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University of Wales, Lampeter
From The Student RoomTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > University of Wales, Lampeter
 Lampeter University is a very small uni in west Wales, an hour south of Aberystwyth in the middle of nowhere, comparable either to the village or the Hellmouth - you decide. It was set up as St David's College way back in 1822 (making it one of the oldest degree awarding bodies in the UK). In 1996 it finally went on to be named a university, with it's official name being University of Wales, Lampeter. FacilitiesLibrariesThe University's main library houses more than 200000 volumes, along with more than 530 journals. It is currently undergoing reformation since it was taken over by new management in March 2007. So, for the freshers of 2007, there will be a more comprehensive selection of books as one of the reformations have been guided towards ensuring that there are enough primary and secondary texts for everyone. There is a so-called silent working area in the basement of the library although, unsurprisingly, this often becomes the hub for chatty 'workers'. Unfortunately, for student who need silence, for whatever reason, their only options at this point are to either complain to the chatters themselves, or complain to the librarians who are better equipped to deal with the situation. On the plus side, the librarians are very nice and often very accommodating. At the start of the year, students are actively encouraged to attend a library tour. Perhaps freshers feel that their time would be better spent socialising and drinking but, for the sake of time-saving, attend! There are third-year student who still don't know where to find relevant journals for their dissertation. If the prospect of a well-stocked and well-staffed library hardly bothers you, there is also the opportunity to rent from a wide selection of DVDs. IT and ComputingThere are several computer rooms, and an IT suite within the main library. Most PCs are equipped with front-facing USB hubs, which is very useful if you want to store your work on a USB disk. There is also a designated space for storing work on the university's PCs, although the work will then only be accessible on the university's hard drive, which one is able to access by logging onto one of the university's PCs. SportsThere is a vast variety of sports clubs and societies which include, but are not limited to: Soccer (men and women-only teams) Rugby (men and women-only teams) Basketball (men and women-only teams) Kung Fu Tai Chi Ju Jitsu Cricket Netball There is a tennis court (though it has been used exclusively as a car park since 2007), as well as a rugby field, fully-equipped gym (depends on your definition of a gym), indoor sporting ground, and an open grassy area for those who wish to participate in Live Action Role-Playing, Medieval Society events and training, and fencing. Perhaps it is worth noting at this point that although the 'LARPers' and Med Soc guys are quite prevalent and popular, they are very much the 'geeks' on campus. However, there is no animosity or malice between those who role-play and those who do not. The campus is very much open to all sports and activities (as long as real swords are left at home!).
WelfareThe Welfare office is situated within The Willows, a small, white, riverside cottage which is on campus. The staff there are very well-equipped to deal with all sorts of problems that my affect students, including mental health and financial issues. Students are able to take an assessment which would identify whether they are dyslexic or dyspraxic. In the case of a student having any of these conditions, assistance will be given to the affected student. Students with disabilities are given an opportunity to apply for a Disabled Students Allowance which also offers assistance. Assistance can come in the form of extended deadlines, free or partly-funded study aids, and even a mentor. For emotional difficulties and stress there is the option of seeing a counsellor, of which there are at least two working in The Willows. HealthcareThere is a student nurse situated at Lampeter's main doctors' surgery. She is there to help and advise students on all issues, great or small. Students are quite often automatically scheduled with the nurse upon making an appointment at the surgery. However, upon request, students are entitled to see any doctor or nurse at the surgery. Students under the age of 25 are entitle to free prescriptions, as is custom in Wales. ShopsThere are few High Street additions to Lampeter, so no Top Shop, HMV or Starbucks. This is not to balked at however, as the lack of such branded shops can be quite a relief to students on a budget, or those tired of mainstream capitalist agenda. Of course, there are some branded shops. For example, Somerfields and CO-OP for general food shopping, Boots chemist (when buying contraception, the staff are very discreet!), and Spar (for late-night emergencies, such as a severe lack of biscuits). One of the real advantages to Lampeter is that there are more independent shops (i.e. owned by individuals, rather than corporations) than any other kind. The Mulberry Bush is a modest, although newly-renovated, shop and cafe specialising in 'green', organic foods. The cafe boasts delicious vegan food; curries and stews are often on the menu, as opposed to what some people are afraid all vegan shops sell (i.e. lentil soup in lentil water, with lentil tea, and lentil pudding.) There are at least four charity shops within the town, all of which are staffed by genuine people. If you're looking for cheap kitchen wares, you should definitely visit Ty Agored, a charity shop dedicated to the welfare of local animals. The shop is extremely cheap and there's never a shortage of crockery and cutlery to get you