Criminology and Psychology with a Year Abroad

Swansea University

Best aspects would definitely be the people and the location. By the beach but with safe and lively night life, which in my opinion is important for most undergrad students, also the welsh are lovely and friendly. It depends on the area but overall the city feels extremely safe which was important for me. Some of the buildings on the old campus (singleton) look a bit run-down especially when the sun isn't out so it might be worth them revamping some buildings to make certain parts look less depressing. But again thats only a few, and the walk to campus is lovely especially as theres a massive park/green space right next to campus, with a 2 minute detour taking you right to the beach. Can't say too much on the students' union because it looks good but i havent really engaged with it. They always have some sort of event going on but honestly i havent been to many, so maybe the events could be more engaging so more people including myself would go.

I think what makes it such a great place to study is the mix of environment and people! The campus feels really welcoming, and there’s this nice balance between having quiet spaces to focus and social corners where you actually enjoy hanging out. The staff are approachable, and you never feel weird asking for help. It’s also a place where you meet people from all over, which makes day-to-day life way more interesting!! If I had to pick something to improve, I’d say clearer communication and a bit more consistency across departments would help a lot. Even small things, like quicker updates, smoother admin processes, or more transparency about timelines, would make the student experience feel even better :)

It’s a great location and the lectures help out to the best of their ability but the facilities especially in singleton campus are a bit dated

Best aspects The strongest part of my uni experience was the sense of community. Lecturers were approachable and supportive, and there were real opportunities to engage beyond the classroom through research, volunteering, student representation, and events. The learning environment encouraged critical thinking and independence rather than rote learning. The location also helped. Being close to nature and having a quieter pace made it easier to focus and maintain wellbeing alongside studies. Worst aspects The main challenges were around consistency and communication. Some administrative processes were slow or unclear, especially during busy periods, which could be frustrating. Support services existed, but navigating them was not always straightforward, particularly for international or non traditional students. There could also be more structured support for career progression and employability, especially for students aiming for competitive sectors. How it could be improved Clearer communication, faster admin processes, and more proactive career and mentoring support would make a big difference. Better signposting of existing services and more tailored guidance for diverse student backgrounds would help students get the most out of what is already a strong academic and social environment.

The study support is top notch- great lecturers and Professors. All staff are friendly and many programs to support with all your academic needs. May be few facilities such as library services need to be improved.