Staying in Aber over the Winter Break?

Snow fall on the Old College and Aberystwyth North Promenade.

Are you staying on Campus or in Aberystwyth during the Winter break?

If that's the case, then don't worry, you are in good company! Many students stay on Campus and here in Aberystwyth during the Winter break. 

This page will provide you with information about what is happening on Campus for students through December. It includes links to events, information about support available, and opening times for key services on Campus during the break. 

Accessing Support During the Winter Break 

As the University and Students’ Union shuts down for the Christmas vacation, you may find the University is quieter than during term-time. Don’t worry – there will still be some support on campus to help you if you need it.

What can I get involved in before the break?

Throughout December there are a whole host of festive activities and events taking place. Our ResLife Team has really outdone themselves this year as they celebrate Christmas with festive events throughout December. All event's will be advertised on our social media pages - Instagram and Facebook (@Bywydaberlife IG and Bywydaberlife FB). 

These include, among other things, a Carol-oke and Pizza night, movie nights, Christmas crafts, festive bingo, a Christmas quiz, free coffee with mince pies, a scavenger hunt, and drop in sessions for support. So come along and get into the festive swing of things. 

Aber SU is doing some amazing community-focused activities throughout December, including a Winter meet and greet for students who are staying in Aber over the winter break, where they can also receive a winter support pack. Check out the All Events page for up-to-date information on what is happening and how to get involved. Or go to the In Aber for Winter webpage to find out more.

The SU has also created a Facebook group to share updates of events and activities, as well as enabling you to communicate with other students who are in Aber over the winter period. 

When will the University close and what does that mean?

The University will be closed from 16:30 on Friday the 22nd of December and will reopen as normal on Wednesday the 3rd of January. This is a holiday period so most of our staff will not be working and will not be accessing emails during this time. 

The Students' Union Building will be closed from 16:00 on Wednesday the 20th of December and will reopen on Wednesday the 3rd of January, 10:00 - 16:00 for the first week. Some SU staff won't be available from the 21st of December, but the reception is contactable via email at union@aber.ac.uk. 

Looking for immediate support? As always, our friendly Security team will be available on campus 24/7. 

Should you need to contact the University during the closure period, visit the Campus reception (at the entrance to Penglais Campus - open 24/7), or ring the Universities 24/7 Helpline on 01970 622900. The Security team will be able to offer support, and should you be experiencing a crisis, refer you to our on-call teams. 

Campus Security

As always, our friendly Security team will be available on campus 24/7. The Security office is based in the Campus Reception Building close to the main entrance to the Penglais Campus. They will be managing the access, safety, and security of the University buildings and Halls of Residence during the Winter break. The team will manage and attend incidences and emergencies on Campus as the first response.

The Security office can be contacted on 01970 622 900.

Support in Residences

The Accommodation Office will be open until Friday the 22nd of December at 15:00, it will then close until Wednesday the 3rd of January at 8:30. If you require any support during this time, you can go to the main campus reception which will be staffed 24/7. 

Opening hours for Residential social spaces between the 22nd of December and 3rd of January: 

  • Y Sgubor - 24/7 access via Aber Card
  • Y Ffald - 24/7 access via Aber Card
  • Rosser Lounge - 24/7 access via Aber Card
  • PJM Lounge - 24/7 access via Aber Card

If you experience any maintenance issues, then call the Campus Security team on 01970 622 900. 

Library

The Hugh Owen and Physical Sciences Libraries will close at 16:30 on Friday the 22nd of December 2023, and will reopen at 8:30 on Wednesday the 3rd of January. Please see the Library Opening Hours Webpages. 

The Iris de Freitas Study Room is open 24/7 from Friday the 22nd of December until Wednesday the 3rd of January for AU students and staff, providing access to study spaces, PCs, group study, food and drink vending machines, and a printer/photocopier. Entry and exit to the Iris de Freitas Study room over the holidays is via Aber card through the Herman Ethé room. For directions, watch this video. 

IT and Library services and support for students over the holidays

 

Catering Outlets

Most of our catering outlets will be open until Friday the 22nd of December and will re-open on Wednesday the 3rd of January. Individual outlet opening hours can be viewed on the Christmas Opening Hours page. For students living on or close to Campus, it's worth noting that local stores, including CK's and Subway, will be open throughout this period, except for Christmas day. 

Money Support

The Advice and Money service will be open until 16:30 on Friday the 22nd of December and then will return to normal working hours from Wednesday the 3rd of January. 

Any online hardship applications received during this time will not be processed until after the closed period. If you have money problems during this period, please contact the out-of-hours staff on 01970 622 900. 

Your Wellbeing

Our Student Wellbeing Team will be taking a break during the Winter period. They will not be available after the 22nd of December and will be back from Wednesday the 3rd of January. If you have an urgent concern relating to wellbeing, mental health and/or safety, please see our In crisis now page which has helpful information to get you to the right help quickly. If you have immediate concerns about your safety or the safety of others, please use the contacts below to access emergency support:

Please do not forget the importance of talking to someone you trust, let family or friends know what's going on for you. They may be able to offer support and help keep you safe. 

If you would like to access the Student Wellbeing service in 2024, then do register through this period by completing the Wellbeing Service Registration form. We will then follow up with you as early as possible on our return. 

General Wellbeing information, help and advice, students have access to: 

Togetherall: While the holiday season can represent joy, gratitude, and togetherness, it can also be associated with family and financial pressure, loneliness, anxiety, and tension. Even if you look forward to the holidays, it's normal to experience periods of stress and difficulty. Check out Togetherall's Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Ben Locke's tips for coping during the holidays and if you need more support, you can join Togetherall by heading to their website. 

Wellbeing Service Resources

Wellbeing Service A-Z of wellbing

Under the care of a GP, Mental Health Service or other specialist? 

We advise you to consider your needs and access to services over the winter period. Make sure you have enough prescribed medication, and you know when the service will be open for appointments if required. Aberystwyth local GP's and hospital information can be found here: https://www.nhs.wales/hpb/local-services/

 

Support with your assignments

We have a wide range of learning resources and tools to help you study effectively and develop the skills you need to succeed.. 

Both libraries are open the week before Christmas day and support is available from Information Services up to 16:30 on Friday the 22nd of December 2023. Information Services and the libraries reopen fully at 8:30 on Wednesday the 3d of January 2024. 

Many library resources are available online via Primo, the library catalogue. Videos are available on "How to find an e-book" and on accessing resources off-campus. For further online study support check out the comprehensive LibGuides.

IT and Library services and support for students over the holidays

Want to learn a new skill over Winter break? 

Check out the courses and resources available in LinkedIn Learning, whether it is for your assignments or just for fun. You can develop a range of new skills, from learning how to code, to taking great photos with your phone. We've listed 12 courses for you to explore over the 12 days of Christmas: 

  1. Introduction to Graphic Design (53 minutes)
  2. Learning Python - Code Challenges (3 hours, 5 minutes) 
  3. Taking great photos with your phone (54 minutes)
  4. Happiness Habits (48 minutes)
  5. Beginning Acoustic Guitar Music Lessons (3 hours, 5 minutes)
  6. Excel Quick Tips (44 minutes)
  7. Optimise your iPhone for focus, productivity, and wellbeing (17 minutes)
  8. Seven ways to eliminate stress (9 minutes)
  9. 5-day drawing challenge: Drawing Inspiration (29 minutes)
  10. Sleep is your Superpower (34 minutes)
  11. Budgeting in real life (44 minutes)
  12. PowerPoint Quick Tips (32 minutes)

In the community

Looking for things to do over the winter break? Make sure you keep an eye out for things taking place in the local community.