Keystone logo

Study in Wales: Student Life

It’s not all work. Our universities will help you make the most of all the opportunities and experiences on offer outside the library and lecture theaters.  Wherever you’re based while studying in Wales, you’ll never be short of things to see and do.

Jan 19, 2022
student life in wales

It’s not all work. Our universities will help you make the most of all the opportunities and experiences on offer outside the library and lecture theaters. 

Wherever you’re based while studying in Wales, you’ll never be short of things to see and do. Each of our towns and cities has its own distinct character – from friendly Bangor, nestled between mountains and sea, to the lovely seaside city of Swansea.

Ready to experience student life in Wales for yourself?

Discover thousands of international programs in Wales!

The capital city of Wales, Cardiff, is a compact, vibrant, and multicultural city. It’s a major destination for shopping, eating, entertainment, nightlife, and sports, with venues that regularly host international sporting events and concerts from chart-topping artists.

Much of Wales’ landscape is protected, ensuring its beauty will be preserved for generations to come. If living here, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the splendor and diversity of our landscape. Around a quarter of the country lies either within one of its three National Parks (Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast) or one of its five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs): the Llŷn Peninsula, the Clwydian Range, and Dee Valley, the Gower Peninsula, Anglesey, and the Wye Valley.

The Student Union

The union is the center of student life. It’s run by students for students and overseen by a dedicated sabbatical committee. You’re automatically a member, and you won’t have to pay to belong.

You’re likely to use their facilities on a daily basis, such as food outlets, stationery shops, general stores, cafés, and bars. They also put on a program of entertainment throughout the year, from socials and club nights to gigs by big-name bands.

Clubs and Societies

Whatever your interests, you’ll find plenty of like-minded people at our universities – and more likely than not, they’ll have formed a club or society. Societies can be course-based (such as law, maths, or economics societies), cultural and international (Malaysian, African-Caribbean, or Nordic societies), or for different groups (LGBT+ society).

Artistic and musical societies are well represented, as are charities, awareness campaigns, and gaming groups. You can get involved in student media: Bangor’s Seren and Cardiff University’s Gair Rhydd are among Britain’s best-known student publications. And if you can’t find the right society, you can always start your own!

Sporting Activities

Wales is a sporting nation – something that’s most obvious when the national rugby or football team plays, and everyone comes together to show support.

Whichever sports you’ve practiced at home, you’ll almost certainly be able to carry them on at university in Wales. And if you’re up for a new challenge, you can check out some of the more unusual sporting societies. How about ultimate frisbee, kendo, korfball or quidditch?

You could even end up representing your university, with the chance to compete in student competitions all over the UK and even across the world.


Learn more about studying in Wales:

Overview

Choosing Wales as your study abroad destination means more than a top-quality education. Get an overview of Wales and why you should study abroad there.

Welsh Language & Culture

Wales is a country steeped in heritage. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and more! 

Tuition Fees in Wales

Tuition fees for higher education programs in Wales can vary. Many international and domestic students pay different tuition fees, depending on where they are from. In this section, you'll find all the information on how this works in Wales.

Housing and Living Costs in Wales

No matter where you study abroad, it’s important to create a budget in advance so that you’re prepared. Therefore, we’ve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in Wales.

Entry Requirements for Welsh Universities

Learn more about the national application portal for Welsh universities. This section covers what you'll need to do when applying as an undergraduate and postgraduate.

Scholarships

Don't let international student tuition fees stop you from studying abroad in Wales. Find out more about some of the scholarships available to international students here! 

Student Visas for the UK

Do you need a visa to enter Wales to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizenship. Don't worry! We've gathered the information you'll need to make it happen.

Programs in Wales

Ready to browse higher education courses in Wales? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Wales today!

Keystone Team

Author

The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.