Amy Turnbull

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

I love that the university is so friendly, and because the city is populated with a lot of students I always bump into people I know either on campus or in town. Coming to Swansea was a big change for me and very different to my home in Manchester, but I quickly fell in the with the town being so close to the beach and within a short distance of some of the most beautiful parts of Wales.

Why did you choose to study your degree at Swansea?

Unfortunately, my A-Levels did not go as I had planned, but I stumbled across Swansea University’s “Pathways to Medicine” courses. After dreaming of wanting to become a doctor for so long, the option of the “Pathways to Medicine” that Swansea offered seemed to be the best fit for me. I was able to still do a degree which involved my love of science, but also explore a side to science that I had never thought about before, Pharmacology!

What is your favourite thing about your course?

My favourite thing about my course is that the cohort is reasonably small so its super easy to get to know everyone and engage with lecturers in a small group setting. This has been a huge help as I feel I have been really supported through my course by the teaching staff.

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

I am planning on continuing at Swansea University to study Graduate Entry Medicine, with the hopes to be able to incorporate my undergraduate degree in Medical Pharmacology in my future career doing something like clinical toxicology.

Would you recommend Swansea University to other students? Why?

Swansea University offers a huge range of undergraduate degrees within the science field and opens doors to areas which aren’t covered at A-Level. When completing your degree, you can branch out and explore topics outside of the main degree with the choice of option modules.

Do you participate in a Swansea University sports team/club?

Since being in first year I have been a part of Swansea University Rowing Club. I joined during October 2022 when there were still COVID-19 restrictions, as it was one of the only sports able to go ahead as it was outdoors. The club is a mixed gender club, so I’ve met such a wide range of people that I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t joined. I have developed so many skills and been able to travel around the country to compete at various head races and regattas.

Have you lived in halls/student housing or at home during your studies?

In my first year I lived at HSV as it was the cheapest accommodation available and the only accommodation I could afford to live in. I loved living there as I was able to meet so many people, which was great when I came to Swansea during covid-19, as it meant I didn’t feel alone.  

Have you worked part-time during your degree?

I have had the privilege to work as a student ambassador at the university during my second and third year. I have had so many opportunities to work outreach programmes, open days and calling campaigns. It is a great job as you can pick and choose when you work, and of course the university are super flexible when it comes to exam seasons as well.

Have you accessed student support at Swansea University?

I have accessed the student support services for mental health, alongside the disability support team who guided me through the process of applying for my Disabled Students’ Allowance.