Ranjan Pandey PhD in Banking and Finance - India
Why Bangor
Bangor is where fun goes to college! Sure, you could study at some stuffy old university, but do they have a seaside campus surrounded by mountains and standing stones? I think not! At Bangor, you’re never more than a short walk from nature’s beauty. When you need a study break, just head down to the beach for a refreshing dip in the cold Irish Sea. Living costs are cheap here also, with all the money you save, you can take weekend trips around magical Wales and explore ancient castles. Bangor has highly esteemed management, marine biology, music, and zoology programs. Few of the lecturers have experience working in the European Union and have a great amount of funding from the UK government. As for the nightlife, Bangor has all kinds of quirky local clubs with names like Rascals and Academi, so come join us, friend. There’s always a pint waiting at the local pub to welcome you with open arms. Just be prepared for a wet but wonderful adventure!
The International Mentor Scheme
At Bangor, you'll be paired up with a wise and wizened mentor to guide you through campus life.
What is the most difficult thing about being an International Student
As an international student, I expected challenges like homesickness, culture shock, and some language barriers.
The Lecturers
As mentioned earlier the Business School has renowned lecturers with experience across the Industry. The professors make classes lively and interactive. Rather than just lecturing from a podium, they frequently incorporate discussions, group work, case studies, and other hands-on learning. I really appreciate that they take the time to get to know students and help us apply concepts in meaningful ways. Beyond the classroom, Bangor's business lecturers are approachable and genuinely want students to thrive. They hold regular office hours, provide individual support, and give detailed feedback to help us improve. I'm always impressed by how willing they are to mentor students academically and professionally. The bottom line is that the lecturers at Bangor challenge me, spark my curiosity, and have played a tremendous role in my development as a business student. Their passion for teaching and for their field of expertise is evident in every class. I could not recommend Bangor's dedicated faculty more highly!
Clubs and Societies
Currently, I am holding the position of Student Union Course Representative of MBA Banking and Finance, I am also an International Student mentor for the upcoming batch of 2023 new students.
Bangor and the area
Bangor is a scenic seaside city situated along the coast of North Wales. With a population of about 20,000, it has a small-town feel but still offers plenty of shops, pubs, and things to do. Just a short drive from Bangor is the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park, home to Wales’ highest mountain, Mount Snowdon. Bangor provides easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, and mountain biking. The city also has a historic cathedral and castle dating back to medieval times. Thanks to the nearby Menai Strait, it’s possible to catch lovely water views from much of Bangor. The city has a vibrant youth culture due to the presence of Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ. While off the beaten tourist track, Bangor’s scenic coastal location and proximity to nature make it a charming place to visit or study.
The best thing about Bangor
Here are some of my favorite things about Bangor:
- The scenic location - being situated right between the sea and the mountains of Snowdonia National Park gives Bangor an absolutely breathtaking setting. Walking along the coast or gazing at mountain views never gets old.
- Outdoor recreation - with the ocean, estuary, forests, and mountains nearby, Bangor is a paradise for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, sailing, and more. The opportunities for fresh air and adventures are endless.
- Friendly community - despite being a city, Bangor has maintained a warm, welcoming small-town vibe. Residents are proud of their community and eager to share what makes it special.
- Thriving cultural scene - between the university population and passionate locals, Bangor hosts great concerts, events, festivals, markets, and more throughout the year. There's always something fun happening.
- Proximity to nature - Snowdonia, Anglesey, coastal paths, forests - so many beautiful wild places are just short drives away, ready to be explored.
Support from the university
Here are some of the key supports Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ provides to students:
- Academic support - personal tutors provide guidance on academic matters. There are also subject-specific tutorials, study skills services, and disability/learning support.
- Wellbeing support - counselling, mental health advisors, health services, and the Wellbeing & Disability Centre support students mental and physical health.
- Career guidance - advisors assist with career planning, internships, CV/interview prep, job applications, and more.
- Financial assistance - Bangor provides scholarships, bursaries, and other funding for eligible students. There is also a Student Hardship Fund.
- Housing - on-campus halls and off-campus housing services help students find accommodation.
- Student Services Centre - provides information and assistance on issues like enrolment, finances, visas, and orientation for international students.
Advice for new international students
- Make use of the International Student Services Team - they offer airport pickups, orientation events, visa/immigration help, and general support to help you adjust.
- Attend fresher's week activities to meet people - joining student clubs and societies is also a great way to make friends.
- Consider the mentor program to be paired with a current student who can show you around.
- Be open-minded and proactive in making connections - people are generally very friendly but you have to put yourself out there.
- Explore the area around Bangor - go hiking in Snowdonia, visit castles, and pop over to Anglesey - take advantage of the beautiful surroundings.
- Get comfortable with public transport - trains and buses are the easiest ways to travel around North Wales and the rest of the UK.
- Budget carefully - some costs like groceries may be more expensive than you expect, so review living costs.
- Make time for regular calls/messages home to avoid homesickness.
- Make use of university resources like the library, tutors, and career services - don't be shy about asking for help!
- Say yes to social events and try new things - immerse yourself in the culture.
The future
As a Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ student, I envision taking advantage of the many opportunities available both within my studies and beyond. I plan to join some of the 150+ student societies to meet new people and pursue interests outside my classes. With support from Career Services, I will secure internships to gain hands-on experience and polish my skills. I look forward to exploring the iconic nature of North Wales in my free time, from hiking in Snowdonia to beach days on Anglesey. Most of all, I foresee forming lifelong friendships and networks that will propel me toward a successful career. With its esteemed degree programs, lively student culture, and breathtaking surroundings, Bangor offers an enriching experience that will shape who I become. The future looks bright as a Bangor student!