Jessica Bain

What are your top 3 favourite things about Swansea (the city/area)?
My favourite thing about Swansea has got to be the beaches. Although I may be biased because it is my home, I truly believe Swansea has some of the best beaches in the world, and they’re right on our doorstep! In my opinion, you can’t beat a walk to the beach with a stop at Joe’s Ice Cream!
I also love the people of Swansea. Wales is renowned for being full of kind people, and it feels like everywhere you turn in Swansea there’s someone there waiting to have a chat or simply just smiling at you.
I love the diversity of Swansea. You can be in the middle of nowhere in Gower, completely immersed in nature, then within half hour be in the middle of the city centre shopping or watching a show at the new arena!

Why did you choose to study your degree at Swansea?
I chose to study here because it is my home, and I love it. I was raised in Swansea and I truly believe it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I don’t think I could live somewhere without a coastline now, I enjoy spending time on the beach too much! I also knew that Swansea had an amazing reputation for their School of Health and Social Care so it made my decision to stay home a lot easier.

What is your favourite thing about your course?
I love how intimate the nursing course at Swansea feels. I feel like you can really get to know the staff and fellow students on this course, especially on days when you have workshops or clinical skills training. The lecturers always seem passionate about what they teach, which in turn makes me feel more passionate too. It is also great to be lectured by staff who have had a lot of clinical experience, as they share personal anecdotes and experiences as part of their academic teaching.

Nursing at Swansea also seems to open many doors. Being part of the Leadership Academy with fellow healthcare students has really opened doors for me, and recently I attend the Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at St Pauls Cathedral, London, which will definitely be a highlight of my nursing degree.

What are you planning/hoping to do after you graduate?
After I graduate, I would love to travel for a month or two before starting my dream job in acute mental health care. I am so passionate about this field and want to commit my career to making the world a kinder and more understanding place, especially in the way of Mental Health. I dream of attending, and potentially leading, conferences and potentially do some further study later down the line. But first I want to feed the travel bug and see somewhere new before settling down!

Would you recommend Swansea University to other students? Why?
Yes, despite this being my home, I can see why so many people would want to come here. Swansea has something for everyone, whether its natural beauty in the Gower, hiking sand dunes or swimming in the sea, or just a good night out on Wind Street! Swansea is filled with kind people and the university feels like such a tight community that you feel part of as soon as you step on the grounds.

Have you worked part-time during your degree?
Yes, I work as a carer to compliment my nursing degree. It has been hard sometimes fitting it all in, but I believe the skills learnt on the course actually compliment my job and have made me more confident in my role.