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Swansea, the second largest city in Wales, holds a special place in the hearts of literature lovers as the birthplace of the celebrated poet Dylan Thomas, and football fans know it as the former home of Premier League team Swansea FC. But for Sing Yong Tan, an international student from Malaysia, Swansea offered something more — a chance to experience a new culture and pursue a quality education at Swansea University.
“I chose to study at Swansea University primarily because it has a strong reputation for Computer Science,” Tan says. “Apart from that, I was excited about the idea of living and studying by the bay. As far as I know, Swansea is one of the few universities in the UK with such a picturesque campus.”
Combining this with the university’s highly-rated teaching quality and network of societies and clubs, Tan believed he would receive a good education and great experiences.
Swansea University has two campuses, both situated on either end of the picturesque Swansea Bay waterfront. Singleton Park Campus, nestled amidst verdant greenery, offers a serene escape after classes, while Bay Campus is close enough to sneak in invigorating beach strolls in between classes. With Wales being ranked the UK’s sixth safest city (according to the Complete University Guide 2023), this is a city where anyone can explore their surroundings with peace of mind. The university further cultivates a sense of community through its over 150 societies and 56 sports clubs that cater to diverse interests.
Sing Yong Tan found Swansea’s relaxed vibe reminiscent of his hometown, creating a comforting sense of home away from home. Source: Swansea University
While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Tan’s social life in his second year — he attended classes remotely from Malaysia — he returned to campus the following year. “I joined the Karate Society and absolutely loved the community,” he says. “We had countless memorable nights out and socials, which I’ll never forget. I also occasionally participated in the Volleyball Society, which was a lot of fun. Additionally, I was involved in the Malaysian Society and attended various events they organised, which helped me stay connected to my roots.”
Strong academics and a supportive community
Ranked within the top 300 on the QS World University Rankings 2024, Swansea University has over 200 undergraduate programmes to choose from. These include in-demand fields like Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, Law and Criminology, and Public Relations and Media. The Swansea University Medical School also offers Pathways to Medicine, a programme for those aiming to enter the rigorous medical programme.
Classes here are passionate, research-led, and driven by practical applications, resulting in a blend of theory and practical opportunities. This means that whichever programme you opt for, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how to apply your studies in a real-world context.
Coming from Asia, Tan experienced culture shock in his first few weeks. But it wasn’t long before the warmth and welcoming nature of people in Swansea eased the transition. “Over time, I grew to love the life and culture here so much that I decided to stay and work in Swansea after graduation,” Tan says.
Apart from offering a great education, Swansea is one of the few universities in the UK with such a picturesque campus. Source: Swansea University
This successful integration can be partly attributed to the university’s commitment to supporting international students. Swansea University’s Student Support Services offer guidance and assistance to students facing academic, emotional, or personal challenges. Ranging from stress management to addressing long-term issues like learning disabilities and mental health conditions, these services ensure that all students have equal opportunities to excel.
While Tan didn’t require much support, he witnessed firsthand the positive impact these services had on his peers. “I had a friend who sought support due to stress from assignments, and the university provided excellent help, enabling him to graduate successfully,” he says.
Employability and industry connections
The Employability Academy provides more support, equipping students with job-hunting skills and strategies to stand out from the crowd. Workshops, employer talks, and application process guidance prepare students for their post-graduation journey. What’s more, the university’s strong industry links, facilitated by a business integration programme, benefit both businesses and the university. Businesses can directly recruit talented students, offering graduate roles and work placements.
Then there are the many opportunities to network with major local and global players through career fairs and other networking events as well. For example, in 2023, the university welcomed 60 top companies and organisations to its annual Careers Fair, helping more than 2,300 students break into the job market and boost their employability.
For Malaysian students considering Swansea University, Tan, who has been in Swansea for five years — three years at university and two years working — has one simple message: “Go for it. You won’t regret it. I’ve enjoyed every second of my university years here and am even considering returning for a master’s degree in the near future.”
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