>Advice for International Students

Swansea is one of the most popular destinations to come to study abroad.

With 15,921 students and 2,510 staff, Swansea's multicultural campus community provides a global perspective and opportunities to gain skills that last a lifetime. Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920.

The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life. Set in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the breathtaking Gower Peninsula, the University's location is captivating.

Here are the gaffers top ten tips for those dreaming of studying in Swansea.

1) The Students Union is ranked one of the top ten in the UK which makes it a perfect place to meet friends. Not only do they throw a great two weeklong freshers’ event, but they also organise some of the biggest events such as summer ball, varsity, and graduation ball.

2) The quality of world-class education at Swansea University is seen in its position in the rankings table. It has 8 subjects in the top 10 and a further 10 in the top 20 according to the Times Good University Guide. In 2020, Swansea University has achieved its highest ever ranking in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The University now appears among the top 300 elite institutions across the globe.

3) A green university! Following the footsteps of various environmentalists to take action in tackling the changes facing the environment, climate and global impact the University has outdone itself by obtaining the Green University status being the 1st in Wales and 9th in the UK out of 154 educational institutions.

4) It’s conveniently located. While there’s plenty to do and see in Swansea, it’s also just three hours from London by direct train or car. Plus, it’s just an hour from Cardiff International Airport meaning easy access to flights elsewhere.

5) A hub for international students: roughly 20 percent of its population are international representing 130 nationalities. As such, its two campuses, Singleton Park and Bay, are wonderfully vibrant and diverse. And while both are close to the beach anyway, Swansea University’s Bay campus has its own private beach! Both campuses offer access to both the city and plenty of green space, too.

6) Think Sport… The ‘Sport Swansea’ Department welcomes all levels of sporting abilities and the unbelievably astonishing sport variety story could be told through the £20 million Sports Village. The institution is equipped with state of the art facilities that were used by athletes who were preparing for the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

7) Instagram shots everywhere! Swap city streets for Instagram-worthy scenery with Three Cliffs Bay, Rhossili and the Brecon Beacons for starters.

8) Swansea weather is unpredictable! You should pack for all four seasons in one day. Joking aside, winters in Swansea can be wet and cold but summers can be dry and warm, so if you like variety then this is the place for you.

9) Swansea has a vibrant music scene which continues to grow. The city boasts a huge variety of music venues and plays host to music festivals and events throughout the year with plans underway for a new 3,500 capacity arena in the heart of the city.

10) The Office for National Statistics have found that the Welsh are as happy as anyone in the UK and so be prepared for plenty of smiles and memorable interactions with the locals.