Your AberArrival – Arrival and Induction Checklist

Starting at university is an exciting time and we want to ensure that you are settled as soon as you arrive. There are new friends to be made, new places to discover and the chance to develop many new interests within the first few days.

Before completing these tasks make sure you complete the ‘AberAnticipation – Pre Arrival’ checklist. The essential and recommended tasks listed below are for you to complete when you arrive at university.

Follow this step by step guide to ensure that you’re aware of what you need to do when you arrive…

1

Remember your AberArrival Dates… (Essential)

Remember that University Accommodation will be available for you to move in from the start of your Accommodation Occupation Contract.

You will be able to book an arrival date and time when completing your online pre-arrival induction programme which forms part of your Accommodation Occupation Contract.

If you need to change your arrival date and time then you can do this by simply logging back into the Accommodation Portal and re-select. Staff will be available 24/7 so don't worry if you are arriving late at night, you will still be able to collect your key and check in.

Some Key Dates to remember for AberArrival are:

  • Healthcare Education Centre Students Arrivals: From Saturday 31 August 2024 onwards.
  • Healthcare Education Centre Welcome Week: Monday 2 September – Friday 6 September 2024
  • Veterinary Science Students Arrivals: From Saturday 14 September 2024 onwards.
  • Veterinary Science Welcome Week: Monday 16 September – Friday 20 September 2024
  • All New Students Arrivals Weekend: Friday 20 September - Sunday 22 September 2024
  • AberWelcome Week: Monday 23 September - Friday 27 September 2024

2

Getting to Aber from your Home (Essential)

If you’re living in on-campus accommodation, follow your arrival instructions from our Accommodation Team to collect your key.

By Car & Parking

During your Arrival period you will be able to park on Campus, without a permit, for the purpose of unloading your belongings and moving into University accommodation.

Parking immediately next to the accommodation is limited and therefore during the main arrivals period we limit parking in these areas to a maximum of 20 minutes to ensure that we can facilitate this service for all students.  Once you have finished unloading your belongings we ask that you please move your car to another parking area in one of the designated long stay car parks.

Members of staff will be on site to help you park.

To find out all about parking on campus, and to apply for a permit if you’re eligible in the first few weeks, you can visit our Parking webpages here.

By Train

Whilst many people will drive to Aber, you may be travelling by train. During our main Arrivals Weekend we will have our brilliant A-Team (current students) on hand at Aberystwyth train station to welcome you and support you in getting up to Campus. We will also have a shuttle bus available at designated times to transport you to your accommodation.

3

Moving into your Accommodation (Essential)

Collect your Key

You will need to bring your Key Release Form with you in order to collect your key. This can be an electronic version e.g. screenshot or a printed version. This can be found at the end of the online induction programme. The Key Release Form will include the date and time that you have booked to arrive.

Information on where to collect your room key from will be included in the online induction on the Accommodation Portal.

You can also check our moving in webpage for details about arrival.

Collect your Aber Card

Your AberCard is a vital part of your university life. You will need your Abercard to do things like access accommodation and buildings, library borrowing and register your attendance at lectures.

New students staying in University accommodation will be given their Aber Card as part of the accommodation check-in.

Remember that to ensure that your Aber Card is ready for you when you arrive on campus you will need to apply for it at least a week in advance. You can do that here.

If your Aber card is not ready at your Accommodation and for all other students, you can collect your Aber Card from the Hugh Owen Library where the Welcome Zone is located here

Collect your AberWelcome Quick Guide

New students staying in University accommodation will also be given their AberWelcome Quick Guide as part of the accommodation check-in.

As it will be your first few days with us at Aber we've pulled together some key and recommended information to get you settled into Aber and point you in the right direction. The Guide includes a campus map, an outline of some of the central events happening during Welcome Week and some key contact details for you also.

You can also check out some of the events happening around campus in our Induction Events Planner. They are a great way to meet people and settle in.

4

Connect to campus Wi-Fi (Essential)

The Wi-Fi network at the University is called eduroam. Connect your mobile devices to eduroam Wi-Fi for uninterrupted connectivity between campus and your university accommodation.

All University Halls of Residence have internet access via a wired ethernet network socket in every study bedroom as the primary internet connection also.

