Student guide to Wales: top 10 things to do

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Wales is famous for its incredible coastline, dramatic mountain ranges, vibrant nightlife and friendly people. It’s also an affordable place to study and live. Every year the country welcomes over 85,000 students, so if you’re thinking of being one of them, here’s our list of top things to do in Wales.

1) St Fagans National Museum of History

John Cummings, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Good for: Celebrating Welsh heritage and somewhere to take the parents.

What it is: This fascinating open-air museum invites you to step back in time and explore Wales’ heritage.

Why you should go: One of the most popular attractions in Wales, St Fagans is a ‘people’s museum’ where you’ll explore history through the lives of everyday people. It’s free to visit and home to over 40 buildings, all re-erected from their original locations across the country. You’ll explore houses, a farm, school and chapel and chat with traditional craftsmen in the blacksmiths and mill. The recently revamped galleries tell the story of Wales through interactive exhibits, and there are cafes on site too for lunch or a takeaway coffee as you wander the grounds.

2) Cardiff Shopping Arcades

Good for: Independent shopping and great coffee.

What it is: Victorian arcades for an intimate and unique shopping experience.

Why you should go: Six Victorian arcades are nestled in the heart of Cardiff’s centre, perfect for exploring when you’re looking for something a bit different than the high street. Make sure to look up as you’re walking through or you’ll miss the impressive balconies and historic arches. With a maze of over 100 different shops to check out, there’s something for everyone, from vintage clothing, craft stores and independent jewellers to coffee shops, bubble tea and specialist Welsh cakes. Morgan Arcade is home to the famous Spillers Records – the oldest record shop in the world.

3) Sŵn Festival

Good for: Music lovers keen to check out up-and-coming Welsh artists.

What it is: Cardiff’s city-wide music festival.

Why you should go: This annual festival takes place over three days in different venues. One ticket gets you in everywhere, so it’s a chance to check out some of the best new music while drinking and dancing all weekend. It’s been running since 2007 and transforms the city centre into an exciting hub for music lovers, with fringe events popping up alongside the main listings. The variety of genres means you’re sure to discover a new act you love as well as a chance to explore the city, especially if it’s your first term at uni.

4) Mount Snowdon

View from Mt. Snowden

Good for: An outdoors adventure.

What it is: The highest mountain in England and Wales.

Why you should go: One of the most recognisable Welsh landmarks, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) and the Snowdonia National Park is well worth a visit. There are six different paths to climb the 1,085m giant, averaging around six hours. Crib Goch runs along an exposed knife-edge ridge and is ideal if you’re an experienced scrambler looking for a thrill. If you’re not quite up to the challenge, the Llanberis path is a lot easier. The views from the top are unmatched on a clear day. As well as taking in the stunning Snowdonia, you might also see as far as Ireland!

5) Principality Stadium

Good for: Sports fans craving a buzzing atmosphere.

What it is: This iconic stadium is home of the Welsh Rugby Union.

Why you should go: The atmosphere alone makes watching a game at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium an experience you’ll never forget. With a capacity of 74,500, the stadium has hosted World Cup matches, Six Nations games and FA Cup finals. You can also book a tour of the stadium where you’ll be taken into the changing rooms for a motivational head coach talk before walking down the players tunnel and onto the turf. Not a sports fan? Some of the biggest names in music have also played here, including Ed Sheeran, Beyonce and the Rolling Stones.

6) Zip World Slate Caverns

Good for: Thrill seekers and adventure hunters.

What it is: Incredible experiences in the heart of a stunning, historic slate mine.

Why you should go: Set in an epic former slate mine, Zip World is home to an exciting playground of underground and above-ground adventures. Take flight on three exhilarating zip lines in Europe’s largest zipping zone, with amazing quarry views in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. If heights aren’t your thing, head down to Bounce Below, a huge underground net adventure where you’ll explore the disused mines on bouncy nets, tunnels and slides. Also on offer is a unique underground obstacle course, golfing and a deep mine tour, so there’s something for everyone no matter your preferred thrill level.

7) Green Man Festival

Green Man festival, 2009

Good for: Festival lovers with an excellent taste in music.

What it is: An epic music festival set in the rolling green Welsh hills.

Why you should go: From a tiny folk event with just a few hundred people, Green Man has evolved into one of the most can’t-miss festivals of the summer. Held in the stunning Brecon Beacons, it’s a celebration of music and art with an exciting lineup. The festival has ten music venues ranging from big headline-worthy stages to small intimate discoveries, as well as a comedy tent, wellbeing areas and plenty of food and drink, including Growler – Green Man’s own beer. Past lineups have included Idles, Four Tet, Mogwai and Kraftwerk.

8) Barry Island

Good for: A classic British day at the seaside.

What it is: This beach, pleasure park and coastal town found fame in TV’s Gavin and Stacey.

Why you should go: Barry Island reached global fame through the 2000s sitcom, but ‘Barrybados’, as it’s known to the locals, is still a great day out in its own right. It’s easy to pop over from Cardiff to enjoy the golden sand, colourful beach huts and a quick dip in the (cold!) sea. The coastal town is full of fun shops and places to eat, as well as Barry War Museum for history buffs, and leafy parks for walking or sunbathing in the warmer months. The Pleasure Park is a little tired but a fun nostalgic experience with the waltzer, cup and saucers and big wheel rides to enjoy.

9) Gower Peninsula

Three Cliffs Bay, the Gower Peninsular, south Wales, taken from Pennard Castle

Good for: Enjoying the great Welsh outdoors.

What it is: The Gower Peninsula has it all – world-class golden beaches, epic cliff top hikes and yummy seafood.

Why you should go: With easy access from Swansea, the Gower was named the UK’s first ever area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s still stunning. The rocky Worm’s Head is the Gower’s most iconic landmark, with a 7km hike to the tip. If you just stay on dry land, you’ll be missing out as you have a choice of golden sandy beaches and waves that are perfect for watersports. Llangennith is popular for surfing, and Rhossili Bay is known as one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Why not hire a paddleboard from SUP Gower and explore all along the coastline? In the evening, stop off in the pretty village of Mumbles for some fish and chips.

10) National Museum Cardiff

Good for: Exploring history, art and science.

What it is: A diverse museum in Cardiff’s city centre.

Why you should go: This impressive building is home to a huge variety of galleries and exhibitions. Art, science, natural history and geology can all be found under one roof in Wales’ capital city. Experience the evolution of Wales through meteorites, moon rock, dinosaurs and woolly mammoths, and discover Welsh animals, birds and insects in the natural history galleries. The art collection is huge, with works by Van Gogh, Monet and Turner, perfect for an afternoon wander in the colder months. If you’re looking for something different to do one evening, the museum also opens until 9pm on the first Thursday of every month.

Key info about Wales

As a student in Wales, you’ll get the opportunity to experience the excitement of city life as well as incredible nature. The Welsh Government aims to make Wales the ‘most LGBTQ+ friendly nation’ in Europe, making sure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. It’s affordable, too, as both Cardiff and Swansea are two of the cheapest UK cities for a night out.

You have eight universities to choose from in Wales, many with a rich history of research and innovation. There are excellent career opportunities if you wish to stay in the country, and over 90% of graduates are employed within six months of their degree.

Thinking about studying in Wales but not sure what city is right for you? Read our city guides to learn more about the student cities on offer across the country.

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Student guide to Wales: top 10 things to do

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