University rating
Tell us about your overall university experience so far.
My experiences of Swansea University is that it is a well-run and dynamic institution. There is a wide range of courses to choose from and are accessible, with entrance grades making the university accessible for many students. It is located next to the seafront and the facilities available are relatively impressive. It is my hope that the university will continue to improve on its rankings to recognise its effort.
Facilities
How good are your university's facilities?
The university facilities are, in relative terms, fairly impressive. The main (Singleton) campus is attractive and well maintained, whilst the majority of lecture rooms are comfortable. The library is well resourced and easy to use, whilst there are a number of computer rooms and so it is often easy to locate an available computer. There is a sports village available with a number of sports pitches to use whilst there is also a sports hall with a climbing wall and a swimming pool. With brand new campus set to open soon then the facilities available will improve.
Student support
How good is the support offered by the uni? Think both academic (tutors/feedback) and personal (counselling, etc).
Student support is available in academic and personal issues that may affect a student. Every student has a personal tutor allocated which helps both academically and personally, whilst there is are a number of support services including an academic success programme, and a money support service. However at this time I have not had to access many support services, so this review is based on the experiences of friends.
Students' union
What do you think of your Students' Union in terms of student representation and facilities?
I think the student union is ok-on the positive side it provides numerous services to students and provides integration through student events organised by the organisation. However I do find that it could communicate to students slightly better and engage the views of the wider university, rather than pursue its own agenda.
Local life
Is your university in a good location in terms of distance to accommodation and local amenities?
Swansea is a vibrant city and is easy to access. The city centre has a number of shops (both chain and local), cafes and restaurants which all help to add to the city scape. A bonus may be the fact that the city centre is only a short walk from the seafront. However, Swansea is probably better known for its night life, particularly the infamous Wind Street-although there is a great night life to be found it may be a little 'intimidating' to some.
Societies and Sports
How would you rate the variety of societies/sports?
I am a member of a number of societies and, through my experience, have found that most societies are generally well-run and are welcoming to all students. There is a plethora of societies which cater for many student interests and so most students should find at least one society that they are interested in. Costs to join societies do vary-some are free whilst some require a small membership free, whilst extra trips are often funded by students themselves. (at times through fundraising)
Lecturers and teaching quality
What do you like most and least about the way your course(s) are taught?
My course is varied and interesting-it has challenged me academically and has allowed to me to consider new issues that I have not though of (or studied) before. Lecturers are knowledgeable and are easy to contact for advice and support. The only slight concern I may have is the current issue surrounding the Business School, which has gained some slightly negative press recently, However on the whole I find the courses and lecturers are good.
Career prospects
How does your uni make efforts to increase your employability (careers department, work placements, transferable skills)?
As I am a first year undergraduate then at this moment it is difficult to personally comment on this. However judging from friends, they have had positive experiences in relation to finding jobs as a postgraduate, with a number of services available to students in relation to job application and interview skills. Swansea university's increasing reputation will hopefully aid job prospects.
University halls
What do you think about the safety, condition, location and cost of your accommodation?
Accommodation on the whole is relatively good and fairly modern-accommodation standards are better in the more recently built blocks. Flats are comfortable, if not a little basic.