newport
Often lurking in the shadows, Newport tends to be discarded as an indus-
trial wasteland next to the capital. However, those who so flippantly shrug
off Newport are doing a great injustice to the city, which is surrounded
by the beautiful Wye Valley and is less than an hour’s drive from Brecon
Beacons National Park.
Next to Newport is the Roman town of Caerleon, which is said to be one of
the most important military sites in Britain and often said to be the home
of the Roman legend, Camelot.
Aside from acting as a keyhole to Welsh heritage, Newport is expanding
rapidly and is quickly being established as another up-and-coming city in
Wales. Cheap prices seen in the rejuvenated bars, restaurants and cinemas
have fast become the stuff of student dreams. As well as a lively nightlife,
people are travelling from all over Wales to see influential bands play at
the Newport Centre, such as the legend that is Chuck Berry – the man
who pretty much invented Rock’n’Roll – who will be playing there in early
December. A subtle but growing cultural streak runs through the city too,
with the Riverfront Theatre housing numerous exhibitions and showing a
variety of stage productions.
And yes, while Newport is smaller than neighbour Cardiff, there are still
ample opportunities to blow your loan, with all your High Street favourites
and a large Victorian Market in which to bag a bargain.
swansea
“An ugly, lovely town,” wrote Dylan Thomas of his native Swansea; “a pretty,
shitty city” according to the 1997 film, Twin Town. But don’t let it cloud your
preconceptions of Wales’ second city – Swansea is a place of unique charm and
contrast that plays right into the hands of the student community.
Nestled into a natural bay, with Port Talbot to the left and Mumbles to the
right, there are few student experiences in Britain that can compare with
what Swansea has to offer. Name one university that is separated from a
sweeping beach by only a road and some greenery... and now stop because
you can’t, and you’re wasting time.
Life as a student can be both daunting and claustrophobic, but Swansea
will take a hold on your heart from the first moment you join the queue to
sign up for clubs at Freshers’ Week. The city has a rich sporting heritage,
from the Ospreys through to Swansea City, filtering down into the annual
Varsity battles with Cardiff. Cultural offerings are prominent too – the
aforementioned Thomas is a start, and the National Waterfront Museum is
the latest milestone. Hell, even two of the Manic Street Preachers studied
here.
Naturally, Swansea truly comes into its own during the summer time.
Whether it’s relaxing in the lush parks or night time barbeques on the
beach, it’s like one big holiday that you’ll never want to end. And, at the
risk of dumbing down the argument, the academic side of things isn’t half
bad either!
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