Bangor University

Georgia Townson from Lancashire Studying Psychology

Why Bangor University?

I chose Bangor because it was such a beautiful place, I could imagine myself living and studying here. The course sounded really interesting, especially the third year where there were lots of optional modules to choose from compared to other Universities.

What is the best thing about your course so far?

The best thing about my course so far is the module 'Born to Run' that I’m studying in my third year. I really enjoy this module because we're all training as a group to apply psychological theory to running a marathon. It's a huge interest of mine because it mixes sports and psychology and the group atmosphere is great and really encouraging.

Are you involved in any clubs or societies?

I am the secretary of the powerlifting club as well as social secretary of the Bangor Uni Boob Team which encourages young people to regularly check themselves for cancer. I have also recently taken part in athletics to help improve my overall fitness in preparation for the marathon.

What do you like most about Bangor?

I really like the sense of community here because it's quite a small city. The scenery is amazing, with mountains on one side and the sea on the other. It's a really great place to go walking, running or cycling so you're never bored. The nightlife is also good with a good choice of pubs and a couple of clubs. The best thing about Bangor for me however is the free clubs and societies which gives you ample opportunities to get involved with any and every sports club or society.

Sufyaan Niazi from Cheshire studying Environmental Conservation (International Experience)

Why did you choose to study in Bangor University?

The infamous North Wales location was extremely attractive to me and the course I chose. We have access to some beautiful parts of the UK, right on our doorstep. The university itself succeeds in several areas including student satisfaction, clubs and societies and accommodation, which was important to me.

What is the best thing about your course so far?

To be able to experience the great outdoors right on my doorstep, which is an essential part of my field of study. The international opportunities the course has provided me has also been a highlight, I have recently returned from a 3rd year tropical conservation field course in Uganda and I also took part in an international study abroad year in Canada between my 1st and 2nd year.

Are you involved in any clubs and societies?

Yes, I was part of rowing during my 1st and 2nd year of university and have represented the university's athletics club since I began my studies at Bangor. During my 2nd and 3rd year I have been part of the committee for the university's Vegetarian and Vegan Society. We provide free vegan food each week based around different themes and cuisines.

What do you like about Bangor?

There’s so much going on here, and we are really well connected. I live 10 minutes from the centre of Bangor and five minutes from the beach. We have beach barbecues, go paddle boarding, play beach tennis and fly kites. Sometimes I’ll take my laptop down to the pier to do some work, other times I’ll walk in the Snowdonia mountains and explore.

Tell us about your international experience.

I took part in an international experience year between my 1st and second year of uni at The University of Alberta Canada. The study exchange lasted a full academic year and was by far the biggest highlight of my university life to date. I met some absolutely wonderful people and was provided with some amazing travel opportunities whilst out there. Bangor University has an amazing international office and encourages you to partake in their array of international programmes to not only make you more employable but to add to an incredible, once in a lifetime experience. I have returned to Canada several times since the exchanged ended and its now a country I know, love and hold close to my heart. I couldn't recommend Bangor's international opportunities enough, I am truly grateful for the experience.

Have you been involved in any work experience or internship scheme?

I took part in Bangor's Undergraduate Internship Scheme during my 2nd year of studies. It was a paid role aiming to give students professional career experiences whilst continuing with ongoing studies. My role was with the university's marketing department as a digital marketing intern. I was given the role of documenting a number of university events and campaigns to share with prospective students on social media. I also had to create a number of vlogs with the aim of providing weekly updates of events happening at the university. It was an amazing opportunity where I could create and work with my own schedule and fit around my studies. It provided me with invaluable experience within a professional field and I certainly developed a number of skills that will help me in my future career.

Clodagh Colbeck from the Wirral, studying BA French, Italian and Spanish

Why did you choose to study in Bangor University?

I decided I wanted to study purely languages, and not the culture and history modules, which usually come with that kind of degree. Having typed into Google the three languages I wanted to study, Bangor came up as the first search result and I discovered the Three Language Degree Program which was available at Bangor. I then came to an Applicant Day and fell in love with the setting of the university, the small-town feel and friendly staff and students.

What is the best thing about your course so far?

My course involved 3 semesters abroad, the last placement, in Bologna, Italy, was my favourite. I was studying at the oldest university in Europe and I really enjoyed discovering Italy through day trips and getting to know the culture and lifestyle first-hand. In terms of my time in Bangor, the best part of my course is that class sizes are generally quite small. You get good support and get an opportunity to have your questions answered, you also get to know your classmates quite well. The modern languages department is a friendly department, where staff are always willing to listen. In terms of course content, the language modules are interesting and varied, and I have developed a range of skills which could be used in many different areas of work. Despite the fact my modules focus solely on comprehension and communication in the languages studied, I am naturally exposed to the cultural aspects by reading foreign books and news, watching foreign TV and films and going to live in the countries relevant to the languages during the placements abroad.

Are you involved in any clubs/societies?

I am involved in LangSoc, the languages society here at Bangor. The society holds a weekly "Tandem" which enables Bangor students to meet foreign students studying at Bangor for a semester or two, in order to practice languages with them. There are also film nights and cultural events such as Italian aperitivos and Spanish fiestas.

What do you like most about Bangor?

Bangor is a friendly place. It's quite a small town, so everything is accessible, and you get to know a lot of people in a relatively short space of time. The setting is pretty amazing, between Snowdonia National Park and the Menai Strait and Anglesey. There are lots of beautiful spots to visit during your free time! The Student Union provides a range of clubs and societies to join for free so despite its small, community feel, Bangor shouldn't be underestimated for student experience and satisfaction.

