t hold back, you might be missing out on some of the best times of your life
#HeloAber Have you seen our Freshers events in partnership with @Ynyrundeb?! We can’t wait for you to join us! 
Purchase your tickets to our SU events #HeloAber here! https://www.abersu.co.uk/ents/
Freshers' webpage
https://www.abersu.co.uk/heloaber/