At our October 2025 Senedd, students identified the cost of living as one of Undeb Aberystwyth's key priorities. Throughout the year, we've worked with the University and local partners to help reduce costs, improve access to support, and make student life a little easier.

More Transparency on Additional Course Costs

We successfully secured a commitment from the University to publish up-to-date information on any additional course costs students may need to consider alongside their tuition fees.

Once implemented, this will give students clearer information when planning and budgeting for their studies.

Find out more about additional costs here: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/study-with-us/fees/student-fees/additional-fees/

Better Bus Access for Fferm Penglais Students

Following campaigning by Undeb Aber, Mid Wales Travel agreed to introduce a revised 301 bus route, providing a direct link between Fferm Penglais and major supermarkets, including Lidl, Tesco and Morrisons.

The service launches as a six-month trial from September 1st, making shopping trips more affordable by reducing reliance on Taxis. By using the service, you can help demonstrate demand and support its future.

Read more: https://www.abersu.co.uk/news/article/umabersu/Two-big-bus-updates-for-Aber-students/

Practical Cost-of-Living Support Throughout the Year

Throughout the year, we've provided practical support during key campaigns and events, including Student Money Week and Exam De-Stress.

This has included free breakfast items, fresh fruit, cook-along meal bags, sausage roll vouchers, essential household items, reusable period products, sexual health supplies, and free graduation photo magnets.

While no single initiative can solve the cost-of-living crisis, we're committed to providing support where we can and helping students access the resources they need.

Continuing Beyond the Binary

This year, we continued our investment in the Beyond the Binary initiative by providing free gender-affirming products for trans and gender-nonconforming students.

By maintaining this support, we're helping to remove financial barriers and ensure trans and gender-nonconforming students can access products that affirm their gender identity and support their wellbeing.

Find out more about Beyond the Binary: https://www.abersu.co.uk/changeaber/campaigns/beyondthebinary/

Progress on Resit Fees

Following discussions with the University, changes have been agreed regarding resit fees. As details and communications are still being finalised, we'll share more information with students when it is formally published.

Looking Ahead

We know that cost-of-living pressures haven't gone away. That's why we'll continue working with students, the University and local partners to identify practical ways to reduce costs, improve support, and make studying in Aberystwyth more affordable.

Over the last academic year, we’ve made real progress this year, and we'll keep pushing for more.