Welcome Week
Do You Speak Swansea?
Welcome to Swansea University! Where from the moment you arrive, you will feel at home.
Swansea isn't just a city or university, it's a way of life. It's in the people, the places, the food, the experiences, the memories…
We want to take you on a virtual tour like no other, around our city and university. From Varsity to Verdi's, Wind Street to Swansea Bay, Swansea has it all… let us show you what life here is really like.
Scroll down to explore our “Swansea Icons” and hear from our students from all over the world as they describe what makes Swansea so special. Discover new experiences and immerse yourself in 'Swanseaness' by revisiting familiar sights and sounds.
And don't forget, we want to hear from you too! Share your own icons of Swansea - whether that's a favourite place, anecdote, or hobby - by using #speakswansea on socials.
What's your flavour
Joe's or Verdi's?
What's a seaside without ice cream?
The iconic parlours of Joe's and Verdi's are just two of the many establishments where you will find unforgettable ice cream in Swansea!
Whether it's a sunny summer's day or the temperatures drop below zero, you're sure to find a queue outside these legendary locations.
With Joe's and Verdi's somewhat famous amongst the Swansea residents, what will be your flavour? From the classic vanilla at Joe's to the endless flavours at Verdi's.
No matter what your flavour, there is a tub-full of choice in Swansea when it comes to delicious ice-cream!
So, what are you waiting for? Discover your favourite today!
The Ultimate
Pasty-Lovers
So, you may have heard of our fantastic beachfront location, but there's one caveat that comes with that - BEWARE OF THE SEAGULLS!
Although Swansea wouldn't be the same without it's seagulls, these opportunistic birds will exploit any convenient food source they can find, so to protect you and your Greggs we've put together some handy tips.
Don't be GULLable - 5 top tips on how to avoid being mugged by a gull:
Rooms
With a view
If you visit Langland beach it's impossible to miss the brightly painted shoreline cabins that line the bay.
With almost 80 of the iconic green and white cabins (with the first rumoured to have been built in 1923!), you'll be sure to find these featured on postcards around the city.
You may have heard that Swansea has been described as one of the best regions in the UK for, surfing, cycling, water sports, rock climbing and golf, so if you're an adventure sport enthusiast this is the place to be! Feeling a little less daring? Why not take a stroll along the coastal path or beach?
There's over 50 beaches and bays to choose from around here, but Langland Bay beach is one definitely not to be missed. With both Blue Flag and Seaside awards, plus coastal path links to Caswell, Rotherslade, Limeslade, and Bracelet Bay, this makes a perfect day out!
Join the SU on their Gower trip!
Go Explore
Seen in
Paris • Milan • New York • Uplands
If you've been to one of our Open Days or events you may have already noticed the famous frog hats, popular amongst both students and staff!
Here's just a few uses of the humble frog hat:
- Trying to impersonate a frog? ✓
- Need a hat because it's raining? ✓
- Need a hat because it's sunny? ✓
- Want to look cool? ✓
So, you may ask, what does the hat symbolise?
Just like Swansea - it makes you look twice, once the person wearing it has your attention you can't help but smile and remember it. It's also a perfect match for our ambassador clothes!
And for those who want to get their hands on one? Limited quantities may be available to student ambassadors working at future Open Days!
Find out how you could become a Student Ambassador
The Jack Army
Needs You!
After being around for over 100 years, the club is embedded in the history and culture of Swansea City, so much so that the Swansea City Supporters' Trust owns 20% of the club and also has a representative on the club's board.
Whilst you'll find the stadium occupied between August-May with our Swans, keep an eye out for some other famous visitors. The stadium has hosted a number of star-studded performances, including the likes of Elton John, Kings of Leon and Little Mix!
See the Swans in action at the impressive Swansea.com stadium!
Who are we? Jack Army!
Swansea City Football Club
More Poetry
Is needed
Swansea City, otherwise known as the home of Dylan Thomas.
From pubs to parks, the legacy of this famous poet can be found throughout the city of Swansea.
Famous for his work including;
“Under Milk Wood”, “Do not go gentle into that good night” and “And death shall have no dominion”, the legendary poet Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea in 1914, where he began his career before moving to London in 1933.
Thomas acknowledged that he returned to Wales when he had difficulty writing, with John Ackerman stating that "his inspiration and imagination were rooted in his Welsh background."
Dylan Thomas
From up here
the world's your oyster
Looking for an Instagram worthy view? Look no further than Kilvey Hill! Standing at 193 metres tall, located on the East side of Swansea (close to our Bay Campus) the walk to the top is something not to be missed, where you'll be met with panoramic 360 views across the city!