To ensure you connect correctly to the wi-fi visit these webpages here: Student Network  : Information Services , Aberystwyth University

International Student?

Tell your family you have arrived! 

Call or email home to let your family and friends know you have arrived safely. As an international student try and get a UK phone number. Most airports and supermarkets offer pre-paid SIM cards. You can also apply online through a network company, select your preferred plan, buy it online and then wait for your SIM card to arrive to your address. The most popular network companies in the UK are: Giffgaff, O2, Three and EE.

5

Visit the Welcome Zone (Recommended)

This is your dedicated place for help and support on campus during the main arrivals weekend. If you have any questions or queries come and speak to our friendly advisers or peer supporters. You will be able to find University staff who can guide you in the right direction.

Based:

  • at the Hugh Owen Library between 9am and 5.30pm on Thursday 19 September – Saturday 21 September 2024

and

Staff will be on hand to answer any queries on:

  • Student Support including student finance help and queries
  • Academic Support including timetable and module queries
  • Wellbeing and declaring if you have a disability or need other support
  • IT and technical support
  • Collecting and Applying for your Aber Card if you haven’t already done so.

Both the Hugh Owen Library and Aberystwyth Arts Centre are located right in the heart of our campus.

Healthcare Education Centre and Veterinary Science Students will receive all the relevant advice and guidance from their departments, but can still visit the Welcome Zone during these periods.

International Student?

Attend an International Students Welcome Breakfast

On Friday, 20th September or Saturday, 21st September at Aberystwyth Arts Centre from 9am there will be a morning welcome from staff and fellow students who are here to provide you with support and guidance as you settle into student life here at Aber.  This is a good opportunity for those who have just arrived to ask questions on what steps you need to take now that you are finally in Aber. Come and join us and your fellow students for a free breakfast that includes pastries and fresh fruit, tea and coffee.

6

Attend the AberWelcome Sunday Sessions (Essential)

The AberWelcome Sunday Sessions are interactive in-person talks designed to answer all your burning questions as you arrive at Aber.

These will take place on Sunday 22 September 2024 at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Our AberWelcome sessions provide you with information to make the most of your time at university. Our own students will share what they wish they would have known when they started, but we’ll also allow you to ask those questions that matter to you.

The timings for these talks are:

12.00pm -   International AberWelcome Talk – Theatre

2.30pm   -   Postgraduate AberWelcome Talk – Theatre

2.30pm   -   Undergraduate AberWelcome Talk – Group 1 – Great Hall

4.00pm   -   Welsh Medium Undergraduate AberWelcome Talk – Theatre

4.00pm   -   Undergraduate AberWelcome Talk – Group 2 – Great Hall

5.30pm   -   Undergraduate AberWelcome Talk – Group 3 – Great Hall

All new students arriving during the Main Arrival weekend should attend a session and please make sure you arrive at least 5 minutes before the start of your session.

If you just want to know where’s best to grab a coffee, to managing university work alongside socialising or where you can head for support when you need it – then these Sunday Sessions will make you more confident about life as a student here in Aber.

And there’ll be more:

  • Music and Food
  • The Big Sale : Second-hand kitchenware, homeware and clothing at Undeb Aberystwyth (Our Students Union)
  • Other fun activities

All Healthcare Education Centre and Veterinary Science Students will receive some advice and guidance from their departments and other parties during their specified Welcome Week, but it is recommended that students for these schemes also attend the AberWelcome Sunday Sessions.

6A

International Student?

Check and/or collect your visa documentation (Essential for International Students)

The UK is moving to a digital immigration system but some students may still receive a biometric residence permit (BRP), which is an immigration document issued onto an ID card. Check out further information around this on our dedicated VISA Support and Advice Service here.

You will need to collect your BRP,  using your UKVI decision letter and passport within 10 days of arriving to the UK from the main Post Office in Aberystwyth.

*If you have received a digital visa status then this will not apply to you and you will not need to collect a physical BRP card.

If you need any help related to your BRP then please e-mail visaadvice@aber.ac.uk. 

7

Get involved in Welcome Week Events and Activities (Recommended)

Welcome Week is a week of events and activities organised by various teams across the University for new students to get involved in! It's all aimed at welcoming you to campus, getting you settled, making friends and connections, feeling at home and familiarising with the campus.

