Now ready to graduate, Abi looks back at her time at Bangor University and looks forward to continuing her journey in the place she didn’t expect to end up.

By Ruby Wrankmore

Name: Abi

University: University of Bangor

Course: BSc Sports Science and Outdoor Activity

Hometown: Malvern, Worcestershire

Favourite food: Marmite, I’ve always loved it!

Getting started

“I actually came to Bangor through clearing. I originally wanted to go to Loughborough University to study Sports and Exercise Science, but I ended up riding my bike instead of revising. I wouldn’t change anything, though.”

“I love the area that Bangor is in - it’s a really special location for outdoor activity. The course looked really interesting and the campus seemed a good size, which was good for me as I didn’t want to go somewhere too big.”

“I was always set on Sports Science as a course, but when I realised that Outdoor Activity was available I didn’t want to waste the opportunity. It suits me a lot better being able to have the outdoor aspect, so it was like fate that it ended up this way!”

“I’ve always been involved in sports, and moving to Bangor let me branch out to different activities. I have done more kayaking and mountaineering, as well as things I already enjoyed like swimming and mountain biking. The landscape in Bangor is really suited to all things adventure.”

Settling into uni life

“The most challenging part of starting university was settling into a new routine. I also found managing my workload to be a step up from my A-Levels. I moved into halls in my first year and was able to change to a different flat that suited me more. I’m still living with a friend that I made from that time!”

“I’m part of a few societies at Bangor. I’m currently Vice President of both Triathlon Society and Cycling Society. I’m also involved in Climbing and Kayaking from time to time. Last year I was the first Women’s Cycling Captain, and it was great to encourage women out on their bikes. This year has been difficult with the pandemic, but societies really help with the university experience. They build your social circle - I spend a lot of time with the people that I’ve met. I would recommend that new students get involved in any clubs or societies that interest them.”

Becoming an Ambassador

“I heard about CampusConnect through an email from the university. When I first got my place at Bangor, the peer guide scheme really helped me out. I think from this I wanted to give back to other students, and so I decided to become a CampusConnect Ambassador.”

“The best thing about being an Ambassador is getting to know the students, and being able to help them with their worries.”

“A memorable interaction I’ve had from the app is meeting up with a prospective student I’d been chatting with. I showed her around the Bangor campus and we got to speak about our shared love of climbing. She should be attending in September!”

Looking to the future

“At the moment I’m hoping to get into outdoor work. I’m seeing what opportunities are out there for me and trying to put my degree to use! I want to stay in Bangor, so I’m hoping that there will be some good trainee schemes come September.”

“Outdoor instructing is my dream job. I’d love to do my favourite thing and get paid for it!”

“My advice to incoming students is that everything happens for a reason. I thought I would be at a different university studying a different subject, but I’m so happy with the way things turned out. Take every opportunity and enjoy it.”