Ruth Cooper

What are your top 3 favourite things about Swansea (the city/area)?

1. The lovely beaches, especially Caswell Bay!
2. Lots of independent coffee shops
3. Singleton Park – so much green space to enjoy

Why did you choose to study your degree at Swansea?

I chose to study in Swansea as being in a big city isn’t for me. Swansea has so much to offer but the main selling point for me was how close the university is to so many natural landscapes. I knew before joining that undertaking a Pharmacy degree would be quite intense at times, so having access to lots of beautiful outdoor space was important to allow me to maintain a good work-life balance.

What is your favourite thing about your course?

My favourite thing about the Pharmacy course is the amount of practical experience we get, both on campus through simulations and workshops as well as whilst we’re on placement.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

After I graduate, I will be starting my Foundation Training Year, working across three sectors (Hospital, GP and Community) before completing my registration exam and becoming a GPhC-registered pharmacist.

Would you recommend Swansea University to other students? Why?

Yes! Swansea University has so much to offer students both academically and outside of studies. There are so many different societies and sports teams to get involved in, which offer the chance to learn new skills and make new friends.

Do you participate in a Swansea University sports team, club and/or society?

Yes, during my first three years at Swansea, I was a member of the Swansea University Rowing Club. In my second year at the club, I sat on the committee as Kit and Media Officer which pushed me out of my comfort zone but was a great experience. I am currently the President of Swansea University’s Pharmacy Society. The society offers a wide range of activities for members, including social events, revision sessions and a Graduation Ball for final-year students. The society is a great way for Pharmacy students from all year groups to share experiences of the course and wider university life.

Have you lived in halls/student housing or at home during your studies?

During my first year at Swansea Uni, I lived in student accommodation. I shared a flat with six other first year students and it was a great way to make friends with students on different courses, all from different areas of the UK. I would definitely recommend living in halls to incoming students as it helps to build your independence whilst also having the support of students in the same position as you.

Did you join Swansea University through Clearing? If yes, what was your experience of joining your course through Clearing?

I joined Swansea University through Clearing back in August 2021. It was scary at first as due to COVID-19, I hadn’t been able to visit the university for an Open Day. I found out on the morning of results day that I didn’t get into my first-choice university. I called the clearing hotline at Swansea and was quickly directed through to the Pharmacy department. I spoke to a member of staff who asked for my UCAS number and my A-Level results. I was offered an interview for the morning after, which involved a small calculations test and a situational judgement test. Fifteen minutes after my interview, I received an email from the university to say I had been offered a place on the course. I was nervous that when the course started, I would get impostor syndrome and not feel clever enough to be there. Instead, I have made the best group of friends who have supported me throughout the course and will be friends for life.