Sophie Frolley

Why did you choose to study your degree at Swansea?

I love the outdoors and the beach, so Swansea stood out to me as soon as I started researching courses. I also read that the university had very high student satisfaction, which I felt was important if I was going to be making such a huge commitment to move away from friends and family to study. I wanted to feel like the university would support me and help me settling in, and to feel like the course was good enough to make the move worthwhile. The fact that Swansea is an easy 3 hour train away from London was appealing too, because people often fly into London, so I’d have a better chance of catching up with friends and family while I’m over here.

How did you find the process of moving to Swansea?

I found that the Facebook group for my course intake set up by MedSoc made the move so much easier. I was able to find housemates from my course, organise a place to live, and talk to a few people before I even flew out, which made the process a lot less daunting. There was a lot of paperwork and life admin before I moved and for the first few months over here which was a bit overwhelming, but I just ticked them off one at a time. I haven’t experienced much culture shock as the UK is like Australia in many ways.

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

The proximity to stunning beaches on the Gower Peninsula and hiking in the Brecon Beacons are my favourite, and many people seem to be like-minded and have chosen Swansea for similar reasons. I love how small Swansea is, so I can ride my bike everywhere very easily. Lastly, I love the waterfront bike path that runs from the city centre down to the Mumbles, and then continues as a coastal walking path.

What is your favourite thing about your course?

I love the practical feel to the coursework. Each week has a theme of a certain disease/condition, which makes me feel like a future doctor more so than a biology student. It keeps me enthusiastic about the course.

What are you planning/hoping to do after you graduate?

After I graduate, I am looking forward to my FY1 in the UK, and to eventually train as a specialist oncologist or maybe some kind of surgeon.

Would you recommend Swansea University to other students? Why?

I would recommend the university. I am happy with my decision and am enjoying the course structure. I think it would be a particularly good choice for students who like the outdoors and aren’t set on studying in a big city.

What top tips would you give to international students who are considering applying to Swansea?

My top tips would be to reach out to current international students with any questions about the process, and to research the areas you are looking at really well and understand what living there would be like.

Are you part of a society?

I am a fundraiser for the Friends of Medicins Sans Frontieres society, which has been a good way to meet people in the years above and to learn about the organisation. My fundraising skills have definitely improved from non-existent as well.

Are you working part-time during your degree?

This has been difficult because most people are getting by on their maintenance loan which I don’t get as an international student, but it just means I need to be more efficient with my time. So far I am managing.