Field of study in Wageningen: Msc Climate Studies
Study period exchange: 26/09/2022 – 25/01/2023
Country (exchange): United Kingdom
City (exchange): Aberystwyth
University (exchange): Aberystwyth University
Faculty (exchange): Geography and Earth Sciences
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
Due to covid I felt I lacked experience in field work, which was offered abroad. Also I was always one year younger than my peers, so taking a gap year for exchange meant I could catch up with the rest again in terms of age. Also going abroad seemed fun.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
I liked that the main language is English, and I wanted a university where I could play football against other universities. Also I wanted to go to a smaller town, not a big city. Wales is perfect for this.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
Take a bus, its cheaper and even though you will be exhausted after, saving 200 euros in a day feels great.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
Low workload, much free time for study, mostly essays and presentations, no/few exams. Lesson materials are all powerpoints from lectures and sometimes articles or a book chapter.
What is the culture of the university?
Very open and welcoming, focused on student experience and well-being. Less pressure than WUR, more personal treatment and smaller classroom sizes.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
Many sports facilities, similar to WUR. You can join BUCS which is an inter-university competition in the UK, which is fun if you are good at a sport. There are many cafes on campus and some small shops/ food places. Laundry is not free, which is a bummer.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
Guaranteed housing organized by the university, rent rates comparable to/ a little higher than in Wageningen.
What is the culture of the country like?
Similar culture to The Netherlands, a bit ‘slower’, less focus on efficiency, more focus on quality of life and ‘the little things’. The cost of this is that there’s fewer things to do. Students compensate for this by organizing their own events.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
0-200 euros a month more expensive, depending on where you live. Doesn’t get any cheaper.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
Infrastructure is slower and public transport less frequent. I did almost everything by foot, there is no biking culture at all. Further away destinations were done by bus or minivan. Public transport is quite cheap compared to The Netherlands.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Cadair Idris, Constitution hill, the forest park are all great and (relatively) closeby hiking destinations. The scenery of Aberystwyth is beautiful, so I went for many walks. Plan bigger activities during the weekend, there is always enough time for this.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
Just go to the sea anywhere and enjoy. It’s all beautiful. Also Cadair Idris is underrated (better than mt. Snowdon for example).
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
Harleys is a great dance bar. Also make sure to join some societies and join their socials during the start of your exchange. These are a great way to make friends and connections. Also join the hiking society. Hiking in Wales is great. Oh, and join the music society; they have access to practice rooms which are great for personal time & playing some music.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
My first housemates were rude. I moved to a different house. You can do this easily, so just do it if you feel like you could be doing better.
What was your best memory abroad?
Having no worries and just walking through the forest down to town for groceries and back up (takes about 2 hours total). This is not the most exciting thing, but the thing I miss most. The Netherlands does not offer enough free time for easy things like this during the workweek.