Is swansea a good uni?

I like your stuff, the few that use this are often cheerleaders. If you knew what you know now, would you have still gone to Swansea Uni? I'm considering going, but I don't like clubbing and I like libraries, but from what I've read of Swansea Uni the facilities and accommodation sound rundown.

Thank you.

I probably would not have gone, personally. However I am an international student and it fit best with what I wanted to do, and my circumstances at the time. I am doing my degree here solely for undergrad, so the 'prestige' isn't what concerns me about Swansea. I'll go home and do postgrad after this. I would suggest working hard so you can avoid going somewhere like Swansea though xD.

If you are like me and are going to uni to learn, and enjoy the academic facilities I'd do a bit more research. Maybe all unis are the same, but at least if they are you could go somewhere that is more comfortable, newer, and looks better? Lol.

Despite what anyone says, the facilities are severely run down. You can even visit and make your own conclusions... which of course you would be well advised to do! Good luck :-). Like I said, the academic part of the uni I am not disappointed with.... just the rest of it. If you have any other questions, I will answer honestly.

Reply 41

Saudade

12

Thanks for the neg, shame on me for liking the university I'm at.

Reply 42

Elbonian

14

Original post by torchwood

personally i would consider a university to be 'good' if it had both world class staff and research, high entry requirements and was quite elitist. prestige is also quite important

swansea has none of these thus doesn't even come close to 'good'

all those who are mentioning nightlife and clubs etc, what are you going to university for?

I agree.. to an extent. Have a look at my course.

http://www.swan.ac.uk/ugcourses/engineering/mengcivilengineering/

One of the best Civil Engineering departments, AAA-AAB required for MEng, and graduates of Civil Engineering are regularly recruited by the top multinational Civil Engineering firms.

From what I've heard, Swansea also has a good Medical department, and aeronautical engineering department.

And you're right, University is about academia not student life. But student life is what differentiates each university, so this is undoubtedly a factor that the OP should consider when applying to universities.

Reply 43

Elbonian

14

Original post by saiwa

Try google.

http://www.swan.ac.uk/law/staff/profjukkasnell/

And your point is?

Reply 44

Elbonian

14

Original post by Saudade

Thanks for the neg, shame on me for liking the university I'm at.

She's negged me as well. There really isn't any point. Oh well. :cool:

Reply 45

Elbonian

14

Original post by MonacleMonkey

Compared to Cardiff, Swansea is a bit lacklustre, but the good places are often hidden. I do the Student Ambassador programme and i feel sorry for people getting off the train to arrive in Swansea, as the area immediately around the station is the most dire part of the city. It needs to be improved, I agree, but the other parts of the city make up for it.

Also, Mumbles.

I agree with people being on Facebook during the day, it pisses me off a fair bit - my advice is to take your laptop to the silent study (levels 1 or 2) and work there, instead. Works for me, and is not nearly as noisy as what it is claimed to be.

Again, can't comment on the quality of anything outside English Lit, but Swansea's generally regarded as a middling university, ranking around 48 on the general Times rankings the last time the paywall was down. I wouldn't expect five-star treatment.

Thank you.

Reply 46

Elbonian

14

Original post by torchwood

Glasgow is Britain's 4th oldest university, its a member of the PRESTIGIOUS, RESEARCH INTENSIVE Russell group and is also ranked in the top 100 universities of the world (for some reason Swansea isn't)

for more info check out wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Glasgow

btw I'm not at Glasgow at the mo, I'll be starting in September, Oxbridge doesn't offer dentistry :smile:

You're bragging about going to Glasgow.. seriously? -.- I originally had offers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Manchester, which are clearly significantly higher in any world ranking than Glasgow, but turned them down for Swansea because it has a world leading Civil Engineering department. Regardless, as long as you're doing a decent course at a decent university, so what?

HKUST was established in the 1990's and leads Glasgow on very level, so your notion correlating age and prestige is very weak. It only really applies to Oxbridge.

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 47

saiwa

4

I'm not negging anyone............

Reply 48

saiwa

4

Original post by Elbonian

http://www.swan.ac.uk/law/staff/profjukkasnell/

And your point is?

You stated the quality and standards of the department were low. As an example of good quality teaching, I made a recommendation for you to look at. Surely that is quite self explanatory... It is a good thing you didn't do law.

