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).
816 Student reviews
First and foremost, I felt really resourceful to study at USW, especially with my course leader and all other lecturers. The university is located in such a calming spot, and it really helps my life here. I have gotten plenty of guidance and support from the immigration and student advice team as an international student.
The University of South Wales (USW) is known for its strong emphasis on practical education, offering industry-focused courses, excellent facilities, and strong links with employers. It has a diverse student population and campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd, providing access to vibrant city life and scenic Welsh countryside. USW is particularly recognized for its programs in creative industries, engineering, and healthcare. However, some students may find certain campus locations less accessible, and the university doesn’t rank as highly in global league tables compared to more prestigious UK institutions. Overall, it’s a solid choice for career-oriented studies, but prospective students should evaluate its fit for their specific academic and social needs.
Have no bad experiences just a lot to figure out
Lecturers on my course are very active within each students learning. Parking is an issue for lecture days, I’m lucky enough to live close by but the car parks provided are always full. Great views in accommodation if you get the right one. Eclipse the student union night club is currently closed and has been since the start of the year (sept 2024) The library on Treforest campus is no longer 24 hours which is a shame because in exam season that is a life saver and can be moulded around your schedule.
Student nights out were good. Student support has been hit and miss
The people are lovely. Lecturers are great and want to help. Location isnt great, no public transport options other than a train, which are always late/not running. If I were to get a train to uni from cardiff, I would need to get a train to Cardiff Central, then back out, so 2 train journeys which would take around 1hr 20 mins. To put into context, it takes me 10-15 minutes to drive to uni, therefore I have to drive otherwise I am adding an additional 2 hours of travelling onto my already long 9am-6pm university day. The car park is not big enough considering most students who dont live on campus are forced to drive to uni. The toilets in G block are horrendous. Im in 4th year and I don't think I have ever seen a bathroom have all 3/4 toilets in working order. Most of the time they have broken seats and are not kept to a clean standard. I also cant understand why the G block has male toilets on every floor but female toilets are only found on every other floor
The lecturers are friendly and approachable whilst still being helpful. Less than a 5 minute walk to city centre and tonnes of accommodation nearby.
18-24 years
First gen student
Great spaces over all campuses. Friendly staff. Nature on the step of the main campus. Public Transport in walking distance. Improvement more library pods in Treforest.
Had a good time in my first year course is well taught and the staff are very supportive
Nice and cosy environment. Most staff are great and will help you as much as they can. The student union are a nice place to be and the people there are great. It can be improved by lowering the prices a little because it is still a little pricey.
Sport facilities are not enough and quite expensive for a student
Easy to get to, nice campus with modern facilities. Course is disorganized at times.
Firstly, the academic support provided at USW is exceptional. The university offers a range of resource is designed to help students succeed in their studies this includes access to knowledgeable faculty who are not only experts in their fields but also approachable and willing to offer guidance. The university is dedicated academic advisers who assist students in navigating their courses, helping them to develop effective study strategies and time management skills. Additionally, USW provides various workshops and resource is, such as writing centres and to tutoring services, ensuring that students have the tools they need to excel academically. Moreover USW fosters a strong sense of community among its students. The university actively encourages collaboration and interaction through various clubs societies and events this engagement allows students to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds fostering friendships and networks that can last a lifetime. The university also emphasises inclusivity ensuring that all students feel valued and respected regardless of their background or identity's. This supportive community atmosphere contributes significantly to students overall well-being and academic success as they feel comfortable seeking help and sharing experiences with one another. Furthermore, usw offers a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development the university has strong links with local businesses and organisations, providing students with valuable work placements and internships that enhance their employability. These opportunities allow students to apply their knowledge in real world settings, gaining practical experience that is highly regarded by the employer's. Additionally, usw hosts career fairs and networking events connecting students with potential employers and industry professionals this focus on career readiness ensures that graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce and succeed in their chosen fields. Student well-being is another priority at the University of South Wales the university provides comprehensive support services including mental health resource is counselling and Wellness programmes these services are designed to help students manage stress maintain a healthy work life balance and address any personal challenges they may face USW also promotes a healthy lifestyle through various sports and fitness programmes encouraging students to engage in physical activities that contribute to their overall well-being the emphasis on mental and physical health create a neutering environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. In conclusion, the University of South Wales stands out as a fantastic institution due to its welcoming and supportive environment but combination of academic support community engagement diverse opportunities and a strong focus on student well-being creates a whole holistic education experience that empowers students to succeed. USW not only prepares students for the future but also fosters personal growth and life's lifetime connections making it truly remarkable place to study
Facilities for studying Nursing are great to be fair. There is a simulation centre with world-class equipment. I have benefited a lot from student support. A fairer distribution of student union facilities among the different campuses would be good.
Magnificent Campuses: Students can enjoy stunning scenery, excellent student resources, and close access to the exciting city life at these campuses in Cardiff, Pontypridd, and Newport. Welcoming Community: USW fosters a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, making it easy for students from all backgrounds to feel at home. Affordable Living Costs: Compared to other UK universities, the cost of living in South Wales is reasonable, offering good value for students. and I think it could be improve like Improving how the university communicates important updates or changes to students.
It has a very friendly atmosphere with lots of support for students, to be improved I think they could give more structure to assesments
The University are so supportive in terms of study and wellbeing, transferring courses when I was unhappy was really easy with support from the University. It's a really good place to study, the facilities are easily accessible and fantastic, with great industry links. I think it could be improved by introducing more hybrid learning and having some lectures over teams to help those that struggle attending lectures in person.
Best is the the help is always available if needed and worst is parking problems


I would say overall it’s a lovely university. However the student life at the Treforest campus is a little bit dull and there isn’t much to do. Other than that my experience has been great.
The lecturers are lovely and deliver well