Have you been on any placements or taken a year abroad? If so, please tell us a little about the experience.

My course includes a compulsory year abroad (technically three semesters abroad). The experience was challenging at times, but my main aim was to make the most of living in countries which speak the languages I was studying. I wanted to improve my level in each language, I learnt a lot from those overseas experiences, and I can see the benefits it has given me during my final year as the work has increased in difficulty. I have become a more organised, resilient, confident and focused person, and my level in the languages has improved a great deal, especially in terms of fluency and confidence in conversation. The staff at Bangor have been helpful and organised throughout my degree.

Charlotte from Northamptonshire studying Childhood and Youth Studies

Why did you choose to study in Bangor University?

I chose to study at Bangor due to the stunning location and because I loved the way the staff were so supportive and friendly during the open days. Everything about it was perfect for me!

What is the best thing about your course so far?

The best thing about my course is how connected and supportive everybody is. The lecturers get to know you during the first week and continue to look out for you throughout your whole time here. The course content itself is really interesting and it really makes you think making the research and reading engaging.

Are you involved in any clubs/societies?

I am involved in a few volunteering projects which are great ways to get to know the area and the community around you. It has given me something to do in my spare time and it’s great that one of the projects was very fitting for my course. I’ve taken part in sporting clubs which I really enjoy as it gives you the opportunity to meet other students who you wouldn’t have come across otherwise. The clubs are all student led so it’s a fantastic way to try something new and they run throughout the semesters, so you can try new things throughout the year.

What do you like about Bangor?

What I like most about Bangor is the community. Everybody supports everybody and I found that all of my flatmates, who hadn’t been living around this area beforehand, had settled in really quickly. All of the staff throughout the whole of Bangor University have been so accommodating and welcoming. It’s a home from home here. The mountain and sea views from our lecture halls are an added bonus!

Have you been on any placements or taken a year abroad? If so, please tell us a little about the experience.

During my first year studying Childhood and Youth Studies, I completed a placement that allowed me to write up a portfolio demonstrating my understanding of some of the modules that I took. We got to work alongside children in classroom environments which was a fun experience. It’s nice to have a different environment to learn in as well as having the lectures.

Alys Bailey-Wood from Bridgend studying Music

Why did you choose to study in Bangor University?

I really liked the teaching staff that I met on an open day as well as the excellent teaching quality I had heard so much about. The fact that I could study my degree through the medium of Welsh, something you can’t do in all universities in Wales was really appealing to me.

Do you enjoy your course?

I really enjoy it – I like the fact that as a musician you aren’t limited to performance only. I’m able to tailor my degree to what I want to do through the modules that I take, giving me the opportunity to make the most of my degree.

Describe your student experience in Bangor University.

The social opportunities are as good as the teaching – there are so many different societies to join so anyone can join something that they enjoy or that they just want to have a go at. I’m a member of 2, which means most evenings I’m doing something. The societies gave me an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy new and exciting opportunities.

Are you currently, or have you ever lived in Halls? What is it like?

I lived in halls last year it was a great opportunity to get to know new people and people who are on different courses to you. It seems scary at first, but within a few days of me moving to Bangor, I was incredibly happy and felt like I’d known my flatmates for ages.

Do you have any words of advice to students who plan to study in Bangor?

For living in halls – remember to wash up! It’s so easy for a kitchen shared between 8 people to get messy if you don’t keep up the cleaning!

For anyone who’s unsure – pay the university a visit before moving here. It’ll put your mind at rest and make you even more excited to start your time here.

Emma Rowland from Anglesey studying Medical Sciences

Why did you choose to study in Bangor University? 

Because of the community feeling of the University. I felt welcomed by all and the staff at my school and they were very keen on getting to know me when I started. The small size of the classes was very appealing as I wouldn’t be in lectures with hundreds of other students.

How do you find your course?

I am enjoying my course very much. The staff and students are kind and positive and everyone is very enthusiastic about their careers and degrees, with many of our schools' staff being award winning. The course is very interesting, though very difficult at times with it being a science degree and a professional degree. We have rare opportunities as Bangor Medical Science students to learn with cadaveric material in the dissection lab, which really benefits my learning.

Describe your student experience in Bangor University.

My student experience here in Bangor University has been very positive, I have made friends from all over, many with completely different backgrounds to me. I feel very proud to be a student at Bangor University and I know I will miss everyone so much when we graduate.

Are you involved in any clubs/societies?

I am involved in St John Ambulance Links and I am a first aid volunteer for their division. I also am a member of UMCB, the Welsh society here in Bangor.

Are you currently, or have you ever lived in Halls? What is it like?

In my 1st and my 2nd year I have lived in halls and it was a very friendly and sociable experience. I found everyone in my flat had similar interests, but everyone was studying a different course.

Do you have any words of advice to students who plan to study in Bangor?

Yes. Come and visit as many Open Days as possible, I think I came to about 3 Open Days and an applicant day. I knew deep down this is where I belonged, but I wanted to make sure before I made my final decision. I’m very happy that I picked the right university for me. Make sure you weigh up the pros and cons of each university and join any Facebook groups or any online forums before you arrive. I was lucky to find someone in Bangor on the same course as me and I found it very helpful. It will make you feel a lot less nervous when it comes to fresher's week and the first day of your 1st year if you’ve chatted to some people before you arrive.