The top 5 things I love about being in Swansea
When choosing a university to spend the next 3-5 years in, it’s more than the league tables and prospective course content. If you don’t feel comfortable in the city/town that you’re studying in, it can make your time, opportunities and academic performance feel inadequate.
Seeing as it’s exam season, I’ve (naturally) longed for better things to do in this wonderful seaside city, and there are loads! I’ve narrowed it down to 5 major things that make Swansea such a wonderful place to spend your time, especially with us being so close to summer:
1. The many independent shops, restaurants and cafés
Although you still have the ever famous Costa and Starbucks for a safe quick fix of caffeine, Swansea is home to a ton of little independent shops and eateries. From tiny little coffee houses, like the One Shoe Café, nestled snugly on the corner of King Edward’s Road to adorable boutiques like Kindle House on Commercial Street – I always find that it is much better to try out new retail experiences as opposed to sticking with the same huge chains!
Whatever your taste, Swansea always has somewhere to cater to it, all you have to do is look around and find them.
2. Nature galore!
Whether its cute, woodland walks in Singleton Park or a gentle jog along the coastal path up to Mumbles, Swansea is a veritable hive (pun intended) of nature. Wherever you happen to be, don’t be surprised to constantly hear a bird tweeting or a seagull squawking and if you’re always looking for that perfect photo, every park has something to stun your followers.
3. The ideal proximity between the city life and the rural counterparts
One thing I LOVE about Swansea is that there is somewhere for everyone! Don’t like crowds or that big city vibe? Sketty or Mumbles are the place for you, offering leafy streets or a picturesque seaside town. Or if you like the city vibe and the hustle and bustle of busy streets, head into the city centre and you won’t be lost for choice.
4. The nightlife
But one thing pretty much every student can agree on, when the sun sun goes down (and you’ve got your coursework out the way) the only thing to do is head into town and celebrate the best way you know how. With the huge array of clubs, pubs and bars, the alcoholic atmosphere is endless!
5. The beaches
From Swansea Bay to Rhossili, Swansea has some of the prettiest beaches in the country, with a range that suit whatever your seaside desires. Like surfing? Then head over to Langland Bay, or if you want to take a walk in the fresh sea air, with some incredible views, then Rhossili is the beach for you. This is probably the highlight that most people who have lived/visited Swansea remember most, purely due to the beauty that can take your breath away. If that isn’t enough of a reason to love Swansea, I don’t know what is!
That’s all from me, hope the exam season is treating you well! x