started. If you're lucky, you may find that an ex-student of the university has donated all their folders and stationary, so keep on the lookout. There are also a few 'bargain' shops (think 'Poundstretcher'). RestaurantsOkay, so there are no Michelin-starred restaurants, but the local food in Lampeter is very homely and filling. There are several pubs which sell hot food, such as The Royal Oak, The Kings Head, and The Black Lion (apologies to any that I've missed out). These are all excellent pubs with a laid-back attitude. There is rarely any trouble, and they are great places to eat in. The prices are very typical of pubs; for example, a steak meal will cost around £8-11 depending on where you go, and lasagna meals ill cost around £6. But it's well-worth the money if it's a treat, and the staff are very friendly and accommodating. Please be polite and respectful though, as they are often locals whereas students often aren't. Besides the pubs, there are several cafes. Sosban Fach is a local Welsh tea room/cafe that sells delicious, fresh, homely food. The staff, again, are very friendly and, dare I say, 'maternal' looking. There is a very cosy atmosphere about the place, and is decorated with wooden beams (an original feature of the building). There is another Welsh cafe whose name escapes me at the moment, but it is situated on the High Street opposite Lloyds TSB bank. The food here is also delicious, and their lasagna is highly recommended. The sandwiches are garnished with wonderful salads and, again, the staff are lovely. They welcome English-speakers, although it is traditionally Welsh. Lloyds Fish Bar is, for lack of a better term, a chip shop. But it is perhaps the best chip shop you will ever visit, although relatively pricey. Try their gravy, if you've lost faith in chip-shop gravy. Dai's Diner, as previously mentioned, is a great place to hang out as a student. It is often full of yellow, gaunt-looking students on Saturdays and Sundays. Many students go with the intention of the obligatory fry-up and a chin-wag with other sufferers. The staff do not mind if you stay all day, as long as you're drinking or eating something. Oscar's Den is a typical kebab shop and, as such, is open until very late every night. Be careful not to get addicted to their tasty pizzas, other Student Welfare will have to prescribe you a diet based on doctors' orders. There are two Chinese restaurants (well, technically, one is a take-away). The restaurant (i.e. the one where you can sit down for a meal) is very elegant and the food is spectacular. Their deserts are made individually and placed in a desert dish which is chilled until ready to serve. This is also a licensed restaurant. Great for a treat. The Chinese takeaway is a little dingy, but does not reflect the food with is sometimes very delicious. There are two Indian restaurants (again, technically, one is a takeaway). The restaurant sells the most amazing Indian cuisine you've (i.e. I've) ever tasted. Try the starters (esp. chicken tikka, or samosa) with their chili mint sauce. It is to die for. Please do not forget the takeaway, whose prices are much more geared towards the student population. The cheaper price does not reflect the food which is lovely. The staff there are often very grateful for the custom and are therefore very generous. Besides all these restaurants, cafes and tea-rooms, there is also the University Refectory. For a genuinely homely and generous Sunday dinner, visit, well, on Sundays. The meal will cost £3.90 and you're allowed to serve your own potatoes and veg. BanksLloyds TSB: I would not recommend as a student. They will not hesitate to charge £30 if you go even £1 over your agreed limit and, rather than agree to refund the charge (which is disproportionately high), they will offer to increase your overdraft which, in the end, still comes out of your pocket. I cannot recommend a good students account, so it's advised that you do some homework online. Just to let you know, in the town of Lampeter, there is a Lloyds TSB, HSBC, Barclays and a Natwest. TransportIf you are to stay in Lampeter, there is simply no need for transport other than your feet. If you like to get places quicker, invest in a bike although beware, the Welsh hills are ruthless. However, a bike ride to Aberaeron, the nearest seaside town at 11 miles or so, is a great cardiovascular exercise, during which you'll see some of Wales' spectacular wooded areas. A regular bus will take you to Aberystwyth for a fiver. Aberystwyth, being a much bigger town, sports many of the luxuries that a city boasts. Music stores, surf shops, clothes shops, and a Lidl, Matalan, Woolworths and a Top Shop. The pier is cheesy, but Aberystwyth's castle is surprisingly impressive. The wind is often bracing, but on a hot and sunny day, Aber (as it is often called) is the ideal place to be. Other quieter seaside towns include New Quay (a most beautiful town where kayaking is a common activity and, at £8 per lesson, a cheap hobby to take up). New Quay also has the nearest music shop (i.e. musical instruments) for miles and miles. It is called RJ's Guitars. There is also St. Davids if you're up for travelling to Pembrokeshire (about 1.5-2.0 hours away by car) which is a lovely, if disappointingly quiet, town. But it neighbours Whitesands Beach and Newgale Beach where you'll find some of the best surfing in Britain. Careers servicePart-time jobsThere is not much boast, unfortunately, as Lampeter is such a small town. However, if you are looking for a job, then you're likely to find one still. Look in the local shops and supermarkets, as well the local pubs. If you get stuck, stop off at the Students' Union where they can advise you. If anything, they'll advise you to also apply to work in the SU in the next academic year. Religious facilitiesSocialDespite the population actually