Experience in Bangor, United Kingdom by Rasha

What is it like to live in Bangor? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I loved Bangor. The city suited me a lot back then in 2010 when I started my Master's degree in Medical Molecular Biology with Genetics. I just came from Baghdad/Iraq. So, the city offered peace especially with its green landscapes.

The people there when I first came were very very friendly. They could easily recognize that I am a foreigner and they will help you a lot and just step up by asking you if they could help you. They were amazing. Everyone would think that only the big cities are international and you meet people from all nationalities, but Bangor offered all that and even more.

I met people from all nationalities and different walks of life and still many of them I consider friends.

The city's nature is mesmerizing, and the university offered a lot of activities that you could join.

The weather was something, you can have four seasons in one day. That was funny, but definitely interesting.

The city is safe as compared to many other cities in UK.

Train connections was great.

It was great and many of my best days were there.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bangor?

As a student, it depends always like any other place in the world on the field you are studying. Mine was a lot of work and a lot of studying was needed but despite that I still had great opportunities to meet people and go out.

The activities of their International Office was a lot and many of it you could join. Through these I went around Bangor and the surrounding towns such as Liverpool and Manchester.

There are many other activities that were there, but I could not join because of the study load. They had parties for Diwali, New year, and many others.

How much does it cost to live in Bangor?

United Kingdom is generally expensive, but Bangor is cheaper than the rest of the big cities such as London, Glasgow and Manchester.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Bangor? Is there any advice you can give?

For me, I had no problem because I was living in one of the university's dorm. It was good and I had very good flatmates, I would meet them in the kitchen sometimes and exchange a small talk. My flatmates were from China, Pakistan, Philippines, and Thailand. They were all nice and friendly.

The apartment had 6 suites, each room had its private bathroom and toilet and only the kitchen was shareable.

The bills of water, electricity and the Internet were included in the rent and the room were furnished as well as the kitchen. A cleaner would come every week or I think twice a week to clean the latter.

The only problem was that the rent lease expires before the end of the term and you cannot apply for an extension. So, you have to look for a new place.

What places would you recommend visiting in Bangor?

Bangor's pier is amazing. Worthy walking for it and there you can have a pancake. It is amazing, especially in a sunny day.

What advice would you give future students heading to Bangor?

Enjoy the ride! :)