7 Reasons to Choose a University in Wales

This article is sponsored by the University of South Wales.

Wales is part of the United Kingdom (UK) and the island of Great Britain, and was voted one of the top countries in the world to visit by Rough Guide in 2014. It is bordered by England to the south and east, with the Irish Sea to the north and west. With a population of around 3 million, Wales shares a legal system with England and uses British pound sterling as its currency.

Welsh universities offer a diverse range of locations and learning experiences, from vibrant cities through to breathtaking mountains, coastal locations and somewhere in between. Read on for seven of the best reasons to choose a university in Wales…

1. High-quality education and research 

As a student of a university in Wales, you’ll have an excellent learning experience. As part of the world-renowned UK higher education system, Welsh universities offer quality higher education qualifications that are respected by employers and academics worldwide.

Quality research underpins an innovative learning and teaching environment, and more than three quarters of research conducted at universities in Wales is judged to be ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2014).

2. A strong focus on graduate employability

Welsh universities also have long established relationships with some of the world’s leading companies. The University of South Wales, for example, works with a diverse range of companies, from NASA and Hewlett-Packard to Rolls Royce and British Airways. As a result of close industry links, 92% of graduates from Welsh universities found employment within six months of leaving university.

3. An affordable cost of living

Wales enjoys some of the lowest living costs in Britain. Compared to many areas of the UK, Wales often has lower costs on items such as accommodation, travel, food, entertainment and shopping, while enjoying the same high-quality goods and services as the rest of the UK.

4. Stunning surroundings and historic sites 

Awe-inspiring natural and historic landscapes also make the Welsh student experience very special. With over 600 castles – there are more here per square mile than anywhere else in the world – and six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, students are always within striking distance of our rich and varied cultural heritage.

5. An international outlook and community

Welsh universities are proud of their international outlook and the variety of nationalities that can be found on campuses across the country, including academic staff from across the globe. As an international student, you will be a valued member of our university community and you will find award-winning outstanding support. The University of South Wales, for example, won the Times Higher Education Outstanding Support for Students Award in 2012.

6. Excellent support services for international students 

Universities in Wales work hard to ensure that international students have the best possible learning experiences through providing their own bespoke support packages. Services available include pre-departure briefings for students in their home country, free airport welcome services, English language and study skills support and visits to places of interest across the UK.

If you want information, advice or guidance on any emotional, financial or medical issue, there is a network of people ready to help. At the University of South Wales, the specialist Immigration and International Student Advice team is dedicated to the welfare of international and EU students. They will make sure you have the help and support you need before you arrive and during your studies.

The team helps students with any non-academic, welfare-related issues such as visa extensions, employment regulations, orientation and adapting to a new culture. They also organize social activities throughout the year, promote volunteering opportunities, and recruit Global Assistants to help with the social and pastoral care of the university’s international and EU students.

7. A wide range of extracurricular activities 

In addition to the fantastic support services, some of the University of South Wales’ current sports teams and societies include the international student society (including country-specific societies), debating society, cricket club, football (soccer) teams, rugby teams and many more.

Vietnamese student Duong Thuy Nguyen, studying the BA (Hons) Business Studies and MBA at the University of South Wales, says: “My advice to international students is to enjoy your time at the university while studying, participate in events that the Students’ Union or the International Student Society organizes for you and engage with new people. You will be surprised by how many fantastic friends you can meet from around the globe!”

Welsh universities offer a friendly and academically challenging environment with an excellent reputation for research and teaching quality, state-of-the-art study facilities and supportive staff. For more information about studying in Wales, visit: www.studyinwales.ac.uk.