aberystwyth university was founded in 1872 in the welsh seaside town after which it is named. on the west coast of wales between cardigan bay and the cambrian mountains, students will become part of a historic, vibrant, friendly and outward-looking community. as the first university in wales, aberystwyth’s reputation for research power, teaching excellence, student satisfaction and our incredible location are what set it apart from other universities.  the university's main penglais campus was the first in wales to achieve a green flag award for the high quality of its environment. in addition to helping students to develop discipline-specific knowledge and critical thinking, courses at aberystwyth aim to equip students with the life skills they will need for their careers after graduation. as a testament to this, the institution has been named the best university in the uk for both teaching quality and student experience by the times and sunday times, good university guide (2021).