Universities in Swansea

CONTENTS

1. Why study in Swansea?

2. About Swansea

3. Swansea University

4. University of Wales Trinity Saint David

5. Living in Swansea

6. Entry requirements

7. Transport links

8. Getting around Swansea

9. Things to do in Swansea

Why study in Swansea?

Swansea is known for its art, culture, music, sport, seafood, Italian ice-cream, and Swansea market. It has a thriving student population, so there'll be plenty for you to do and see and loads of new people to meet.

About Swansea

Swansea, also known as Abertawe in Welsh, is a beautiful waterfront city on the south coast of Wales overlooking Swansea Bay. Just down the road is the Gower Peninsula, the first place in Britain to be named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Swansea University

Swansea University is a research-led university with stunning waterfront campuses that offer a perfect combination of study and seaside living, attracting students from around the world.

Location

Swansea University’s two campuses are in beautiful locations at each end of the waterfront, one with lush parkland and the other set beside the beach. Both are within easy reach of the city centre, Uplands and the Mumbles, giving students plenty to do and see. First year students are guaranteed a room in residences if Swansea University is their firm choice, and they apply before the deadline. Swansea can support students with finding private sector accommodation if they would prefer to live off campus.

Facilities

On-campus there are a wide variety of food and drink outlets well as a bank, laundrette and shops to buy groceries. There are 24-hour libraries on both of Swansea's campuses. Faith support is available to all students, offering a safe and inclusive space, and for confidential and non-judgmental support.

Students can access advice on student funding, financial hardship, budgeting, with specific financial help available for care leavers, estranged students and student carers.

See Swansea University profile page for an interactive map and more information.

University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD)

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David is a friendly, inclusive and supportive learning community that offers a wide choice employment-focused courses. Students receive tailored academic and personal support to help them succeed.

Location

UWTSD provides an affordable student experience at its main campuses in Wales, at Swansea, Carmarthen and Lampeter. The uni also has campuses in London, Cardiff and Birmingham. There's accommodation on or close to all three of the main campuses, and accommodation officers can help you find a place to live.

Facilities

All UWTSD’s libraries offer welcoming learning areas and the Lampeter campus library holds UWTSD's Special Collections. Study skills and IT workshops helps students to develop their digital and information skills. Student Hubs (Hwb) bring a range of services together to provide a one-stop-shop for dealing with queries and issues. Students can contact the Hwb team by email or phone, by visiting an on-campus Hwb or via the new Hwb app that makes on-the-go access easy.

See University of Wales Trinity Saint David profile page for an interactive map and more information.

Living in Swansea

Both Swansea University and UWTSD offer on-campus and off-campus accommodation. At Swansea University, new undergraduate students are guaranteed a room in halls if choosing the university as their firm choice and applying before the deadline.

There are a range of housing options to choose from at each university including en suite rooms, depending on your personal preferences and budget.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements vary from uni to uni and course to course – the best way to check what you need to get into your preferred course at each university is to use our course chooser and see what each course’s entry requirements are.

Transport links

Average train journey times from Swansea

Getting around Swansea

Although Swansea is the second largest city in Wales, there are many transport options to help you get around easily.

Walk

With golden beaches and lush rolling hills, Swansea is in a perfect location for those who enjoy walking. No matter what your level of fitness, there are walks to suit everyone in Swansea. Singleton Park is also right on the doorstep of Swansea University's Singleton Park campus.

Cycle

There are some great cycling routes in and around Swansea with unbeatable views of the dramatic coastline. You can also cycle around the city centre using local off-road routes and the flat coastal path.

Bus

Local buses connect Swansea city to nearby popular attractions such as the Gower Peninsula, Mumbles, Neath, Port Talbot and more. There are also frequent bus services connecting the universities to the city centre.

Train

Swansea is well-connected to other parts of Wales and the rest of England. In fact, it takes under three hours to get from London to Swansea by train. Other major cities accessible by rail include Bristol, Plymouth and Birmingham.

Things to do in Swansea

There’s plenty to see and do in Swansea, whether you want to enjoy picturesque landscapes, eat fish and chips by the sea, stroll around museums and galleries or watch a gig at one of the many music venues.

Art, history and culture

Swansea has a rich history with many cultural attractions. What was once known as ‘Copperopolis’ for its major role in global copper production, is now a modern and creative metropolis.

The city is packed with museums and galleries such as Swansea Museum, the oldest museum in Wales dating back to 1841. Just down the road, you’ll find the National Waterfront Museum, showcasing the city’s maritime history, transport, technology and retail talents.

For literature lovers, you can also check out the Dylan Thomas Centre, celebrating the life of the famous Swansea-born poet. Art enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Mission Gallery and Attic Gallery.

Food and drink

Being based on the coast and close to the countryside, Swansea is well known for both its fresh fish and salt marsh lamb. Due to the high number of Italian immigrants who moved to Wales in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, you’ll notice a strong Italian influence in Swansea. This can be seen in the authentic Italian ice cream, one of the most famous being Joe’s Ice Cream in Mumbles.

For a more traditional treat, head to Swansea Market for a cup of tea and a Welsh cake. Another Welsh staple is Cawl, a hearty broth made with seasonal vegetables and lamb. For students on a budget, there are also many affordable places to eat and drink such as the Brunswick Arms.

Outdoors

With the Gower Peninsula close by, there’s plenty to enjoy in Swansea’s great outdoors. Here you’ll find Three Cliffs Bay and Rhossili Bay offering vast sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. Buses run to each of these outdoor attractions from Swansea city centre.

At the start of the Gower Peninsula, you’ll find the quaint yet cosmopolitan town of Mumbles. Here, you can browse the many independent shops and boutiques, try local seafood, stroll along the beach, visit Oystermouth Castle and hit the arcades on Mumbles pier.

If you’re looking for green spaces closer to home you can also relax in one the city’s urban parks such as Singleton Park, Victoria Park and Cwmdonkin Park.

Nightlife

Swansea comes alive at night with an array of bars, pubs and clubs to keep you up until the early hours. Many partygoers head to Wind Street for a broad choice of venues. Some of the most popular include Flickering Light, a 1950’s style speakeasy, No Sign Wine Bar which is one of the oldest bars in Swansea, and Bar Americanos which sits on the waterfront and hosts live music.

Some of the top nightspots in Swansea include Popworld, Bambu Bar, Sin City and Peppermint – plus Rebound at Swansea University Students' Union, reopening after a major refurbishment. These venues cater to all music tastes and run nights throughout the week.