doubling when the students are in town, Lampeter social life is still surprisingly good, if you know where to go (at least occasionally, off campus), at least one really good bar in town (although there are other nice bars too, with less stuff going on but a good atmosphere) - The Cwmanne Tavern runs musicians jams on a Thursday nights, Spanish courses on a Wednesday, Alexander Technique another night (this term, Michaelmas 2005), as well as the ever popular quiz night, and some very smooth bands on Sundays; There is one nightclub in the town, The Quarry Nightclub, which does a student night on Thursday evenings (£10 fee which pays for entrance, food, cloakroom and drinks); and the university Extention Nightclub, which is always full of students on the weekend, and which pulls off some pretty good classical uni-type drinking scenarios; school discos, mods&rockers nights, under-wear-over-wear, fetish balls, toga parties etc. In the Union "Old Bar" there are monthly open mic nights, and free bands, and a cafe where you can get lunch. There is also Dai's Diner, a good old fashioned Greasy Spoon, the haven for victims of a Saturday night to get a good breakfast-lunch-wake as well, and Conti's Cafe serves proper coffee (mocha, latte, Creme de Lusso, espresso, quadruple espresso, you name it...) and homemade ice cream which is quite possibly the best ice cream in the UK, Mr Conti having been making the stuff and getting awards for it since about 1849... ...Beware the town square on a Saturday night, though. There's nothing worth being there for. Unless you're leaving the Shapla Tandoori and there are two or three of you, anyhow. The shapla's probably worth it - a special thali for two will give two people dinner, and three more lunch the next day as well, if you ask nicely for a doggy bag. Also worth a mention is the Organics shop. Lampeter is host to the greatest vegetable shop in the world (PROBABLY) everything in there is organic and costs peanuts, and there is a middle section on which everything is half price. I have never been able to carry enough stuff to spend over a fiver. And we have a car. ~It is now located on the Industrial estate behind the recycling plant, having moved a couple of weeks ago. Lampeter's a wicked little town. Bars, Pubs and clubsEventsClubs and societiesAccommodationAccommodation policyFacilitiesResidencesIf you want to be able to afford accommodation and decent food, go private as the university's rooms are much more expensive. To get an idea of the prices, a university room will cost around £60 whereas a private room will cost around £30. Legend has it that the university's family accommodation is very poor, so look elsewhere if you're a mature student with a family. Local landlords are surprisingly accommodating (excuse the unintended pun) and often accept Housing Benefit. They are quite unlike the leeches that charge more than you can afford in the bigger towns and cities. The landlords here simply want to make a living, not a packet. Private sectorStudent unionPricesEnvironmentArchitectureLocal areaTeaching qualityThe uni specialises in humanities: it was actually created as Oxfords theological department in 1822, being the third oldest degree giving university in the UK. The uni has one of the top philosophy departments in the country, and the philosophy students are known for pub discussions which leave them vulnerable to many Monty Pythonesque jokes. The anthropology department is badly staffed - that is to say, the staff there are excellent but they need more people, but the course, regardless of that, is said to be incredibly interesting, challenging, and some say the feminist-anarcho-syndicalist--prorevolution department of the uni. The media department is well endowed with about 20 of the latest G5 Macintosh, a cinema showing regular screenings of both contemporary and classic films, but it is argued that the media centre needs more resources for film recording purposes, ie greater hard disk space; and that not enough is done to acknowledge the challenge of audit culture for students - ie, some feel the case is too tailored to fit market demands, and does not do enough to explain the role of the media in current political agendas. There is also an English department, which is pretty good but that Bleak House is part of a core module, and there have been recent regulations imposed upon people attempting to take creative writing from outside the department. Also some have felt that the degree scheme English & Creative Writing does not do enough to incorporate creative writing as part of the course. The Welsh departments by all accounts is absolutely fantastic, all students spoken to regarding the Welsh department have (quite literally) sung nothing but praise for the lecturers nad the administrators as being efficient kind and thoughtful, and people from various countries including America, have learnt the Welsh language fairly fluently within their first erm of study. The Archaeology department is enourmously popular, (it and the anthropology department are merged, which is why anthropology is understaffed) and strudents enjoy fieldtrips pretty much every other week, if not every week. Environmental Management appears unfortunately to be on its last legs, having only two students in the department last year - but on the other hand those students (possibly gaining enourmously from such small classes) got firsts, one got a first class honours. There are alo Ancient History, Classical Studies, IT & Business Management, and probably a few other departments to mention .... But there you go. Applying to LampeterThinking of applying to Aberdeen? Why not read some Personal Statements which were used for applying here? Other Lampteter ArticlesWhy not read these other Lampter University articles? Links |
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