Rebecca Gicquel

I’ve always been an academic all-rounder, so deciding which degree to pick was tricky, and I spent a few years going back and forth between Mathematics and English Literature. Eventually, I decided on Maths, which was the right decision. Swansea University is excellent for people like me: you can study the degree of your choice and keep up with your other interests through the numerous societies on offer. For example, I am in the show choir, which allows me to continue singing at university. However, if your interests link more closely with your chosen course, a society connected to that subject will likely exist; I’m also the treasurer of Swansea University’s Maths Society (SUMSoc). This allows me to meet more people on my course, and having that common ground makes it much easier to befriend like-minded people. Continuing my interests and hobbies and connecting with people studying the same course was very important to me, and Swansea has many opportunities for both. There are so many societies and sports clubs; there really is something for everyone.

The course is quite varied, which lets me explore several different areas of mathematics and its practical applications. I have developed a much deeper understanding of how maths can relate to real-life situations, especially from the Introduction to Mathematical Modelling module. However, I have also learnt more about its theoretical applications. Across all the universities I looked at before choosing Swansea for my degree, I felt Swansea had the best variety of modules that appealed to me. So far, I have really enjoyed my time studying here.

Swansea University had many perks for me. The proximity to the sea was – as it is for many – a significant plus point of the university. On Bay Campus, it is less than a 5-minute walk to the beach from any point. I would recommend living on campus, especially in the first year, when you have a lot to deal with – moving away from home, being in an unfamiliar place, coming to terms with your course (as well as your new-found freedom!) – and the last thing you want to add to that is a commute every morning. It also provides a brilliant opportunity to meet people, which is invaluable when you start university. The mathematics lecturers here are exceptional: they’re always happy to help students to further their understanding. Having not studied further maths at A-Level, I was slightly apprehensive that I would feel behind. However, the teaching at Swansea University has been very comprehensive, and I have always felt comfortable knowing I can visit my lecturers during office hours and ask them any questions. Swansea itself is a lovely city. It’s not overwhelmingly large for someone from the countryside, like me, but it’s bustling enough for people from the city to feel it isn’t a considerable down-size.

Are you/have you been part of a society?
Yes, I am a member of both the Show Choir and the Maths Society (SUMSOC). Being in the Show Choir has allowed me to continue singing at university. The Show Choir, is, of course, very different to my degree, so it allows me a time to relax and spend time with people outside of my cohort. SUMSOC, on the other hand, gives me the opportunity to meet more people on my course, and having that common ground makes it a lot easier to connect with people quickly. I’m the treasurer of the maths society, which has been a great experience, and has allowed me to have a sense of responsibility within the society.