Immerse yourself in nature and look out for birds including the skylark, night jar, linnet, peregrine, redwing, song thrush, fieldfare, raven and whitethroat. There have's also been sightings of the rare small blue butterfly at the site!
And if you're planning on sticking around in Swansea you could be in for a treat! There's an ambitious project lined up which includes building an outdoor adventure park including ziplines, a sky swing, luge runs and a cable way system, plus a panoramic viewing platform. With New Zealand based Skyline Enterprises commenting that they are aiming to open in 2025 - watch this space!
In the meantime, lace up your trainers, we'll race you to the top!
More information about Kilvey Hill
Enjoy a slice
of Swansea life
Life in Swansea is hard to describe, with our students saying it is a feeling of home, and once you arrive you won't want to leave!
From picnics to BBQ's and pizzas at the beach - just a few things our students have told us are their favourite things to do!
“When I think of Swansea I think of the beach. I think of walking over from Singleton campus, propping up a small barbeque and hanging out with friends in the sand. Swansea has some of the most extreme tides and it's really fun to watch them come in and out.”- Maya Dotson.
For dancing
In the sun, and the rain
Come rain or shine, there is something for everyone here in Swansea, the perfect balance between city and countryside vibes! And it's true what they say, when you're in Swansea you can't ignore the friendly inclusive environment that the residents are known for.
Swansea University is no different, even featuring its very own Academy of Inclusivity!
This dedicated team works to provide inclusive academic and pastoral support for our diverse student population, including specialist support services for disability, wellbeing, welfare, faith, money, accommodation, and academic study.
As well as our fantastic support services there are over 150 societies and 50 sports clubs where you can meet like-minded people and make new friends. From visual arts to poker, real ale to gospel, there really is something for everyone, but if you can't find the perfect group for you, the Students' Union makes it easy for you to start your own!
How can you join in?
How do you
Pronounce it
Probably the most famous street in Swansea... Wind Street (pronounced: wine-street), is a café quarter by day and a party paradise by night where 20 bars and restaurants line a 160m stretch of road.
Whilst it's important to have fun, it's essential to ensure nights out are a safe and positive experience.
Throughout Freshers', Swansea University Students' Union operate a ‘Safe Night Out Scheme'. This scheme works with our societies and sports teams to provide a presence around our clubs throughout the night: providing directions, support, and ensuring our students get home safely.
Working closely with the Police and St Johns Ambulance, this scheme ensures our students feel safe while enjoying making new friends and memories.
The Students Union also provide shuttle busses throughout the night to ensure everyone has a safe and reliable way of getting back to our campuses after their night out.
Find out more with our tips and advice for nights out
Waves
for days
As soon as you arrive in Swansea you can't miss the 8km stretch of beach - the longest beach in Swansea, Swansea Bay.
At 10.4m Swansea Bay has the second highest tidal range in the world - with plans to make the world's first tidal lagoon power plant here!
With access from both our campuses, Swansea Bay is a regular haunt for our students, who say there's plenty of fun to be had whatever the season.
Jump in for some open water swimming, learn a new water sport, or just relax on the beach with friends!
Help us look after our environment and get involved in our weekly beach cleans!
Find your watersport
Discover what else there is to do at Swansea Bay
Back where
you belong
Hellos and goodbyes, some of your biggest moments will be at this station!
“One of my core memories is coming back from Christmas break and having 2 of my flat mates run and tackle me in a hug when they came to pick me up at the station.”- Kanchi Mehta
"One of the things I love most about Swansea is the city's inclusiveness, safety and offer everything that one expects to find".- Dongkai Chen
"The first thing I love most about Swansea is the people".- Faisat Oyetoun Oshilalu
When you see it
You're home
Mumbles. Cosy but cosmopolitan, Mumbles is full of local character and charm. Home to handmade crafts, luxury boutiques and arguably the worlds' best ice cream, plus its own famous icons including the Lighthouse (built in 1794!), Oystermouth Castle and of course, Mumbles Pier.
You can easily get to Mumbles from our campuses, whether you want to enjoy a leisurely stroll along with beach, cycle along the promenade, or jump on the Cymru coaster bus, a trip to the village of Mumbles is something you won't want to miss!
Don’t have your own bike?
Why not hire one of our Santander Cycles!
With six hubs across the city and the first 30 minutes of every ride free (for students and staff), the bikes really are a great way to get around and explore the sights.
Ore-some
Heritage
Famous for its stunning scenery, ancient history, and charming language, the history and heritage of Wales can be felt all around.
Swansea prides itself on being a vibrant centre for art and The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is widely recognised as the city's premier venue for art exhibitions. Also, at the heart of our Singleton Park campus sits the Taliesin Arts Centre, home to regular productions, mainstream and alternative cinema screenings, plus the award-winning Egypt Centre, home to a collection of over 5,000 Egyptian antiquities.
