Student Reviews
SUGGESTED KEYWORDS
Course
Choose one or more
Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
The overall ranking is decided by students from this institution rating them in a 2026 Whatuni review. This forms the basis of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs for short).
4.03.93.7816 Student reviews
Sort:Latest reviewsLots of facilities and such a collaboration which is such a selling point and was such a big reason for me applying however, this wasn’t implemented when arrived.
In need of TLC and repairs
The academic support that students get is amazing, there are things in place for almost amything we need. However, the student loneliness within this campus is quite high.
Uni is a very friendly place. Its very pretty everywhere but the accommodation is at the top of a massive hill. Massive waiting list for mental health support. Enough events but not loads. Good facilities and new building opening next year which'll be very good.
The Newport City Campus has a clean, contemporary design with open spaces that make it easy to focus and move between classes comfortably. Being situated in the city centre means everything is nearby, making student life very convenient. Computer labs, cyber security environments, and specialised rooms are well equipped for hands-on learning, which helps build real-world skills. There are multiple floors and corners where students can find quiet spaces, especially in the library, for focused independent study. During deadlines or exam periods, extended opening hours would help students who prefer late-night study sessions. Sometimes labs get full or machines slow down, especially during peak times. Having more availability would improve productivity. Some rooms are too warm or too cold due to central heating, which can affect concentration.
THE BEST THING ABOUT UNIVERSITY IS THAT YOU HAVE FREEDOM TO EXPLORE DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF THE COURSE AND GET TO EXPLOR THE CITY A LOT MORE THAN YOU WOULD IF YOU DID NOT GO TO USW
You need to have visited to truly understand, but wellbeing isn't great. Disability, while they try to say they are a good disability university, especially if you are physically disabled and intending to live in halls you will have to climb a steep hill every day. Lecturers can be difficult with saying they are doing best practice but actually aren't around being inclusive. There is no support for mature students and despite trying for now two years of studies I have gotten no where with trying to get the wellbeing team or the student uni to think about doing mature student specific events and socials. There seems to be lots of support and socials for international students but limited for UK students.
Best bits have been the people and the experience of being at uni. Not so best bits have been the amount of work and the difficulty.
I think the course is amazing but I think the student activities in the Cardiff campus are lacking.
need better organisation, students were often left not knowing what lectures we had on what days. facilities are great but when they're out of date or in accessible, then there's not a lot of point them being there. I love my campus and my course but it all needs updating
more facilities
The best aspects of my Uni is the lectures and facilities. Worst part is the location and weather
Social aspect is pretty bad, although you can join societies in Cardiff Uni or Met. I don't know anyone who's had a really good experience with USW. Course lecturers (only 2) were nice and helpful but couldn't cover everything that's needed for a degree, other courses had no show lecturers or 3rd years teaching 1st years so definitely something to keep in mind!
The location is great as well with nearby accommodation, transport links and shops. Such good facilities with high quality equipment and an amazing photography section in the library. The student union could do with more events and stayed open later in the evening. It would have been lovely to have attended more social activities, however at the end the wellbeing team began hosting book clubs and crafts workshop which was great.
This university prioritises you as a person and not just a student. Lecturers not only give their time but their genuine interest, effort and attention to detail. Which goes into improving and maintaining the course content and quality. Alongside the academic help including study skills and careers there is also mental health advise too. The location is fantastic, with the experience of living in a city without the chaos and overwhelming environment of bigger cities such as Bristol and London. The collaboration between courses help pull together the university as a community making up for the lack of student union areas at the Cardiff campus. One of the pull factors for USW for me was the kindness of all staff and welcoming environment when I had visited on open days. Another was the access to a large range of facilities and the opportunity to collaborate with other creatives.
I’d highly recommend this university and course to anyone aiming to develop their professional skills. The university provides excellent support both academically and personally - from dedicated tutors who offer regular feedback to career services that help with job placements. The encouraging atmosphere pushes students to achieve more than they initially thought possible.
18-24 years
First gen student
If you’re even considering joining this university, don’t just walk away run. The level of manipulation and disregard for students is shocking. They will cover up their mistakes, ignore your concerns, and make you feel like an idiot for speaking up. You will be treated with complete disrespect, and when you need support, you’ll get nothing. My experience has been nothing short of a nightmare, and it’s clear they care more about protecting their image than actually helping students. Save yourself the trouble and look elsewhere.
There is great support for students and facilities, especially for photography. I have been able to create high-quality prints and experiment with various cameras and lighting. As well as knowing that my lecturers are there to support me. The building is situated well in the centre of Cardiff, with it being very accessible to various student accommodations, shops, places to go out and transport links. However, the student union could host more events to bring students together even more.
1. Supportive Staff: Teachers and staff are helpful and easy to approach. 2. Good Facilities: The campus has modern classrooms, study spaces, and libraries. 3. Active Student Life: There are lots of clubs, societies, and activities to join. 4. Great Location: It’s close to nature and just a short trip to Cardiff. Worst Aspects: 1. Transport: The campus isn’t always easy to get to, especially if you don’t live nearby. 2. Old Buildings: Some parts of the campus are a bit outdated. 3. Quiet Area: There isn’t much nightlife or things to do in Treforest itself. Improvements: • Better Transport: More buses or shuttles to make it easier to get to campus. • Upgraded Buildings: Fixing up the older buildings for a better learning experience. • More Local Social Spots: Adding more cafes or hangout spots around campus.
4.1
This campus has all the facilities that I could ask for, and the supervisors are always there to help
mainly class lessons, with dedicated smaller focus groups where any questions get resolved