Key takeaways

  • Bangor known for natural scenery and small campus
  • Affordable living costs
  • Strong support for outdoor activities
If the end of your A-Levels is in sight and you’re still unsure where you want to go to pursue further education, then this article might help you if you’re considering Bangor University and whether or not it’s good. Founded in 1884, Bangor University is located in a scenic seaside city in North Wales. It has a strong reputation for student satisfaction and academic excellence. Whether you’re considering applying here, or have already applied, this article will give you everything you need to know about student life in Bangor and decide if it’s the right choice for your studies.

Academic and Teaching

Bangor is well-regarded for its academics; the University offers over 250 undergraduate courses and a wide range of post-grad options. The University also offers courses through the medium of Welsh and through the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, students who study through the medium of Welsh can apply for scholarships. Bangor’s courses range from English Literature to Marine Biology to Psychology, there is something for everyone.  Bangor is recognised internationally for its marine biology and environmental science courses. The University’s coastal location and easy access to the sea provide hands-on learning opportunities for students.  The Psychology department is one of the largest in the U.K, it’s highly regarded for its teaching and research. The University owns state-of-the-art facilities and offers a practical experience for students. The University is also one of the best university‘s in the country for criminology studies, with a lot of options for joint honours in subjects such as Criminology and Criminal Justice, or Criminology and Sociology. There is something for everyone. If you’re looking more towards a degree in the School of Arts, Language, and Culture, then Bangor University is a brilliant choice! From personal experience, I can tell you that you are in great hands when studying English Literature or Creative Writing Modules. The English/Creative Writing courses offer in depth studies of texts, whilst the creative writing ones offer you the chance to produce your own poetry and prose pieces which you workshop with your classmates. This offers you a chance to really challenge yourself and get feedback from your peers.

Halls and Accommodation

Glaslyn en-suite room, Ffriddoedd Village
Source: Bangor University
Bangor University offers a range of accommodation for its students, and first-year students are guaranteed a room in university-managed halls. There are different options for rooms: standard rooms, en-suite rooms, studio apartments, larger en-suite rooms. There is something that caters to everyone based on needs and budget. The halls are modern and are all within walking distance of the University.  Bangor University’s halls include:
  • Ffriddoedd Village: This is the larger of the two student villages, it has en-suite bedrooms with shared kitchens. Ffriddoedd Village has Bar Uno, two common rooms, two laundrettes, Canolfan Brailsford (sports centre), and a campus shop that offers a range of groceries. Ffriddoedd also has returner halls perfect for 2nd and 3rd years, or post-grad students. Ffriddoedd is the closest to the University, it’s a ten-minute walk away, and it’s a 5-minute walk to Morrisons.
  • St Mary’s: St Mary’s offers a range of shared and private accommodation. St Mary’s is about a 15-minute walk from the University and it’s near Lidl. St Mary’s has studio apartments, and town house style accommodation. It too has a campus, and Barlow’s (the equivalent of Bar Uno).
The halls are affordable, ranging from £100-£170 per week, including all utilities.

Facilities

Bangor University has a range of facilities that are on offer to students. Bangor has Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre which is a hub for arts. It has a theatre, a public cinema, and multiple study spaces. There is a lovely café, and Pontio houses the Student Union. Floors 3 and 5 have spaces that are designated for studying. The 5th floor is open 24/7 so long as you have a student card.
Pontio Student Union
Source: Bangor University
The University’s Main Arts building also has a library that has multiple reading rooms which are perfect for study sessions. The library is open until 10 pm on weeknights and 5 pm on weekends. The library’s reading rooms really makes you feel like you’re in Hogwarts, which makes studying a lot more enjoyable and almost magical in a sense. The library website is easy to use, and you can request books you need to be delivered to the book locker (like the Amazon lockers you get) for easy pickup, which makes the studying experience more enjoyable.
Bangor University Library
Source: Bangor University

Support

Bangor University is highly regarded for its concern for student welfare, they offer a range of support services such as:
  • Counselling and Wellbeing Services are all accessible to Bangor students, and located in Neuadd Rathbone, two minutes from the Main Arts Building.
  • Financial Support, they can help with budgeting and bursaries.
  • Peer Guides & Personal Tutors. These ensure you always have support from a more experienced student or a tutor.
  • Employability. Bangor has a great employability service that can help with CVs and find work opportunities.
If you’re still unsure if Bangor is the right place for you to study, I’ve compiled a list of pros and cons based on my own experience at the University.

Pros and cons of Bangor University

Pros

  • Bangor is a very welcoming community.
  • High-quality teaching.
  • Wide variety of courses
  • Small classes which allows more support from tutors
  • Bangor is one of the most affordable universities in the U.K, we rank high on affordability on things such as a pint and a McMeal!
  • It’s close to places such as Caernarfon, Eryri National Park, Llandudno, and you can get onto Anglesey easily.
  • Conveniently located accommodation
  • The University is very close to the city centre
  • Great for those who love the outdoors, it is one of the best universities for nature lovers
  • Bangor University is home to over 100 societies and clubs
  • They have a strong focus on employability and offer an employability award.

Cons

  • Limited shops, the High Street only has a few big names such as Boots, Sports Direct, and CEX. There is a B&M and Home Bargains, but they’re half an hour or so walk from the city centre.
  • Nightlife is quiet compared to bigger cities, but we have one of the best freshers’ weeks in the UK!
  • Harder for those who don’t drive as Aldi and some other big shops are quite far out.
  • The coastal location means it gets quite cold and very windy!
  Bangor University is a great University in many aspects, it’s a brilliant option for students who are looking for good education. It has high teaching standards, it’s affordable, and the scenery of the city is stunning. Bangor may not appeal to everyone, the rural life and quiet nightlife may not suit someone who wants the full clubbing experience whilst at uni. The city itself has a lot to offer in terms of scenery.  Overall, I’d say that Bangor University is an excellent choice for students who value aspects such as academic excellence, coastal scenery, a range of societies, and support from the uni. Above all, Bangor is undoubtedly the best place if this is what you are looking for when choosing your university! Bangor is a very welcoming and friendly University with plenty of opportunities for students who are looking to thrive in their new environment.
Author
Connor Steele
Content Editor
Updated:
i
Last updated: 16 May 2025
Change: Reviewed guide for accuracy and added Key takeaways to enhance user experience

Authors

  • I'm a BA English Literature student at Bangor University! I enjoy writing a mix of poetry, short fiction, and journalism– I'm a featured poet in a handful of anthologies. I'm passionate about Welsh culture too, and have studied the language a lot.

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  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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