Did you know?
All national museums and art galleries in Wales are free to enter, so you can soak up our history and join one of the many trips organised by Swansea University's Students' Union!
Discover more about our heritage
Green and white
'Til we die
Some may say the Welsh Varsity rivals the World Cup Final...
What initially began as a rugby match between Cardiff and Swansea Universities at the Cardiff Arms Park in 1997, has grown year-on-year and is now one of the largest student multi-sport events in the UK and the second biggest Varsity event in the UK, trailing only behind Oxford and Cambridge.
Usually a week-long festival of sport, students compete in almost 50 different activities for the coveted Welsh Varsity Shield, including: ultimate frisbee; swimming; golf; fencing; squash; boxing; basketball and hockey, to name a few!
The finale is the showcase Men's and Women's Rugby matches, making a nod to the history of the event.
Green and white till we die!
Say Shwmae
To lifelong friends
Some fun facts about Wales:
There are a LOT of sheep
Yes, the rumours are true, there are officially more sheep than people in Wales, with a population of around 3.1 million, we are outnumbered by almost 10 million sheep!
Who wants one national emblem when you could have two?
It's thought there was some confusion around the Welsh name Cenhinen (leek) and Cehhinen Bedr (daffodil). So just in case people wouldn't know which one they meant, both emblems were adopted to avoid any confusion.
We have a few castles...
Wales officially has more castles per square mile than any other country in the world! Caerphilly is the largest castle in Wales and is the second largest in Europe behind Windsor Castle.
We have some famous locals
Tom Jones, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Burton to name a few!
We have our own language
Wales is a bilingual country with currently around 20% of the population speaking the native language - Welsh. This number is growing year on year, why not learn it yourself?
Did you know that we celebrate all aspects of Welsh culture here in Wales. Not only do we have our own Patron Saint, St. David, who we celebrate on the 1st of March every year, but we also celebrate Welsh Music Day in February, and Shwmae Day in October! Shwmae Day is a celebration of the Welsh language, and an opportunity to encourage non-Welsh speakers to consider learning the language. Take a look at our Welsh lesson to learn more!
"Technical skill is bereft
without culture"
Making waves since 1920
The University's foundation stone was laid by King George V on 19 July 1920 and 89 students (including eight female students) enrolled that same year. By September 1939, there were 65 staff and 485 students.
In 1947 there were just two permanent buildings on campus: Singleton Abbey and the library. The Principal, J S Fulton, recognised the need to expand the estate and had a vision of a self-contained community, with residential, social and academic facilities on a single site. His vision was to become the first university campus in the UK.
It's safe to say his vision came true, after Swansea University celebrated its Centenary on July 19th 2020, having not one, but two campuses. This unique occasion in the University's lifetime led to a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the University's achievements and journey over the past 100 years.
In honour of celebrating all aspects of campus life as part of our Centenary, we invited students, staff and alumni to nominate places on campus that hold significant personal value.
Find out more
Tell me you
Go to Swansea without telling me
You may have heard that Swansea is famous for its Swans (no pun intended). It's hard to miss these birds across the city. But alongside it's Swans, there's another famous animal featured in the famous tales of Swansea...
Swansea Jack
Swansea Jack was a black retriever born in 1930, who lived in Swansea with his master, William Thomas.
Jack would always respond to cries for help from the water. His first rescue was in June 1931, when he saved a 12-year-old boy. A few weeks later, in front of a crowd, Jack rescued a swimmer from the docks. His photograph appeared in the local paper and the local council awarded him a silver collar.
Over the years Jack received numerous awards followed including ‘Bravest Dog of the Year' and a silver cup. He is the only dog awarded TWO bronze medals (the canine VC) by the National Canine Defence League. Legend has it that Jack saved 27 people in his lifetime.
His memorial stands on the promenade near St.Helen's Rugby Ground.
Read some more tales; alumnus Mike Johnson describes one of his fondest memories involving the attendance of a very special guest at a friend's birthday party.
Read Mike's story
Tick Tock,
Bay O'Clock
Compared to iconic buildings including; Burj Khalifa, The Empire State Building and The Shard, you won't miss the Bay Clock Tower at our Bay Campus.
Built in 2015, Bay Campus is Swansea University's second campus, and is currently home to Engineering, School of Management, Computational Foundry and The College.
So you may be wondering what's at this state-of-the-art campus? Let us tell you:
- 2,000 accommodation rooms, complete with free wifi
- 24/7 library
- Gym
- Indoor and outdoor games areas
- A range of shops and catering outlets
- Laundrette
- Music practise rooms
- Plus direct access to the beach! Who wouldn't want to study here?
Explore Bay Campus with our Virtual Tour