Aberystwyth or Bangor???
I'm applying to uni extremely last minute to study geography and am not sure if I should apply to Bangor or Aberystwyth. Aberystwyth is closer to the beach (but I don't know if the beaches near Bangor look nicer??) and I've heard a lot of great things about it, but Bangor looks more mountainous and slightly bigger. Can anyone give me some insight into what it's like to study at these places? what's the atmosphere like? which has better nightlife? Which has nicer surroundings? Please help!
Reply 1
Ooh, two rival unis. I'm going to be biased but I recommend Aberystwyth 100%
It is a top Welsh university for student satisfaction and I can see why! It's a beautiful campus on a hill with the view of the sea. Anyone I speak to says that Aberystwyth is a much nicer place too.
I am not interested in nightlife so i can't really say about that but I would encourage you to visit both places.
I wouldn't be surprised if you prefer Aber!
It is a top Welsh university for student satisfaction and I can see why! It's a beautiful campus on a hill with the view of the sea. Anyone I speak to says that Aberystwyth is a much nicer place too.
I am not interested in nightlife so i can't really say about that but I would encourage you to visit both places.
I wouldn't be surprised if you prefer Aber!
Reply 2
Hi Bethan26,
I was hoping a current Bangor student would reply and give you first-hand answers, but you’ll have to make do with me – sorry 🙂 I’m a staff member at Bangor University, so I may be a little biased, but I was also a student here around 10 years ago.
I’m not overly familiar with Aberystwyth and have only been there a few times for the annual Varsity competition (which Bangor has won for the last 8 years or so 😉). You’re probably right that Aberystwyth is closer to the beach. The beaches around Bangor are a short drive away (some about 5 minutes, others around 20 minutes) and they’re really beautiful. When I was a student, my mates and I didn’t drive, so I mainly stuck to the lovely walks around Bangor itself, such as along the Menai Strait when the tide is out, Roman Camp with its 360° views over Bangor, Lon Ogwen, and the cycle path along the Afon Cegin.
In terms of the outdoors and water sports, there are loads of opportunities. Again, many activities are a short drive from the city centre, but the sports clubs organise transport and safe access. Clubs include mountain walking, paddleboarding, climbing, canoeing, rowing, sailing, skateboarding and cycling.
You can see the full list of sports clubs here: Undeb Bangor Sport Clubs.
For Geography, I didn’t study it myself, but I know several current students who really enjoy it. One of the main benefits is that you don’t have to travel far for fieldwork – some of the most important and varied field sites are right on our doorstep. Bangor is minutes away from both the foothills of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Anglesey coastline.
I noticed you have a Welsh name, so you may speak Welsh. If that’s the case, Bangor offers the option to study some modules through the medium of Welsh, and there are bursaries available for this too.
As for the atmosphere, Bangor is quite hard to describe, but it really does have something special about it. The university is fairly small and close-knit, which makes it feel like home quite quickly. There’s lots of support, from halls and wellbeing services to approachable lecturers and friendly staff around campus.
Nightlife-wise, I was more of a pub person than a clubber. When I was a student, I’d go out a few times a week and there was a good range of pubs, all offering something different – open mic nights, quizzes, karaoke, or just a relaxed night out.
You’re almost guaranteed to bump into people you know, which adds to the fun. There’s currently one nightclub in Bangor, and because it’s the only one, student nights are usually busy and full of familiar faces.
If you’re interested in clubs or societies, they organise lots of socials, often in local pubs, which are a great way to make friends. There are also sober socials for those who prefer not to drink or who want something quieter.
I hope this gives you a useful overview. Just keep in mind that I’m a staff member, so this isn’t a current student’s perspective – but I’m happy to share what I know 🙂
Thanks, Ffi 🙂
I was hoping a current Bangor student would reply and give you first-hand answers, but you’ll have to make do with me – sorry 🙂 I’m a staff member at Bangor University, so I may be a little biased, but I was also a student here around 10 years ago.
