Bangor Student Guide
The city of Bangor is located in the county of Gwynedd in North West Wales and is one of the smallest cities in the UK. The city has a student population of around 16,000, which accounts for a significant percentage of the city’s population.
Nightlife
The high percentage of students in the city means there are a number of options for a night out. Bars and pubs are more common than large nightclubs and there are a number to choose from. Rascals is a popular student bar and can be found on Holyhead Road. The bar serves food as well as drinks and plays loud chart music, providing a great place to dance the night away! The Old Glan is a pub in the city centre and has a relaxed student atmosphere- the pub hosts different themed evenings and serves cheap food and drinks.
Top Things to Do
Garth Pier is the second longest in Wales and can be found in Bangor on the coast of the Irish Sea. The pier is a Grade II listed structure and is free although there is an honesty box, which requests 25 pence from each visitor. The pier is a local haven for seabirds, and birdwatchers can catch glimpses of oystercatchers, redshanks and curlews. The Maritime Awareness North Wales occupy a kiosk near the pier and offer lectures and tours of the local wildlife.
Culture
Classical music is an important part of Bangor and concerts regularly take place in the Powis and Prichard-Jones Hall. Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery can also be found in Bangor and is a general museum showcasing varying displays and exhibitions. The museum has collections including furniture and textiles and an archaeology collection.
Where Can I Study?
Bangor University is the only university in the city of Bangor and is home to over 16,000 students. The university was previously known as the University College of North Wales until 2007.
The university offers chances to study a broad range of subjects and excels in areas including science, humanities, education and health. The university has a particularly strong reputation in psychology, accounting and finance, and sports science. Bangor University performs consistently from year to year and in 2012, was placed 78th in The Complete University Guide’s national league tables.
Bangor University went through a reshuffle in 2006 and the university is now organised into 6 colleges: College of Arts, Education and Humanities, College of Business, Social Sciences and Law, College of Lifelong Learning, College of Natural Sciences, College of Health and Behavioural Sciences, and the College of Physical and Applied Sciences. The six colleges are organised into smaller schools and research institutes.
Students at Bangor University benefit from an impressive library, archives and media and reprographics facilities. Other facilities at the university include a multi-media language centre, a natural history museum and a £3.5-million research ship. The university offers a variety of sports clubs and societies and encourages students to get involved.
There are over 40 sports teams ranging from football to trampolining. The location of Bangor on the coast means there are opportunities to partake in a number of outdoor activities like rock climbing, canoeing and sailing.
Should I Study in Bangor?
A student’s honest opinion:
“Bangor has some stunning scenery and I don’t think I will ever live anywhere else quite so pretty!
One of my favourite places to visit is Penrhyn Castle- for me it’s like a fairytale castle.
Nightclubs aren’t huge here, as it’s a small town, so people tend to go more to pubs and clubs. It’s more cosy and you always see people you know around. If you are a big raver, Bangor is not for you. But make no mistake, we still make it a good night out!
The uni has some really good facilities and I think they compare better than some of the big name uni’s.
I love it here and think coming here was a good decision.” – Kate, 20