Whether it’s a sociable event, active or something a bit more chilled there will be activities throughout this period.

They will be organised by various entities within the University – be it Undeb Aberystwyth - our Students Union, ResLife via their BywydAberLife programme, our Central Welcome Team or others.

There will be lots going on and organised by your Academic Department too so keep an eye on our Welcome and Induction Planner.

International Student?

Attend International Orientation Events during Welcome Week!

There will be a programme of events for new international students throughout Welcome Week and beyond, which includes some really important and helpful advice around:

  • Student Safety: A seminar where there will be organisations focusing on online scams directed at international students and learn to know what steps to take if you fall victim to a scam. Furthermore learn from our National Health Service Team on access to health e.g. the ways to access free NHS advice and guidance, and our Coastguard Team about how they protect people, the coast and the environment.
  • Working in the UK and How to Protect your Student Visa: Find out how many hours you are allowed to work, what type of work you are allowed to do, and your rights as a worker in UK. Information will also be provided on how to apply for a National Insurance Number and how to access careers advice.
  • Digital Skills: Hands-on experience for you as a new student here in Aber on the systems that you will use (e.g. Blackboard, Panopto, Turnitin, Student Record, Primo, etc) and some external systems also (e.g. Office 365 software like Word, PowerPoint, LinkedIn Learning etc.).

For a full programme of our international events and when they will be taking place go to Your Induction Planner. 

8

Meet your department! (Essential)

Your Academic Induction is an important introduction to your course and subject before the work begins. This will be held over several days during your Welcome Week.

Your department will have a range of activities planned over the week and beyond, which will help you to get to know the department, the staff and each other.  This will include meeting your Personal Tutor as an Undergraduate student and social events where you can meet the people on your course.  They will also provide details of teaching activities so that you know where to go and what to expect.

For information about all the events at your department visit this page and select your course.

Postgraduate Student?

All Postgraduate Students must attend the central Graduate School Induction session during Welcome Week.

9

Complete your Course Enrolment (Essential)

IMPORTANT - Remember before you can be known as a full-time or part-time student at Aberystwyth you will need to complete registration. Select your modules if you need to do so and complete your online registration within your Student Record. More information about how to do this can be found in the ‘Your Enrolment Checklist’.

Go to the Registration Zone

If you find you need help to complete the Online Registration task or have other queries related to enrolment during the first few days, don’t worry, there will plenty of support available and you can come along to the Registration Zone where help desks will be in place at the Hugh Owen Library, where staff will be able to meet you in person between 9am and 5pm on:

Monday 23 September - Wednesday 25 September 2024

Healthcare Education Centre and Veterinary Science Students will receive all the relevant advice and guidance from their departments, but can still visit the Registration Zone during these periods.

International Student?

Before you are able to fully register for your course with your Academic Department and after you have arrived in Aberystwyth - as international students you may well need to upload your visa documents via your student portal. Do not upload any documents until you are in the UK. You will receive regular emails from our UKVI Compliance Team telling you how to do this.

Please read and engage with these emails if you receive them.

If you are a student visa holder you will also need to arrange to meet with the UKVI Compliance Team in person.  Details on how to do this will be sent to you also by e-mail. 

Before you can register you will need to present your documents/visa/passport.  Students who are not in university accommodation will also need to bring proof of accommodation in (or within 30 miles of) Aberystwyth in the form of a signed contract / or other confirmation of address.

Only when all documents have been uploaded and approved will the emails stop.

If you have any questions about what you have been asked to provide, please contact:  dccstaff@aber.ac.uk

10

Visit the Freshers Fair (Essential)

Taking place at Aberystwyth Arts Centre over the following days:

Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 September 2024.

the Freshers Fair organised by Undeb Aberystwyth (Students' Union) is a showcase of everything student life has to offer, from societies, sports clubs, and events to student discounts from big brands and local businesses. Each day there will be a mix of different businesses, sports clubs, societies and local organisations present. This is an unmissable part of your Aber welcome.

Grab some freebies or discover your passion by joining an Aber team or society whether there will be over 100 different ones to explore.

During Welcome Week remember also to visit Undeb Aberystwyth at the heart of our campus.

