Swansea Uni vs UEA

[crazycrofter]

This is for PPE. Ds is on a gap year, back in late April, when he will have a month to decide between these two unis. The decision is his of course, but I'd like to be as informed as possible!

Both courses look good and the student satisfaction ratings are similar. I understand student property is affordable in both cities. What else is there to distinguish them?

UEA is in massive financial difficulty, I'd avoid

Second this

Any more so than other unis though? I'm wondering if they're just a bit ahead of the curve and have already taken action to cut costs. The uni that I work for has also got a voluntary redundancy process ongoing but it's not hit the news.

I would suggest your DS revisits them, even if all the offer holders' days are over. In terms of entry standards, rankings etc I think they are quite similar. Swansea is a hundred year old university and I think UEA is from the 1970's. I don't know much about UEA but Swansea,s accommodation is cheap and readily available for students. Compact city with the student nightlife around Uplands and Wind street. Great beach that's very close and varied clubs and societies. Swansea's Singleton Campus is in the city by the beach while UEA is a campus university outside Norwich.

Thanks, he hasn't visited either yet, as it was a late decision to apply, just before he went abroad. He may well have a firm preference when he's visited, but I wondered if there was anything I was missing when comparing them on paper.

Swansea is a great place to be a student. It has a town and beaches and is relatively safe.

I know Norwich well. Ask me anything!

SWANSEA hands down.

Swansea does seem to have lots of fans on here! @ifelttheearth do you know how much private accommodation is in Norwich?

DS is at UEA. First year halls are £921/mth (I think that’s the most expensive option, lucky me). His room in a 6 bed house next year is £550/mth including bills.

I’m not overly concerned about the financial state of the uni. I think UEA is one of few that are being open about costs (eg just been hammered for cost of fixing raac buildings onsite). I’m sure I read 3/4 unis are expected to post deficits at the end of this year, even the likes of Durham is shedding staff.

There is a lot of private accommodation for students in Norwich. Most is via bus.

The city is nice and feels safe. Not loads of venues for gigs etc though.

The UEA is a bus journey from the city centre, although there are lots of buses.

I was at Swansea Uni 30 years ago, and with the beaches the area was amazing. We return several times a year now with our teenage kids who love it. I know it was a long time ago, but the affordability, nightlife and beach location made for great experience and I think those things haven't changed. I'm not sure I would want to study at the Bay Campus as it is in the middle of nowhere, but PPE would be on the beach campus . Honestly the location, Mumbles and the Gower is like a balm for the soul.

Thanks! I think he'll like Swansea, but UEA is a bit higher up the league tables so he might be swayed by that.