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 49

torchwood

2

Original post by Elbonian

You're bragging about going to Glasgow.. seriously? -.- I originally had offers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Manchester, which are clearly significantly higher in any world ranking than Glasgow, but turned them down for Swansea because it has a world leading Civil Engineering department. Regardless, as long as you're doing a decent course at a decent university, so what?

HKUST was established in the 1990's and leads Glasgow on very level, so your notion correlating age and prestige is very weak. It only really applies to Oxbridge.

i wasn't bragging, if you look earlier in the thread, you would notice that ofter my initial post someone had a bash at Glasgow thus was defending it

no actually age in Britain is generally proportional to prestige, idk about international institutions, there are however exceptions e.g. warwick, its very new but also very prestigious

Reply 50

J.Thyme

Original post by saiwa

The library: The main issue is the amount of people there to hang out, eat, and watch youtube or facebook on the limited computers instead of actually 'work' in the 'library'. There are a lot more problems here than 'paper rustling'. I question the amount of work you actually do in the library if you consider it to be a quiet, relaxing place.

1) The silent areas are loud. People talking, etc.
2) The law library is loud. People talking, copiers beeping, construction outside, and floors creaking.
3) The downstairs silent study area: People talking on their phones, floor creaking from law library above, numerous people eating Korean soup filling the area with a kim-chi aroma.
4) The computers are dirty, slow, or not working. Always filled with people on facebook.
5) Uncomfortable chairs. Try sitting in the law library chairs for over an hour.

Sound lovely?

The town: To me, there are more important aspects of a place than just the night life. Sure, you can get drunk for a good price here. No wonder.... what else is there to do around here? I'd predict for many people, the 'varied' nightlife of this place will become commonplace. Lets look at some of the brief details of the town.

1) Run down.
2) Filled with chavs from up on the hill, begging for change for a Special Brew.
3) Dirty.
4) Need I mention run down?
5) Inundated with litter.

The nightlife: We have the wonderful chavved up choices of:
1) Oceana (!)
2) Revs (!!!!!)
3) A casino
4) A handful of smelly, sweaty, cheap small bars
5) Play

The Uni facilities:

1) Also run down.
2) Check out the vomit in the corner of the 8th floor entrance on Penmaen. It has been there for two weeks. A nice example of how the place is kept.
3) Elevators usually broken.
4) Unhelpful and usually rude admin staff.
5) People screaming outside windows at 4:30 AM.
6) It looks like a council estate.

Please feel free to expand upon how this could amount to the best student experience? The town is great if you are a drunk, the university is great if you choose not to do work, or if you are doing a mickey mouse degree. The living accommodations are wonderful if you have incredibly low standards and enjoy living in run down and poverty stricken conditions.

Like I said, the lecturers are decent in my subject, and the beach is a nice element. Aside from that, I am disappointed with the overall quality and conditions of both the town and the university.

Wow. You either come from a very stuck up background, you haven't learnt to be a student yet or you've just come out of retirement. Why not try living a little? You might find you enjoy it.... I wouldn't think twice about picking Swansea if I was able to turn back time.

-J

Reply 51

Elbonian

14

Original post by saiwa

You stated the quality and standards of the department were low. As an example of good quality teaching, I made a recommendation for you to look at. Surely that is quite self explanatory... It is a good thing you didn't do law.

Firstly, he isn't even acclaimed. What on earth are you trying to show me on his page? His page is identical to a law professor at any university. He doesn't even have any prestigious awards. No noble prize winners, MBE/OBE/CBEs in the law department. That is my point, and you have failed to explain how the law school doesn't have low research standards.

Your link was pretty poor. That's quite worrying if you're a law student, aren't law students supposed to have good research skills?

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings?s=Law

Low entry standards and a low research assessment score. Says it all, really.

You're right, it really is a good thing that I didn't opt to do law at Swansea! :rolleyes:

Reply 52

d0000dle

8

Original post by Beth Angharad

I'm not going to university for a good social life, but neither am I going purely so that I have a prestigious reputation. If I wanted that, I would have accepted my offer from Cardiff University, which is also a member of the Russell Group Universities :biggrin:

however, I didn't like the university itself, whereas I loved Swansea in every possible way, which is why I chose it. Screw prestige, I'm going where I'll be most happiest :smile:

YES!!
Sorry, I'm quite excited that I found someone with the same outlook that I had when picking a uni. :biggrin:

I had my choice of some great uni's with better prestige than Swansea, but I knew I would be happiest here. Sure I've had a few comments from relatives who believe I should have gone to Exeter or Cardiff, or just anywhere better but I don't regret it one bit, I'm so happy with Swansea.

