Swansea Institute - Student View

On three sites, all close to each other: main campuses at Townhill and Mount Pleasant, annexes at Alexandra Road. An ever-increasing range of courses - business studies, education, stained glass (excellent national and international industrial links), ceramics and photography, leisure and tourism, and high profile motorsport are most popular.

Recreational facilities improving; Townhill campus has a fitness centre but few other facilities; compensated for by free use of Swansea Leisure centre with a small initial charge for a student corporate card.

Halls of residence at Mount Pleasant, bit more expensive than older halls at Townhill but worth it; excellent views over Swansea Bay from both blocks of halls of residence. Private accommodation is improving every year due to increase in competition and a new code of practice for landlords.

SU very active, provides a shop which sells drinks, food, clothing, materials and stationery. Student centre at Mount Pleasant has snack bars, sandwiches, fast food takeaway. About 40 clubs and societies including many sports.

Expanding athletic union (one of the best for its size) caters for all tastes with a wide range of sports. Confidential counselling services.

Libraries at Townhill and Mount Pleasant open 12 hours/day weekdays (less at weekends, limited out of term-time). All sites close to town centre and only a 25-minute bus ride from the Gower Peninsula. City centre has famous indoor market (lots of local delicacies eg cockles, laverbread).

Relationship with town is good; those between staff and students a priority. Students from all over UK, Europe, China, Nigeria, America, etc (international and ethnic minorities encouraged). Relatively easy to change course in first term if you have the qualifications; drop-out rate is relatively low.

A close-knit atmosphere as students tend to live in the same area.