Swansea University has a range of options for you to engage with Welsh clubs, societies and culture whilst you're here with us. You may not speak Welsh and want to learn, or you might want to brush up on your Welsh language skills by socialising in Welsh or playing sport with other Welsh speakers. 

Fluent Welsh speakers and learners are all welcome.

The Welsh Society (Y Gym Gym)

Being a member of the Gym Gym is a great opportunity for Swansea's Welsh speaking students to socialise and meet other Welsh speakers within the University. Every year, the Society holds a large number of events ranging from crawls and socials, quiz nights and occasional trips. The biggest event everyone looks forward to is the family crawl at the beginning of the year; this is a great opportunity to get to know the new and existing members of the society.

Annually, they organise a trip during the Six Nations to either Dublin or Edinburgh. These trips are a great chance to socialise and make new friends with other members across Wales. Every year, they attending the Intercollegiate Dance and the Eisteddfod and competing against other Welsh Societies. 

Find out more about the Student Union's societies here or read more about the Welsh Society here.

logo for the Welsh society with a Swan in the middle and Swansea University written beneath it

Aelwyd yr Elyrch

Our students were inspired to create their own new Urdd Group and Aelwyd yr Elyrch was launched on the day of the Urdd's 100th birthday in 2022. Aelwyd yr Elyrch is a great opportunity suitable for 18-25 year olds and offers opportunities for you to compete in the Eisteddfod, volunteer in the local community and get involved in practical activities and much more. The Aewlyd meets fortnightly at various locations on the University campuses.

The word Aelwyd means home so why not join our new home within the large Urdd community? The Aelwyd works very closely with the Welsh Society, Welsh Affairs Officer, Students' Union and Swansea Branch.

Aelwyd yr Elyrch logo

Hi, I'm Macsen your Students' Union Welsh Affairs Officer!

"I feel extremely passionate about the Welsh language and its culture since I was young. I have received my education through the medium of Welsh throughout my life including my time here at Swansea University studying BSc Geography.

As a native of the upper Tawe Valley, the Welsh language has given me a wealth of opportunities and has played a huge part in my upbringing, and I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to speak it.

My aim for the coming academic year is to make sure that the University focuses on the Welsh language, its culture and its heritage. In addition, I have hopes of strengthening the opportunities for students to learn and have the best possible Welsh-medium teaching experience as well as offering opportunities for our Welsh-medium clubs and societies to evolve, in order to give students who Welsh speakers and learners get a better understanding of our wonderful culture.

Email: macsen.davies@swansea-union.co.uk

head shot of Macsen Davies