Here are more of my experience here just to balance some of the stuff here out. I'm a first year History student who lives on campus.

Library (I never knew such a place could cause such controversy :P)
On a whole I like the library and I study really well there. The computer are a bit outdated but they function well with typical student needs such as Office. I dislike Internet Explorer with a passion but that's just me and the internet runs wells. I can't deny that whilst I do my work on them I do check my facebook, I'm sorry if I pisses people off but I am allowed a 10 min break every now and again. I don't abuse it like some, however this is probably not unique to Swansea, but to all unis in the UK, unless they have a blocking system.

The main computer areas are not quiet, if you require this I would advise bringing a laptop to the silent study areas. These are quiet in my opinion but I wish they were larger. People do eat food all over the uni and I believe that's fair. Especially now during exam times, people spend all day in the library and do need food. There are vending machines with snacks and drinks available and a Costa on site. It doesn't bother me and nor the majority of the people.

I spent over 6 hours in the library yesterday studying and I worked really well. I didn't notice the chairs to be particularly uncomfortable.

Plenty of books for my course, although I do need to get some of them early with popular modules as there are as many as 200+ on the course. This isn't too much bother and the library request system is very good.

Living on campus
I love it and I'm happy with the standard of accommodation. I went for the cheapest one and I got good seized room, mini-fridge and everything you expect in a room. I do share a bathroom but it's only with one other person.

I live on a floor of 18 people and this is no bother. We all pretty much get on well with each other and we have plenty of space. Although, more chairs for the kitchen would have been nice. The accommodation staff have always been helpful and quick to respond to problems, especially around exam time if people are being too loud.

The campus might not be the prettiest but I didn't choose Swansea Uni because it looked nice. Actually there are some pretty buildings but don't be put off accommodation because of what they look like from the outside, inside they are really nice.

Student life
I actually do think Swansea has a varied nightlife. Sure you might have some 'chavvy bars' but it's your own perceptions that's important. Oceana is large and as different rooms that cater to different music tastes and runs various student nights. Wind Street is almost legendary and has so many places to go, I'm sure you'll find at least somewhere you like. Sin City has more of an alternative scene and is my favourite place. It's cheaper than cheaper on Thursdays and they can get some pretty good live acts (The Blanks and Funeral for a Friend have been my favourites so far). If you don't want to live campus, Friday nights boast Tooters in Divas, the uni run nightclub. That's pretty good with cheap drinks deals.

If you don't like to drink, there are plenty of other options. Great little places to eat or bigger franchises. There are three cinemas with one on campus. Bowling, LaserQuest, the beaches, Mumbles, the theatre and gym. We have great transport links to other places as well.

Also, there are plenty of societies to join and fill up your time. Take advantage and join loads. You don't have to stick with all of them but I advise getting involved with something.

My course
I've really enjoyed studying history in Swansea. I've enjoyed the varied periods we have studied and I have some great lectures. I have good contact with my personal tutor and have had no problems with getting help. I have six lectures a week and I do wish to have more but I understand that history relies much on my own reading and work.

Swansea
Swansea isn't the prettiest of cities but that doesn't bother me. All the locals I've met bar one (she was right to be pissed off with me) have been friendly. The taxi drivers particularly weird enough, especially to freshers who are still trying to find their way around. There are plenty of shops in and around the uni. The taxis are cheap there are plenty of them. Buses are good as well. We have lots a good shops but Cardiff isn't far if you want more options. I'm not fussed on the beaches but that's because I live near to one back home but for people who don't love having it so close.

So yeah I love Swansea. I'm currently not drunk and spend most of my time sober, I do a lot of work (my boyfriend tells me I do too much as a first year), and I don't do a mickey mouse degree either. I don't consider myself living in poverty or that I have low standards.

Reply 53

MrsCrackFox

Original post by saiwa

Also, this.

What the **** is wrong with Wales?

Reply 54

AreYouDizzeeBlud_x

2

Original post by torchwood

Glasgow is Britain's 4th oldest university, its a member of the PRESTIGIOUS, RESEARCH INTENSIVE Russell group and is also ranked in the top 100 universities of the world (for some reason Swansea isn't)

for more info check out wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Glasgow

btw I'm not at Glasgow at the mo, I'll be starting in September, Oxbridge doesn't offer dentistry :smile:

Sorry to break it to you but going to a Russell Group university doesn't mean its something special all of a sudden.

