The establishment of Aberystwyth University is one of the great romantic, indeed heroic, stories of modern Welsh history. It was the work of a small group of patriots, led by Hugh Owen, a London Welshman, who sought from the 1850s onwards to raise enough money by public and private subscription to establish a college of university status in Wales. It was almost an impossible ambition. In 1872, the University was opened in a half-finished hotel building on the sea front in Aberystwyth. There were 26 ill-prepared students and a teaching staff of three.
From the 1960s the University relocated from the seafront to the Penglais campus. This finely landscaped site enjoys spectacular views over the town of Aberystwyth and the sea. New buildings, including major arts and science developments, halls of residence, a magnificent Arts Centre and first rate sports facilities are located here. Most recently, major investment from the Welsh Assembly Government has led to the founding of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences.
In 2007, all the colleges of the University of Wales entered a new phase of existence as independent universities, though strong bonds of co-operation remain, re-affirmed in the St David Day accord of 2009 between Aberystwyth and the other four leading universities of Wales. Newly independent, Aberystwyth University reflects with pride on the heritage of its past, and faces the future with the confidence.
Aberystwyth University is committed to the view that international collaborations, and the presence in Aberystwyth of a diverse range of international students, strengthens the University academic profile, enriches the student experience and makes a positive cultural and economic contribution to the broader community. Aberystwyth has a long history of international engagement. It has over many decades developed strong international links, both in research and teaching, across a wide span of the curriculum. We value internationalisation and hope the information our web pages give you will encourage you to find out more
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Studying at Aberystwyth for international students is an opportunity not to be missed. A friendly welcome, great student satisfaction and a superb high-quality learning environment in a beautiful location on the west coast of Wales, awaits our international students.
The IRC (International Recruitment and Collaboration) is responsible for promoting the University overseas and co-ordinates student recruitment, the development and nurturing of institutional and other links worldwide, and the enhancement of study abroad and student exchange opportunities.
Location and Facilities
We have over 3,500 spaces in a variety of accommodation types, a range of campus restaurants, cafe and snack outlets and an accomplished conference and events service.
The University guarantees a place in Residences to new first year undergraduate students who apply for accommodation before the 1st of August.
We have invested over 24m pounds in residences in recent years and are able to offer accommodation in an attractive, neighbourly environment. Furthermore, all our residents enjoy additional benefits including computer network connections in all study-bedrooms and inclusive room contents insurance.