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CONTENTS

1. Why study in Bangor?

2. About Bangor

3. Bangor University

4. Living in Bangor

5. Entry requirements 

6. Transport links 

7. Getting around Bangor

8. Things to do in Bangor

Why study in Bangor?

If you want a small university town with great scenery and sports, including surfing, Bangor could be the place for you.

About Bangor

Bangor has a large student population, so it’s a friendly, sociable place to live and study. Positioned on the north coast, it’s the oldest city in Wales, with plenty of beautiful sea views and a historic atmosphere to soak up.

In the other direction you’ll see views of Eryri National Park and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the tallest mountain in Wales. Well connected to other locations, you’re only an hour away by train to Chester.

Bangor University

Bangor University is a public university in Bangor, Wales. Bangor has a particularly good reputation for agriculture and forestry, and information technology. Most degrees at the university can include work or overseas experience, helping students gain useful skills.

Location

Set between the mountains and the sea, most university buildings are in the city centre and Upper Bangor. Enhancing this dramatic location is the city's low cost of living, helping students to get more from their finances.

Facilities

The uni invests well in its student facilities, with plenty of sports halls and pitches, eateries, and Pontio Arts Centre. Home to the uni's Students' Union, this social hub also has a cinema that plays blockbusters and indie movies. The uni has two libraries, and students can access learning spaces and computers 24/7.

See Bangor University profile page for an interactive map and more information.

Living in Bangor

Bangor University guarantees accommodation to new students who apply by the deadline. Most rooms are en suite and self-catered, sharing a kitchen. You can choose to live in a flat only for women, or in one that prohibits alcohol. You can also chat with your new flatmates before you start by using the Campus Connect app. Living in student halls makes it easier to meet people. It includes perks like 24/7 on-hand support, Wi-Fi, bike storage, and access to nearby facilities like gyms and learning centres.

From the second year onwards, most students move into private accommodation. It’s a good idea to think about this during the second half of your first year, so you have more options. There are strong student communities in Ffriddoedd Village, St Mary's Village, and Lower Bangor.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements vary from uni to uni and course to course. The best way to check what you need to get into your preferred course at each university is to use our . There you can see what each course’s entry requirements are.

Transport links

Average train journey times from Bangor

Getting around Bangor

As Bangor is a small city, it’s simple to get around on foot or by bike. If you want to travel outside the city, there are train and bus links. Liverpool and Manchester are around two hours away by train. 

Walk

The cheapest, healthiest, and easiest way is often to walk from A to B in Bangor, taking in the beautiful Welsh scenery as you go. The university website has details of routes between student accommodation, campus, and the city centre. 

Cycle

Cycling around the city is straightforward. You can download cycle routes from the university's website. You could also join the university cycling club if you want to explore the local area with fellow students.

Train

Bangor train station is in the city centre and offers local and national services. Chester is just over an hour away; London will take about three and a half hours, and Cardiff takes four and a half hours. 

Bus

Arriva Buses Wales (Arriva Cymru) is the main provider of services in the area. Buses run from the bus station in the centre and will take you out and about in Bangor and beyond. To plan your journey, check out Traveline Cymru.

Other

There are various taxi companies in and around Bangor if you ever need one. Uber also operates in the city.

Things to do in Bangor

There are plenty of things to see and do in Bangor with a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy. The city has good charity shops if you’re after a bargain, independent stores, and cosy places to eat and drink. Head to Llandudno and you'll find bigger retail chains.

Outdoors

Bangor is famous for its beautiful coastline. Wander down Garth Pier, voted pier of the year 2022, to take in the coastal views in a peaceful atmosphere. Across the Menai Bridge from Bangor is the picturesque island of Anglesey, a great place for hiking, cycling, and enjoying beach life. Llyn Peninsula is also worth a visit if you’re into surfing or other water sports.

If you fancy some mountain air, head for Eryri National Park (Snowdownia). Yr Wyddfa mountain has plenty of different routes to climb, so you don’t need to be an expert hiker to get to the top. There’s also a mountain train for non-hikers and the less able. Elsewhere in the park, key attractions include Zip World Betws-y-Coed or the scenic Talyllyn Railway to Dolgoch Falls. Though with miles of mountains, lakes, and rivers to explore, you'll have plenty of chances to create your own highlights.

Food and drink

There are lots of independent cafes, bars and pubs along Bangor's high street. Popular student hangouts include Domu, Kyffin, Wood Fired Shack, the Harp Inn and Blue Sky Cafe among others. Fish and chips always taste better by the sea – and there are lots of traditional Welsh treats to try too. These include bara brith (fruit cake) and Welsh rarebit (fancy cheese on toast).

Arts and culture

If you’re into history and fancy a castle, you’re in luck. Penrhyn Castle is a short bus ride away from the city centre, or travel further afield to Caernarfon Castle and Conwy Castle. Pontio Arts Centre on Bangor University campus is great for live events, cinema, music, comedy, and art. If museums are your thing, Storiel Museum and Art Gallery offers a window into Bangor’s past.