Although Aberystwyth is a relatively small town, the main university campus is not directly in town, but about a mile away. The widest range of accommodation options is naturally in Aberystwyth town centre (mainly near the bus and train stations and along the coast), but if you want to avoid the lengthy walk when attending a graduation or university open days, you may want to consider one the few guesthouses and apartments which are closer to the Penglais campus.
Best Places near the Campus
The best location for this purpose is the area around the Bronglais General Hospital, halfway between the town centre and the campus. There are a few very reasonably priced serviced apartments available in Parc y Bryn and another one next to the junction of Penglais Road (the main street from town centre to campus) and Llanbadarn Road. If you prefer a more traditional full service hotel accommodation, one of the best is Harry's Hotel & Restaurant – more on the town centre side, so a good option if you want easy access to both the university and the rest of Aberystwyth.
How to Get to the University Campus
From the centre of Aberystwyth (the train station), the best way to get to the university campus is via the main road towards Machynlleth (A487), which is named Penglais Road in this part of town. Penglais is the name of the district/village where the campus is situated. If you walk, it takes about 15-20 minutes. You should pass the Bronglais General Hospital (on the right side); the university campus starts immediately after, although it will take a few more minutes to reach the main entrance.
Accommodation for Graduations and Open Days
When visiting the university for an important event such as a graduation or open days, make sure to book accommodation well in advance. Although Aberystwyth does have plenty of accommodation capacities, the size of the university relative to the town itself is enormous, so graduations and other big university events always stretch the market. You may find room rates rising to high levels when booking late, especially at the better places and in the locations closer to the campus.