Dona Paul

What are your top 3 favourite things about Swansea?

• I love the beaches of Swansea! Not just the beaches there are many spots in Swansea for nature lovers like me to visit, sit and relax.
• Swansea is very quiet and pollutant- free. Unlike the big cities, here you don't have to worry about your personal space. The people I have met till now, are very kind and attentive. It's a great place with great people to make memories with! The crime rates are incredibly small!
• Living in Swansea is inexpensive. Compared to other big cities in U.K. you can easily find part time job in which you fit all your monthly living expenses without hustle. Since I am a self-funded international student, this mattered to me.

Why did you choose to study your degree at Swansea?
My course was ranked 3rd in overall student satisfaction in the whole U.K. Our syllabus had intensive opportunities for every field biologist with varieties of field studies now and then. All the modules are job oriented. And the living expenses are quite cheaper than other parts of U.K.

What is your favourite thing about your course?
The field exposure! We already had like 2 one-day field studies and waiting for another one that lasts three days. Rather than textbook knowledge, our course deals with real-life work exposures. We have invited guests for our lectures who are working in our field to whom we have built connections too!

What are you planning/hoping to do after you graduate?
I am planning to do research on conservation projects in subject areas like forestry and Agroforestry. Volunteer in as many conservation projects that deals with climate change. My short-term goal is to work in ecological consultancies and my long-term goal is to be an Ecologist/Bio-scientist

Would you recommend Swansea University to other students?
I would recommend Swansea Uni to all students especially the international students who are planning to join, mainly because of the quality of education provided here. The course offers job-oriented experiences rather than textbook knowledge. Studying here is very budget friendly especially for self-funded international students. There is so much to explore in Wales. The university hosts many short trips to visit many such places.

Have you lived in halls during your studies?
I am currently living in Hendrefoelan Student Village. I chose to live here because it was the cheapest residential areas offered by the university. It is 45 mins walking distance from singleton campus. Though we are bit far away from campus and the city centre, we have been provided with annual free bus pass in south wales first buses. The area is very serene and spacious. We have our own miner's library which has all the access to all the university libraries where we can request books, use computers that are connected to university ethernet and various other library services. The residential services are very prompt and active.

Have you worked part-time during your degree?
I am working as student ambassador at the uni. I have been able to challenge my social skills as i got exposed to many public events. I met many new people through the ambassador scheme. Alongside I am working part time in a takeaway shop at Killay as kitchen assistant and waitress roles.