Bangor University

[Quatrepotatoes]

Not a mumsnet favourite I know, but anyone have experience of Bangor? DS considering a Music degree there. Likely grades of A star, A, A so able to look at most places. However, definitely doesn't want a big city and somewhere like this would suit. Has visited lots of places, including Durham and York, but hasn't been so enthused by anywhere else. How is being an English non-Welsh speaker there? How are the winters!

Looks like there is plenty to go for. Those marked as University are centrally organised. The others are student-led.

Yes, and he is up for that, he's studying French A Level.

Thank you so much all. Those who like it clearly feel great affection for it.

My DS participates in Unibrass. Bangor always send a team. It's highly regarded.

That said, this year, their team joined forces with Liverpool. God knows how they practised !

It's a great little place @Quatrepotatoes

It sounds like his expected grades will mean he has his pick and he of course needs to decide what's best for him, but don't be worried if he does choose Bangor, because it has much going for it.

One DS about to go into third year and is incredibly happy at Bangor. He got in through clearing after just missing his first choice but it was the best decision he could've made. Loves his course, accommodation is plentiful and not overpriced, made a fantastic bunch of friends, has the beautiful wilds of North Wales on his doorstep.
Yes it's a smaller uni and it rains a lot, but there are mountains, beaches, the sea - suits and outdoorsy types who prefer chilling out to clubbing.
We as parents feel it's safe, friendly, supportive, affordable.

My ds had 3 very happy years there (not music).
Would have loved to have been able to stay there, had there been more job opportunities.

No problems with not being a Welsh speaker.
Loved the easy access to the mountains and to so many beautiful beaches.

All the clubs and societies (of which there are many) are free.
Accommodation is affordable and plentiful - no panicking to get accommodation in the Autumn of Yr one needed.

That sounds great, thanks for replying.

No problem @ClaudiaWinklepanda , hope your DD enjoys Bangor if that's where she chooses.

DSus went there and whilst she enjoyed it there was some unfriendliness shall we say from some of the Welsh girls in her course. The course was predominantly full of female students.

I did my Masters there in 2006, albeit commuting from home. (I'm not Welsh, my parents moved to N Wales when I was 18).
With the benefit of hindsight, I think it would have suited me better to have done my undergrad degree at Bangor. I found it to be a really kind and welcoming place with the most lovely staff (both academic and support).
I'm going back nearly 20 years, but it was a very safe-feeling student city, not overwhelmingly big. I had a friend who did her undergrad there and went to visit, so am familiar with the 'big walk' up the hill to the accommodation, but I think that outweighs all of the positives. There are no issues with being an English speaker either.....

I started an English Lit BA there (long time ago now) and the course was great however there was a lot of anti English sentiment in the town and I mean a lot !

Very hostile to the English and I left for that reason.

Beautiful in summer but winter is harsh!!! Daily rain and strong winds.

A great area if you like outdoors sports however, Snowdonia and Anglesey are on the doorstep but it was not for me.

Sorry, late to this thread as have been off Mumsnet for a while. You may have already made your choices, but thought I'd say that DD is in her 2nd year of a Biology degree and LOVES bangor. She is very outdoorsy and makes the most of the amazing location. It's a longish way away from us (7hrs) but we've used this as a reason to stay over and get to know beautiful North Wales. DD has thrived in a smaller, friendly uni. A friend of hers did the first year of the Music degree there, and loved it. Joined local brass bands and was playing in orchestras alot. However he has recently moved to a Music college as has decided he wanted a performance-based degree.