I’m not overly familiar with Aberystwyth and have only been there a few times for the annual Varsity competition (which Bangor has won for the last 8 years or so 😉). You’re probably right that Aberystwyth is closer to the beach. The beaches around Bangor are a short drive away (some about 5 minutes, others around 20 minutes) and they’re really beautiful. When I was a student, my mates and I didn’t drive, so I mainly stuck to the lovely walks around Bangor itself, such as along the Menai Strait when the tide is out, Roman Camp with its 360° views over Bangor, Lon Ogwen, and the cycle path along the Afon Cegin.
In terms of the outdoors and water sports, there are loads of opportunities. Again, many activities are a short drive from the city centre, but the sports clubs organise transport and safe access. Clubs include mountain walking, paddleboarding, climbing, canoeing, rowing, sailing, skateboarding and cycling.
You can see the full list of sports clubs here: Undeb Bangor Sport Clubs.
For Geography, I didn’t study it myself, but I know several current students who really enjoy it. One of the main benefits is that you don’t have to travel far for fieldwork – some of the most important and varied field sites are right on our doorstep. Bangor is minutes away from both the foothills of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Anglesey coastline.
I noticed you have a Welsh name, so you may speak Welsh. If that’s the case, Bangor offers the option to study some modules through the medium of Welsh, and there are bursaries available for this too.
As for the atmosphere, Bangor is quite hard to describe, but it really does have something special about it. The university is fairly small and close-knit, which makes it feel like home quite quickly. There’s lots of support, from halls and wellbeing services to approachable lecturers and friendly staff around campus.
Nightlife-wise, I was more of a pub person than a clubber. When I was a student, I’d go out a few times a week and there was a good range of pubs, all offering something different – open mic nights, quizzes, karaoke, or just a relaxed night out.
You’re almost guaranteed to bump into people you know, which adds to the fun. There’s currently one nightclub in Bangor, and because it’s the only one, student nights are usually busy and full of familiar faces.
If you’re interested in clubs or societies, they organise lots of socials, often in local pubs, which are a great way to make friends. There are also sober socials for those who prefer not to drink or who want something quieter.
I hope this gives you a useful overview. Just keep in mind that I’m a staff member, so this isn’t a current student’s perspective – but I’m happy to share what I know 🙂
Thanks, Ffi 🙂
Reply 3
Original post
by Bethan26I'm applying to uni extremely last minute to study geography and am not sure if I should apply to Bangor or Aberystwyth. Aberystwyth is closer to the beach (but I don't know if the beaches near Bangor look nicer??) and I've heard a lot of great things about it, but Bangor looks more mountainous and slightly bigger. Can anyone give me some insight into what it's like to study at these places? what's the atmosphere like? which has better nightlife? Which has nicer surroundings? Please help!
Hi @Bethan26
Great to hear you are considering Bangor for Geography.
Bangor is honestly a dream for Geography students. 😊
Bangor isn’t just about stunning views – it’s a natural classroom. You’ve got Snowdonia National Park right next door for mountains, rivers, and glacial landscapes, plus Anglesey’s coastline for beaches and marine environments. Field trips? They’re incredible because everything is on your doorstep – no long travel needed!
The uni has a strong reputation for Geography and Environmental Sciences, with loads of hands-on learning and fieldwork opportunities. If you’re into physical geography, climate, or sustainability, Bangor’s location is unbeatable. And if human geography is your thing, the local communities and Welsh culture give you plenty to explore.
Nightlife is student-focused and friendly, and the scenery is honestly breathtaking – mountains, beaches, forests… you’ll never run out of places to explore. Aberystwyth is lovely, but Bangor gives you that extra mix of landscapes and adventure.
If you want a uni experience where your surroundings are part of your degree, Bangor is the one. 🌄🏖 Good luck with your application – let me know if you have any further questions 🙂
Sera
Reply 4
Original post
by Bethan26I'm applying to uni extremely last minute to study geography and am not sure if I should apply to Bangor or Aberystwyth. Aberystwyth is closer to the beach (but I don't know if the beaches near Bangor look nicer??) and I've heard a lot of great things about it, but Bangor looks more mountainous and slightly bigger. Can anyone give me some insight into what it's like to study at these places? what's the atmosphere like? which has better nightlife? Which has nicer surroundings? Please help!
Hey! Curious to know if you applied to both and if you've made a decision yet!? Have you been to open days at both to experience them for yourself?
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