The Student Guide to Swansea

Whether you’re already set on studying in Swansea or on the hunt to find your perfect city to move to university for, our guide to Swansea will help you get to know what’s so great about being a student in Swansea. 

Swansea is probably most famous for the Mumbles, the mark of the starting place of the Gower Peninsula’s coastline with loads to do. When you visit Mumbles you can enjoy a host of restaurants and shops as well as scenic views from Bracelet Bay beach or Mumbles Pier. Mumbles is just an 18-minute drive from true Swansea and well worth a visit during your time here.

Studying

Ultimately, you’re coming to Swansea for the university; Swansea University is well known for its engineering, maths and science courses, whilst providing a range of other courses also. What’s more, there’s over 120 societies and 50 sports clubs so you can always stay busy in your spare time at Swansea University. While true Swansea has ample space for studying, if you prefer to study on campus, the library attached to Swansea University is vast and provides space for individual and group study, as well as providing books for every subject. Both Swansea University Singleton Park Campus and the Bay Campus are just a 10-minute drive from true Swansea. 

Additionally, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David also has three campuses across Swansea; SA1 Waterfront is a 27-minute walk from true Swansea, Swansea College of Art campus is an 18-minute walk and Swansea Business campus is a 10-minute walk. 

The Student Unions

In 2020 Swansea was named the 9th Best Student City for Nightlife by Student Hut, need we say anymore? Swansea University has two on-site unions to enjoy. Rebound is the student union nightclub, perfect to visit if you’re looking for music and drinks. Alternatively, JC’s shows sports matches on big screens, holds a Sunday pub quiz and even an open mic night on Tuesdays! 

Wind Street

Of course, there’s more to the nightlife in Swansea than just the student unions. Wind Street is well known as the go-to street for the best bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants in the city. From the likes of the popular Slug & Lettuce to No Sign Wine Bar, with links back to the 17th century and live bands on a weekend, Wind Street covers all of your nightlife needs. There’s also plenty of places to eat on Wind Street, whether it be an Italian at the likes of ASK, an American themed meal in The Smoke Haus or even a takeaway on your way home, Wind Street has you covered.

Wind Street is just an 18-minute walk from true Swansea or a five-minute drive. 

Want more inspiration for your night out? Check out our guide to Swansea University nightlife and our top 10 picks of the best bars and clubs. 

Professional Sport in Swansea

Swansea is home to Liberty Stadium, Swansea City AFC, (otherwise known as ‘The Swans’), which is also shared with the Ospreys rugby team - one of just four professional rugby union teams in Wales. The Liberty Stadium is a great place to get all your professional football and rugby fixes and is just a 22-minute walk from true Swansea. 

Travel in Swansea

Don’t worry if you don’t have a car as there are many convenient ways to get around Swansea. There’s a vast public bus service that covers the city and runs out to the nearby beach, marina and grand theatre! You can also choose to use the train system if you’re planning to head out of the city, the train station is just a ten-minute walk from true Swansea so also great for heading home in the holidays to visit family. In terms of travelling internationally, Swansea’s closest airport is Cardiff, just one hour away; perfect for international students joining us here at true Swansea. Other airports in close proximity include Bristol, at two hours away and if you need to fly into London, Heathrow is three and a half hours away and Gatwick four and a half. 

Don’t forget, Swansea is a relatively small city so getting around on foot or by cycle is also a great choice, giving you time to take in all of the great sights and scenery Swansea has to offer.

Our true Swansea accommodation is centrally located so you can make the most of everything in the city. Find out more about the accommodation options available and reserve your room at true Swansea today.