Student life at USW
Student life
2020 wasn’t easy, but it didn’t stop our students from learning, finding new opportunities and pushing their boundaries. Even though there’s been some distance, we’ve still managed to come together to make a difference.
What our students say about USW
I’ve learned so much. Not just in the classroom, but also about myself
Danielle Webb
BA (Hons) Youth and Community Work
Danielle’s student experience
Danielle graduated from BA (Hons) Youth and Community Work at USW and has returned to do her Masters.
“I’ve learned so much. Not just in the classroom, but also about myself. Finishing a degree and graduating, during a pandemic, has taught me that I’m so much stronger than I thought. Even with the hardships, my degree is an experience I’ll always treasure. I’ve made friends for life at university.
Getting to work while studying and having hands-on experience has allowed me to implement what I learn in the classroom and make links between theory and practice. Juggling my degree and a placement role gave me a taste for the real world. I already feel like a respected professional.
Take risks and never underestimate possibilities. I moved from England to commit to my work and studies, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
Student stories
Daily life at USW
Our students share what USW life is like through their vlogs – from how to make the most of your weekend to lockdown study tips and student life hacks. You can subscribe to their YouTube channel to see what student life at USW is really like and some of the diverse experiences that are waiting for you here. It’s the best way to find out about campus life, events, clubs and societies, plus you can get in touch to ask them what you want to know.
What our students say about USW
The support at USW has been overwhelming, and I’m thankful.
Will Simpson
BSc (Hons) Information and Communication
Will’s student experience
Will talked to us about his experiences of studying at uni with autism: overcoming challenges, the support available and his advice to other students with autism.
“The support at USW has been overwhelming, and I’m thankful. In fact, so amazing it’s been quite emotional. I get in-class support, study skills support and a specialist mentor. This is all part of my DSA. USW has supported me with my autism and anxiety through specialist mentor support, and I speak to my mentor weekly. This provides me with the opportunity to touch base about how well I’m doing. I also get notes taken for me in my online lessons.
“I joined a Facebook USW group and made some friends through it. They are lovely people, and I’m still in contact with them now, as they are on the same course as me. I also receive specialist mentoring support, and on Friday afternoons, I attend a chance to chat support group. It’s where I can make new friends. I’ve also joined many societies, such as the LGBTQ society and the running society, as I enjoy running.
“My biggest challenge has been moving to USW, coping on-my-own, and I’ve managed to do this successfully. It was life-changing, and I didn’t think I would be able to do it, but I did it!”
Students’ Union
Students’ Union
The SU is where you can seek advice, play sport, make new friends, find work and have your voice heard. From advice to volunteering, the Union exists to make sure you have the best possible experience at USW.
The SU is run by students for students, so you get to vote and elect your representatives. As well as representation and welfare services, we run campaigns every year that make a difference to our student community, like Look After Your Mate and Change Week.
What our alumni say about us
I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for USW. University is where I managed to turn my life around.
Hamed Amiri
Head of Development at NewLaw Solicitors
USW graduate, Hamed Amiri, volunteers to help students achieve their goals
Hamed has a degree in BSc (Hons) Computer Science from USW, is Head of Development at NewLaw Solicitors, and is now a critically acclaimed author who inspires others through his story of personal resilience.
“I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for USW. University is where I managed to turn my life around. The lecturers went above and beyond to encourage and support me. I can still remember getting a first for one of my earliest pieces of work.
With hard work, self-belief and support, you can get to where you want to be. My goal is to inspire young people to follow their dreams and to reach their potential, despite all of life’s obstacles, just like I have.
The advice I’d give to anyone who’s thinking of coming to USW is jump on it – it could be a life changer, and for me, it was.”
Sport
USW Sport
USW Sport is for everyone – trying a new activity is good for your wellbeing and a great way to make friends. As well as classes, team sport is a key part of student life. USW teams compete in the BUCS League in lots of sports and we’re proud of our successes. Over the last few years, we’ve had outstanding results in football, rugby, basketball, water polo, swimming, volleyball and badminton.
As well as the Sport Centre at Pontypridd, we’ve negotiated discounted student rates at gyms in Cardiff and Newport. If you join a team, it’s likely that you’ll train and compete at our Sport Park, which is one of the best university sport coaching and training venues in the country.
Clubs and societies
Clubs and societies
If you join a club or society at the Freshers’ Fair, you’ll meet lots of new people and get involved in all sorts of activities, from demonstrations and day trips to nights out and parties. Whatever you’re interested in, there’ll be a USW society or club to help you meet like-minded people or discover something new. Some of the clubs and societies you could join include LGBT+, Snowsports, Cheerleading, Debate, Film, Rowing, and Cyber Security.