YES!!
Sorry, I'm quite excited that I found someone with the same outlook that I had when picking a uni.
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 The computer are a bit outdated but they function well with typical student needs such as Office.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 campusI 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 lifeI 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 courseI'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.
SwanseaSwansea 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.