If you ask someone what’s good about being a student at Bangor, one of the most popular answers is that when you walk down the street you always bump into someone you know. Being surrounded by friends is what makes Bangor such a special place to study, and our size and friendly nature mean our students tend to settle-in quickly.
Much of your social life at University will revolve around the Students’ Union, which provides services, support, activities and entertainment for students.
Student Experience
What to do in and around Bangor
What’s in Bangor?
There are plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants in and around Bangor, with many places on the University campus. Bar Uno at Ffriddoedd Village is open until late and serves food, drink and Starbucks coffee. At St Mary’s Village, Barlows is a great place to meet up with friends. It offers a choice of food and drink options, including Starbucks coffee as well as a range of essential grocery items.
Academi is Bangor’s student club. As well as the club, Academi has two bars, a café and a shop.
The Pontio centre is a social hub for students as well as a centre for learning, innovation and the performing arts. Inside you’ll find a cinema and theatre as well as a bar and café. The Students’ Union is on the third floor and there are lecture theatres and social learning spaces throughout.
Events for students
The Students' Union runs events throughout the year, giving you opportunities to meet other students and get involved with clubs, societies and volunteering opportunities.
Campus Life run events especially for students living in University halls of residence. Take a break from your studies, meet new people and take part in activities you already enjoy, or why not try your hand at something different!
The International Student Support Office runs a social programme that includes free events as well as trips around the local area and further afield. Although the programme designed with international students in mind, it is open to all students. There is also a One World Gala concert held every year that celebrates the many nationalities of our students.
Clubs and Societies
Clubs and societies play a huge part in our students’ social lives. The Students’ Union has around 150 different ones you can sign up to - and they are all free to join. There’s a wide variety on offer, from sports such as football, netball, rugby and tennis to more unusual activities like underwater hockey and quidditch.
Our location, close to beaches, mountains, lakes and rivers means that students can get involved with outdoor adventure clubs like surf, kayaking, mountain walking and windsurf.
But we’re not just about adrenaline, you can also sign-up for societies such as drama, photography, gaming and even dog walking.
Sport and outdoor adventure
The University’s sport centre, Canolfan Brailsford, has a large gym, fitness studios, sports halls, courts, pitches a climbing wall and much more. There is a fitness room and multi games area at St Mary’s Village and outdoor playing fields at Treborth. Within Bangor, there is a swimming pool, close to the city centre.
You can also take part in a wide range of oudoor sports.