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Why did you choose Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ?

The main reason I chose to study at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ was the course, it was the only university which offered the possibility to study three languages equally weighted. The location also appealed to me, since I’m not a fan of big cities and like a calmer pace of life. Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ may seem like a small place, but I loved the fact that I could walk to university and it seemed like a manageable place to live away from home for the first time. There are also lovely places to visit nearby, the sea and mountains, nature and towns. It seemed, and has proven to be, a balanced lifestyle.

The Course

After withdrawing from a different course at another university which I was not enjoying, knowing I still wanted to return to university, I simply decided to type into Google the subjects I wanted to really study (French, Italian and Spanish) and Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ was the first search result and it offered exactly what I was looking for.

Student experience

Like any experience there have been ups and downs, but I can honestly say that I have been surrounded by the most supportive people; staff and students alike, and I couldn’t think of a better environment in which to become an independent person, ready to set up your own life. The atmosphere in Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ is friendly, inclusive and calm. Obviously, there are deadlines and assignments and exams, but the environment with which you are surrounded makes that all manageable.

Study abroad

My course is four years and includes placements abroad in places which speak the languages you are studying. Due to personal circumstances I was unable to complete my Spanish placement (and the staff in Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ were incredibly supportive during that time), but I did complete my placements in Brussels and Bologna, respectively for French and Italian. My favorite placement was Bologna, where I was studying for a semester and had the opportunity to improve my level of Italian as well as visiting lots of amazing places and ticking off a few things on my Bucket List. My favorite trip was to visit Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, a place I would highly recommend to anyone taking a trip to Italy, it’s simply beautiful. The only downside was that because I enjoy Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ so much, I missed it while I was gone! Although I was grateful for the opportunity to study abroad and experience new places, it was great to be back!

Clubs and Societies

I attend lots of LangSoc events where you get to meet up with other students studying languages, but also with international students spending a semester or two at the university. It’s great for language practice outside of class and lots of fun cultural events are regularly organized.

University accommodation

I lived in halls during my first year, on St Mary’s, and made some great friends pretty much immediately. I got on with my flat mates really well, and what at first was a blank room in a daunting block of flats filled with strangers, very quickly felt like home, surrounded by friends. So much so that I was tempted to stay for Christmas and cried when packing up my stuff at the end of the year! The hills up to both halls sites can seem daunting but they definitely keep you fit! Ffriddoedd is probably better for events and nightlife as there is Bar Uno on site, but most people end up going out to the pubs anyway, and later onto either Academi (student club) or Cube. St Mary’s is the quieter site, but that’s what I liked about it, because it means on a rainy day or late at night I can stay in my room and study, without too much disruption. That’s why I chose to rebook into halls on St Mary’s for my final year, as it was easier to book while I was doing my placement abroad and everything is included in the rent.

Future plans

Currently I’m weighing up my options and accepting that it’s okay to not be sure what I’m doing next. I’m applying for various graduate jobs and schemes, and just seeing where it leads me. Some people may be sure and have an exact plan of their next steps, but plenty of people don’t and that’s okay! The way I see it is it just means you’re more adaptable and flexible.

Advice for new students?

Buy yourself a very good rainproof and windproof jacket, the area is beautiful, but you still get the typical Welsh weather. It’s absolutely beautiful on a sunny day though; so, don’t let the rain put you off! Arrive with a friendly disposition and an open mind! Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ is a small place, so you end up getting to know a lot of students and recognize a lot of faces, and being such a small place, we tend to always try to help each other out. A stranger can very quickly become a friend here. Although Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ is a small place, there is lots to do and the Students’ Union is full of options! Don’t be afraid to try something new!