As well as a home to live entertainment, exciting activities and clubs and societies, it is much more than the nights out. As a student-led, independent part of the university, Undeb Aberystwyth represents students and provides a diverse and inclusive range of services that will enrich your student life. These include advice, training, skills development, volunteering opportunities, employment and other services that promote inclusion, friendship and personal development.

More information about the Freshers Fair can be found here as well as plenty of other events organised by Undeb Aberystwyth during Welcome week.

11

Go and explore our campus (Recommended)

We always recommend new students to take some time to explore our lovely campus and beyond. You will be able to see what facilities we have which you can take advantage of – from our great study areas, cafes and green spaces to our new sports dome and so much more.

There will also be campus tours taking place during Welcome week as well as walking tours around Aberystwyth. You can find out more here when they will be taking place within the Welcome and Induction Events Planner.

See our online campus map here also.

12

Take our online consent training (Essential)

Aberystwyth is a safe, equitable and inclusive university. We are committed to continually making our campus a safer place, with a zero tolerance to harassment, any hate crime, abuse and bystander behaviours. By learning more about consent and completing the training, help us keep Aberystwyth safe.

You can access the Online Consent Training here.

12A

International Student?

Open a UK Bank Account (Essential for International Students)

As an international student you generally cannot open a UK bank account until you are in the UK and have registered on a programme of full-time study. You can set up a UK bank account online or in person in one of the local banks in Aberystwyth. Further advice and guidance can be found here.

Please be aware that the University is a Cash-Free Campus so, for purchases on campus, please be prepared to pay via card or app able to purchase items by card on and off campus until you are able to open a bank account.

13

Register with a doctor (Essential)

When you arrive at Aberystwyth we recommend that you register with a GP (family doctor) locally. We want to ensure that there is support and advice available to help you register with a GP and you can find further information here.

It is vitally important to ensure continuity of care, especially if you are in receipt of any prescription medicine or other treatment. If you are registered with a GP in Wales you are entitled to free prescriptions from a pharmacist in Wales.

You can seek advice from the Student Services Team during your first few days but you can also register online here.

 

14

Remember if you ever need help during your Aber Arrival… (Essential)

The A-Team and staff will be about throughout the first few days of the main arrival weekend. However staff will be on hand throughout all of the arrival periods and we have a list of key contacts below:

24/7 University Helpline

Out of hours, if at any point you need some support or have a concern and you are just not sure who to speak with, you can contact the 24/7 University Helpline

on: 01970 62 2900 for assistance and the appropriate signposting.

Around the clock Security

The University’s Security Team are based at the Campus Reception Lodge. They are available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the whole year, both on and off campus.

They can offer crime prevention advice, patrol the University’s estate, control traffic and parking and react to any issue that requires an immediate response.

As well as keeping the University safe, the Security Team is always available to help you with any welfare issues.

To contact them for information, advice or to report a crime, you can

Email: security@aber.ac.uk 

Phone: 01970 622649

Opening Hours: call into the Campus Reception at any time and ask to speak to one of the Security Team.

If there is an emergency call 999 or Security on 01970 622649 or mobile 07889 596220.

Accommodation (BywydAberLife)

The Res. Life Team are here to help you in creating a community within the residences where you feel safe, have a sense of belonging and inclusion. They aim to create a positive living and learning environment for you all to share.

Their Drop In Sessions are held weekdays during term-time for students to call in person to meet a member of the Res.Life team to discuss any issues relating to their accommodation or wider concerns.

This service is offered between 18:00-20:00, at specific locations listed as follows:

Monday - Y Sgubor, Fferm Penglais

Tuesday - Rosser D Lounge

Wednesday - Hugh Owen library Level D,

Thursday - Pantycelyn,

Friday - PJM Yellow Lounge

Faith Space

The Multi-Faith Space located in the Arts Centre is somewhere that members of our University community can pray, meet and relax.

The faith space is open 7 days a week.

Between 8am-5pm any member of our community can access the space by swiping their Aber Card on the SALTO Lock /card access reader.

Email: equality@aber.ac.uk 

Phone: 01970 628424

Information Services

Information Services is here to support the library, computing, e-learning, media, and other information needs you have as a student.

