Studying in Wales

Looking to study in Wales? Our student guide will help you learn more about the country, its universities, and we’ve chatted to current students about their experience.

CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE WALES

Tamsin Mosse 20 Sep 2023

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About Wales
Places in Wales
Universities in Wales
Getting around Wales
Things to do in Wales
What students say about Wales

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About Wales

A vibrant culture, remarkable natural landscapes, and a tradition of innovation and research are what draw more than 129,000 students to Wales each year. Its universities offer an array of diverse courses and specialities so it’s not hard to see why the country’s student population boasts around 130 different nationalities.

Many are drawn to Wales as it’s generally considered a very safe place to live. The cost of living is low compared to many other university towns and cities, and the locals will quickly make you feel at home.

Places in Wales

Wales is split into numerous different counties. They are:

Clwyd
Dyfed
Gwent
Gwynedd
Mid Glamorgan
Powys
South Glamorgan
West Glamorgan

Within these counties, you’ll find several main cities and towns. These include:

Aberystwyth
Bangor
Bridgend
Cardiff
Newport
Pontypridd
Swansea
Wrexham

All the above cities and towns are home to Welsh universities and further education colleges.

Universities in Wales

Wales is home to globally-recognised universities. These are:

The Welsh further education colleges you can attend include:

GO TO
University rankings in Wales

Getting around Wales

Make the most of the different transport options available. You may walk, cycle, or use the local bus services during the week while you study. If a weekend away is on the cards, the Welsh bus and rail networks are extensive, or perhaps hiring a car with your bikes in the back is your vibe.

Air

The only local flight within Wales is from Cardiff to Anglesey. If you’re flying to Wales from another country or heading abroad from Wales, you’ll use Cardiff Airport.

Ferry

Ferries aren’t used for travelling within the region but can be handy to reach Southern and Northern Ireland. Holyhead, Pembroke and Fishguard terminals have ferries heading to and from Dublin, Belfast and Rosslare. The quickest and most popular ferry is the route from Holyhead to Dublin with a crossing time of about 3 and a half hours.

Train

The Transport for Wales network will connect you right across Wales, whether you need to get to the north coast or the south. You can also catch trains to England and Scotland from Wales. Most students invest in a 16–25 Railcard for £30, which will get you a third off rail fares. The earlier you book a train ticket the cheaper it’ll be.

Bus

For long-distance journeys across Wales, TrawsCymru, National Express and Megabus offer a cheaper alternative to the train and can take you to all of Wales’ rural areas. An Explore Wales Pass gets you 4 days of unlimited bus and rail travel within an eight-day period. There’ll be local bus services in your town or city too, so check with your university to see what discounts are available.

Cycle

Many explore Wales on bike to soak in the stunning landscapes. You can cycle on the National Cycle Network’s different routes, made by Sustrans. Find a local bike shop or a second-hand seller to invest in your own or hire one. As Wales continues to develop cycle lanes in the towns and cities, more students are choosing to cycle as a means of keeping fit, saving money, and exploring where they live.

Other

Hiring a car means you get to see Wales on your own terms. Walking is a great way to familiarise yourself with your local area and, if it isn’t too far, commute to campus. Places like Cardiff have Uber and Ola, while other Welsh cities and towns will have local taxi services on hand.

Things to do in Wales

You won’t run out of things to see and do in Wales. The country’s defined by its natural beauty, so getting outdoors is the best way to familiarise yourself with your surroundings. Add to this a thriving arts scene and countless events, and you’ll find that there’s something for every student.

Arts & culture

Poetry and music are synonymous with Wales, meaning its arts scene always has something on. Theatr Clywd, Venue Cymru, and National Theatre Wales are all cornerstones of the Welsh arts scene. Explore ancient castles, such as Conwy and Beaumaris Castles, or local villages, like Tenby and Tresaith, to discover Wales’ cultural history.

Events

Cardiff’s Millennium Centre, Sherman Theatre, and Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall are where you can find live music, comedy, and theatre performances. Check out the catalogue of famous festivals including National Eisteddfod, Green Man, and Machynlleth Comedy Festival. For sport, you’ll have the Welsh national rugby team or football team competing at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with boxing, cricket, and golf events also in the calendar.

Outdoors

Coastal walks and day hikes are a regular pastime for those living in Wales. You’ve got the three National Trails, along with Cardigan coastline and Gower Peninsula to get you started. Snowdonia National Park and Pembrokeshire National Park are also popular destinations, and in the warmer months, head to the Welsh beaches, including Ynyslas Beach and Three Cliffs Bay.

What students say about Wales

We asked some students about their experience living in Wales. This is what they had to say:

Living in Wales is one of the best decisions I've ever made, it's like a breath of fresh air! Being close to the sea and mountains allows you to take time out when you need it and enjoy the natural beauty around you.

Jenny Woods, School of Natural Sciences student at Bangor University

I love living in Wales as you only realise how we take the scenery and attractions for granted when you go elsewhere. To have places like Snowdonia on your door step is unique.

Lewis Thompson, Sports Science student at Bangor University