Name & Role
Gwenno Roberts – Llywydd UMCA
Short introduction…
I’m from Carmarthen originally, and spent the past three years studying Welsh here in Aber
Tell us an interesting or random fact about yourself...
I’ve represented Wales in a gymnastic competition before (unfortunately, a while back by now).
Choose three words that best describe you.
Welsh, keen, dependable
It’s your last meal on earth…what’s on the menu? & which 3 celebrity would you invite for food?
Sunday lunch with Mared, Sam Claflin and Ruth Jones.
What are your hobbies or interests?
I’m a very musical person and enjoy playing the piano including singing and accompanying in choirs. I’m also a farmer’s daughter and enjoy helping with the sheep and the cows when I’m home.
Why did you choose to stand for this role?
I’m Welsh through and through, and someone who’s extremely proud to be able to live my life in Welsh. Whilst at university, I’ve thrown myself at every aspect of UMCA, and I’m extremely grateful for all the experiences I’ve had over the past three years. I’m looking forward to the year to come to continue to protect UMCA and the Welsh language here in Aber.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
The inter-college dance – this is one of the highlights of the calendar in Aber.
What are some of the causes you care about?
I’m very passionate about protecting Welsh language and culture, and I strongly believe that everyone should have access to resources in their mother tongue.
What is your favourite Aberystwyth hangout?
Chips and pint on the pier with the sunset.
If you could be an animal what would you be and why?
Dolphin – the idea of swimming and jumping over the waves is a lot of fun!
Do you have any out there traditions or strange superstitions?
I never leave the volume on the telly on an odd number.
What’s your unpopular opinion?
I love pineapple on pizza!
What one thing do you think everyone should do/try at least once in their lifetime?
Go to the Eisteddfod, Welsh speaker or not, it’s the highlight of the Welsh calendar for a reason!
You are on your way to work on a Monday morning…what song comes on as your soundtrack?
Grimaldi - Bromas
Name a favourite place you have visited and why.
I went to a tiny village in Spain called ‘New Calpe’ with my friends. It was so pretty and a great opportunity to be immersed in a different culture for a week!
RESULTS/CLEARING:
Why choose Aber?
For me, the location was important. I couldn’t imagine myself living in a big city or going to far from home, so Aber was the perfect choice for me, given it’s such a beautiful time in the heart of Wales.
FRESHERS:
How to make friends during Freshers?
Go to as many events as possible! Although it’s natural to not go to everything during freshers because it can be overwhelming, do your best. There will such a selection of events, and opportunities to meet with people from every background.
What are your top tips for any new students starting at Aberystwyth in September?
Don’t panic! In the month leading up to moving to Aber, all my nerves got the better of me. Although, there’s a strong and close community here that’s ready to support you from the second you land here.
What is your favourite Freshers memory?
The Freshers Sŵn gig. For the last part of the gig, the lead singer Gwilym to the middle of the crowd, and all of us, from first year to third year were dancing in a circle around him. I was big fan of the band at the time and over the moon about it!
HOUSING:
What are your top tips for housing/moving in with friends in Aber?
Patience! Especially in the first year, everyone has different ideas about hygiene and noise levels, and it takes time to adapt and to agree on these things. However, if you get the opportunity to move in with your best friends in your second or third year – do it! Make best memories have come from living, cooking and playing wii in our house.
EXAMS:
What are your top tips for coping with exam stress?
Balance. There’s no expectation that you revise every hour of the day. Work some of the day, but go for a walk, go for a drink and relax with your friends also.
ELECTIONS:
What are your top tip for standing in a Students’ Union election?
Go for it!
COST OF LIVING:
Do you have any money saving tips that helped you out as a student?
Put your student loan in a separate bank account – you’ll be able to manage, plan and observe exactly how much you spend.
ABER:
Where is your favourite place for food and café in Aber?
I enjoy going to Medina to do work, especially given they have the best matcha in my opinion! I am also fond of y Gornel, the food is lovely and changes from week to week.
How would you spend your ideal day in Aber?
Lie in, wake and do a bit of pilates before brunch. Then, go to a café and lose myself in a book for a few hours. Then at night, a walk and a few drinks on the prom for the sunset, before going back to home to play wii and watch a film late at night.
What is your favourite thing to do in Aber?
A walk on the prom at sunset.