10 Things Every Swansea Student Has to Do

By Student Cribs | July 14, 2022 | Reading Time: 6 minutes

If you thought Swansea was a sleepy Welsh city, think again. It’s the second largest city in Wales, meaning it has plenty of student activities to enjoy. With an abundance of wildlife, history, culture, scenery and food, there’s something for everyone. Here’s 10 things every Swansea student HAS to do before graduating.

Check out the Gower Peninsula 

The Gower Peninsula was the UK’s first area of outstanding natural beauty in 1956 and it’s not hard to see why. It hasn’t changed much since then and is only a short drive from Swansea, making if the perfect escape. The area boasts wild moors, limestone cliffs and golden sandy beaches making it a geological goldmine. If that’s making you yawn, then we suggest you take a visit anyway. Some fresh sea air will do you the world of good!

Visit Dylan Thomas’ House

This restored home of famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, allows visitors to step back in time and experience the home life of an Edwardian poet. You don’t even have to like poetry. Enjoy an afternoon tea party or have a spot of lunch or dinner in his house and there’s even the option to stay the night – probably not necessary though, as I’m sure your student house is far more temping. Nice thought all the same!

Shopping in Swansea Market

If the British weather catches you out, why not explore Swansea’s market. It’s mostly indoors so makes for a great escape from the rain and has a huge offering with over 100 stalls selling everything from carrots to birthday cards, meaning the student in you will be on the look out for bargains. Enjoy soaking up the atmosphere whilst trying some delicious Welsh cheeses or the popular Swansea delicacy of laverbread, which is made from seaweed. If the loan has just dropped, high-street names may be more your thing. Swansea has plenty on offer in the city’s main shopping areas of Union Street, Oxford Street, High Street, Princess Way and Portland Street.

Soak In Some Culture at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

Founded in 1911, this gallery boasts vast collections of Swansea China and porcelain as well as works by Monet and contemporary Welsh artists such as Gwen John and Augustus John. It was originally set up to display the artistic works donated by Richard Glynn Vivian, a celebrated art dealer. It has since had a multi-million pound renovation, which has turned it into a more sophisticated place to store historic pieces of art. Even if art isn’t really your thing, grab a bite to eat in the lovely café. 

Go Green at the Clyne Gardens

Clyne Gardens is one of Wales’ many beautiful botanical gardens. Enjoy the renowned collection of rare flowers and plants set in vast parkland that used to be part of the old Swansea Castle. There is even a bamboo-filled Japanese garden and a bluebell wood. This is a real haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

LC Waterpark

Release the inner child in you at Wales’ biggest indoor water park. This place has plenty of slides and waves and even has a surf machine called Boardrider. If that wasn’t enough, why not take on the Master Blaster – a roller – coaster water slide!

Catch a Flick at Cinema & Co.

This trendy film house in the heart of Swansea offers film screenings of classics from Bugsy Malone to Bridget Jones. This unique and independent space also acts as a gallery and live venue. Think Swansea meets Shoreditch – why not grab a coffee or better yet a G&T from the bar!

Rumble in the Mumbles

The Mumbles makes up part of the huge Swansea Bay, and is a great place to explore. The fishing village, which sits at the western edge of the bay, benefits from a long promenade, piers, lots of cafes and a great selection of restaurants and cosy pubs. It’s a great place for a walk, cycle or even a rest on a bench whilst taking in the breath-taking scenery. If sight seeing isn’t really your cup of tea, why not try a spot of FootGolf (think golf with giant balls).

Attempt the Mega Beast at the Uplands Diner

If a greasy fry up usually cures your hangover, you might think differently after attempting the Mega Beast at the Uplands Diner. If you visit the diner, make sure you’re hungry for 10 rashers of bacon, 5 eggs, 8 sausages, chips, 2 hash browns, bubble and squeak, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans, 2 pieces of black pudding, 4 pieces of toast, 4 slices of bread and butter, 4 pieces of fried bread and 1 small burger. That should keep you going for a while.

Match Day at Liberty Stadium

Football and rugby fans alike, you won’t have to miss out on live matches as Swansea’s Liberty Stadium plays host to both Swansea City FC and the Ospreys. When you’re not watching matches why not explore behind the scenes of the stadium on a guided tour where you can visit the dressing rooms and see the television studios.