League tables, student surveys, academic reputation, student satisfaction… the list goes on and on. But what is it that makes a university ‘good’? This article breaks down the jargon and shows you how Swansea may be the best choice or one to reserve for you.
Why do we rely so much on university rankings?
Nobody wants to go to a ‘bad’ university; that is a fact, but why do we rely on the league tables and rankings to determine if our university is ‘good’ or ‘bad’?
Swansea University is no stranger to publishing its rankings for all current and prospective students to investigate. For example, Swansea University currently sits at 251-300 out of more than 1600 universities ranked, this figure comes from ‘The World University Rankings 2024’. While many students will take this figure at face value and deem their choice to be the best for them, it is important to consider the breakdown of this, too. In this, metrics such as Research Quality, Academic Reputation and Sustainability, Swansea is in the area between 121-248 for all specified metrics.
While figures mean everything to some and nothing to others, it’s recommended to see where your choices sit on these league tables!
Fancy doing some investigating? Find out here how Swansea University ranks.
Swansea: The City
When considering which university to attend, you should consider the city or area you’d be moving to or seeing every day.
So, is Swansea good?
With its stunning views of the Gower Peninsula and the stone throw to The Mumbles, Swansea is nothing short of beautiful. Unlike much of the UK, Swansea pairs its picturesque location with affordable living costs for students. Considering Cardiff, Wales’ capital, Swansea boasts a 20% less expensive experience for students.
In this, the transport facilities around Swansea are extremely central and affordable! With its extensive walkable distances, from campus to the city centre, campus to the beach and both a train and bus station situated in the city centre, nowhere is unreachable in Swansea! Remember your railcards and bus passes – every penny counts when you’re a student.
Looking at the league tables again, Swansea University reported in 2023 that ‘Swansea has been named the safest city for students in Wales, according to a study by the trusted and independent Complete University Guide (CUG)’. The results showed that Swansea was ranked 6th UK-wide, placing the city in the top 10 in England and Wales.
Student life at Swansea
While the academic aspect is a fundamental aspect of being a university student, many want to explore the social aspect of student life.
While being an outgoing and social individual isn’t for all students, Swansea also offers both sides to student life. Many in the locality are well frequented by Wind Street, Swansea’s number one destination for a night out. Whether it be bottomless brunch at Slug and Lettuce or supporting the Green and White Army (GWA – Swansea’s sports family) at Jack Murphy’s on a Wednesday, Wind Street does have it all for students looking for a study–party dynamic at university.
But ‘going out’ isn’t everything, Swansea also presents an explorative caffeine scene from the city centre through to Uplands and the surrounding areas. Did you know that many coffee shops in Swansea offer exclusive discounts to the student population? So why not find a plug, grab a coffee and get studying in Swansea’s beautiful city!
Student support at the uni
With everything, stresses, strains, and anxieties are completely normal in any change of circumstance, just like attending and/or moving away to university. Luckily for students of Swansea University, the entire institution is well equipped with specialist support teams to assist students throughout their Swansea journey.
From the Centre for Academic Success, Mental Health Support, Employment Help, the list goes on. Throughout your journey at Swansea, nothing is unsolvable, and there will always be someone or a team there to provide the support and guidance you need.
Why Swansea University? From a current student’s perspective
When choosing a university, being close to home was the most important factor when choosing a university. So, for my course choice and location near home, Swansea was the best option for me. Aside from the geographical location, Swansea presented a dynamic course that paired my interests and new learning opportunities, and an array of academics ready to support me on my academic journey.
Heading into my third year in September, I’ve been taking the time to reflect on my two-year whirlwind journey at university. If I were to let you leave this article with one word of advice, it would be that university is what you make it, don’t be scared, enjoy it, it won’t last forever.