Don't count it out.

Swansea County is a sprawling area on the southwestern coast of Wales, containing miles and miles of rolling farmland, lush cliffside views, numerous sleepy little villages, and Swansea City. Both Swansea Uni's main campus (Singleton) and newly-built Bay Campus are oceanfront, with easy access to long stretches of calm beach. A semester-long bus pass provides access to the entire county, which includes day trips to Rhossili Bay--one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. A student National Express card (around £10) provides 10-20% discounts on buses that run the entirety of the UK, and the MegaBus is a seriously discounted travel option for travel between Swansea and London. The Student Village (Hendrefoelan), though dated, was a great way to meet new people, and I made lifelong friendships that I wouldn't trade for the world. My professors were both thoughtful and approachable. Because of Swansea's location, international travel is easy, affordable, and encouraged over the spring holidays, and Swansea Uni sponsors several trips throughout the semester to UK hotspots like Bath and Stonehenge, and European hubs like Amsterdam. The opportunities afforded me because of my time in Swansea have been life-changing--from experiencing the often-overlooked-but-vivid-and-rich Welsh culture to contributing to respected travel magazines. The obvious locations for study abroad are a stone's throw from Wales, but the bonds formed in Swansea have changed my life for the better in more ways than I can even express. Don't count it out.