For all enquiries relating to Library and IT services you can contact them by:

Email: is@aber.ac.uk 

Monday - Friday 08:30 (10:00 on Wednesday) - 17.00

Phone: 01970 622400

In person: Enquiry Desk - Hugh Owen Library

Monday - Friday 13:00 - 17:00

Saturday - Sunday 13:00 - 17:00**

Student Services

Students can access the Student Services Team in the way that suits them best, be that in-person, on campus (in the Student Welcome Centre), online or over the phone.

The Student Welcome Centre Reception is open 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday and 9am-4pm on Fridays.

Accessibility Service

Provide advice and information to disabled students, those with longstanding health conditions or those with specific learning differences.

Email: accessibility@aber.ac.uk 

Phone: 01970 621761/622087

Opening hours: Services are available in person and remotely between 9am and 5pm Monday–Thursday and 9am and 4pm on Fridays.

Advice and Money Service

This is a confidential, service offering advice on a range of issues, from accommodation issues, academic progress and University procedures, to managing money and eligibility for Hardship funds.

Email: student-adviser@aber.ac.uk 

Phone: 01970 621761/622087

Opening hours: Services are available in person and remotely between 9am and 5pm Monday–Thursday and 9am and 4pm on Fridays.

Careers Service

The Careers Service provides an excellent and supportive service which empowers individual students and graduates to realise your aspirations, make informed life choices and achieve your potential with us.

Email: careers@aber.ac.uk 

Phone: 01970 622378

Opening hours: Services are available in person and remotely between 9am and 4pm

Harrassment and Misconduct – Prevention and Support Service

You can report Harassment and Misconduct by emailing or by going to the Online Reporting system ‘Report and Support’ where you can provide your details or share what has happened anonymously.

Email: student-adviser@aber.ac.uk 

Phone: 01970 621761/622087

Opening hours: Services are available in person and remotely between 9am and 5pm Monday–Thursday and 9am and 4pm on Fridays.

If you or someone else is in danger, please call 01970 622649 for University Security , or 999 for the Emergency Services.

Wellbeing Service

The Wellbeing Team are here to help any student with any wellbeing issue, whether it is an issue about friendship, bereavement, anxiety or workload stress, mild to moderate or severe and enduring mental health issues.

Email: studentwellbeing@aber.ac.uk 

Phone: 01970 621761 / 622087

Opening hours: Services are available in person and remotely between 9am and 5pm Monday–Thursday and 9am and 4pm on Fridays.

Alongside the Wellbeing Service’s main support options, the University provides additional support and has partnered with several online services which can be found here

Undeb Aberystwyth (Students' Union)

The Undeb Aberystwyth Advice Service based in the Undeb Building can help on a range of matters. They provide free advice in a professional but friendly environment with advisors experienced in dealing with University procedures and processes.

Online: Using the enquiry form 

Email: union.advice@aber.ac.uk

By Phone: 01970 621712 

15

Information for arrivals outside Welcome Week (Essential)

We strongly encourage you to arrive in Aber in time for your AberArrival key dates as highlighted at the top of this checklist to make the most of the activities that are planned to help you settle into life at the university.

Course Registration:

You must complete late registration by 5pm Wednesday 2 October at the latest.  If you fail to register by this deadline you must inform the Student Administration Office and you will risk losing access to email and other Information Services facilities.

You can e-mail ugfstaff@aber.ac.uk or contact the Student Admin Team by telephone as outlined here:  Undergraduate Issues  : Academic Registry , Aberystwyth University

Accommodation:

Your room will be held for you until a set date detailed in your Accommodation Occupation Contract. However, if you are planning to arrive after this date then please ensure that you complete the 'Late Arrivals' request form during completion of your online pre-arrival induction programme.

If you will be living in University accommodation and will be late returning to University you must inform the Accommodation Office.  You can email: accommodation@aber.ac.uk or phone (01970) 622984. 

Postgraduate Student?

All Postgraduate Students can e-mail pgsstaff@aber.ac.uk or contact the Student Admin Team by telephone as outlined here:  Postgraduate Issues  : Academic Registry , Aberystwyth University

International Student?

Please note that Student Visa holders who do not arrive in Aberystwyth and register for their course by the latest registration date on their CAS, will not be able to register and sponsorship of their student visa will be withdrawn.

If you face travel difficulties you can contact the Compliance Office at compliance@aber.ac.uk