Cardiff is a Russell Group University whereas Aberystwyth and Swansea are not. However, Aberystwyth and Swansea both have better Computing Departments than Cardiff according to the latest findings.

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings?r=Wales&s=Computer+Science

You'll also notice that Aberystwyth and Swansea also have a higher research rating. It all depends on what departments Russell Group Universities invest their money in. Even then there is no guarantee that the money invested is going to then lead to a better education for the students who attend there. Some people, businesses and institutions can be very wasteful with money.

Also, I'll accept rankings are not the most important thing either. The most important thing is going to a university where you feel comfortable, where you are likely to be able to achieve to the best of your ability and then coming out of university with a good degree that you can put to use in the working world.

To the OP

Overall, the two top scoring universities in Wales are Cardiff and Aberystwyth. However, Cardiff is a big city and Aberystwyth is a small town. Aberystwyth only has two clubs and loads of pubs whereas Cardiff has loads of clubs and pubs. If you want something in the middle then Swansea is the place to be to be perfectly honest. Plus it also depends on what you want to study because for some subjects Swansea and Aberystwyth, as I pointed out, are better than Cardiff. Take a look at the ratings because according to the ONS those ratings are supposedly the most accurate.

I can't see really what could be wrong with Swansea in all honesty and thats coming from a Cardiff City fan so in reality I should hate everything to do with Swansea :tongue:

The city is fine (I've been there a few times) and it only has the same problems most other cities have in all reality. The beach area is nice and I suspect come spring it'll be a lovely area to visit with a few other students to unwind.

Okay, it may not have the best in terms of academia but you're not restricted in any way by what you want to learn. You can easily further your knowledge on what you learn by self teaching outside of lessons.

Anyway, good luck with your choice and all the best in the future :biggrin:

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 55

MonacleMonkey

3

Original post by AreYouDizzeeBlud_x

I can't see really what could be wrong with Swansea in all honesty and thats coming from a Cardiff City fan so in reality I should hate everything to do with Swansea :tongue:

Blimey...

Original post by AreYouDizzeeBlud_x

Okay, it may not have the best in terms of academia but you're not restricted in any way by what you want to learn. You can easily further your knowledge on what you learn by self teaching outside of lessons.

Agreed!

Reply 56

Dettz

Original post by saiwa

The library: The main issue is the amount of people there to hang out, eat, and watch youtube or facebook on the limited computers instead of actually 'work' in the 'library'. There are a lot more problems here than 'paper rustling'. I question the amount of work you actually do in the library if you consider it to be a quiet, relaxing place.

1) The silent areas are loud. People talking, etc.
2) The law library is loud. People talking, copiers beeping, construction outside, and floors creaking.
3) The downstairs silent study area: People talking on their phones, floor creaking from law library above, numerous people eating Korean soup filling the area with a kim-chi aroma.
4) The computers are dirty, slow, or not working. Always filled with people on facebook.
5) Uncomfortable chairs. Try sitting in the law library chairs for over an hour.

Sound lovely?

The town: To me, there are more important aspects of a place than just the night life. Sure, you can get drunk for a good price here. No wonder.... what else is there to do around here? I'd predict for many people, the 'varied' nightlife of this place will become commonplace. Lets look at some of the brief details of the town.

1) Run down.
2) Filled with chavs from up on the hill, begging for change for a Special Brew.
3) Dirty.
4) Need I mention run down?
5) Inundated with litter.

The nightlife: We have the wonderful chavved up choices of:
1) Oceana (!)
2) Revs (!!!!!)
3) A casino
4) A handful of smelly, sweaty, cheap small bars
5) Play

The Uni facilities:

1) Also run down.
2) Check out the vomit in the corner of the 8th floor entrance on Penmaen. It has been there for two weeks. A nice example of how the place is kept.
3) Elevators usually broken.
4) Unhelpful and usually rude admin staff.
5) People screaming outside windows at 4:30 AM.
6) It looks like a council estate.

Please feel free to expand upon how this could amount to the best student experience? The town is great if you are a drunk, the university is great if you choose not to do work, or if you are doing a mickey mouse degree. The living accommodations are wonderful if you have incredibly low standards and enjoy living in run down and poverty stricken conditions.

Like I said, the lecturers are decent in my subject, and the beach is a nice element. Aside from that, I am disappointed with the overall quality and conditions of both the town and the university.