Welcome to Swansea!
Embarking on a journey to a new city is a significant step, and we understand the challenges it brings. Whether you’re here alone or with family, we want to make this transition as smooth as possible. This guide has kindly been put together by one of of international doctors and aims to answer your questions, provide information, and extend a warm welcome to your new home.
We’re thrilled to have you here and wish you a fulfilling and joyful experience in Swansea.
Living in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot
Nestled along the stunning coastline of Wales, Swansea is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends natural beauty with urban charm. Renowned for its picturesque beaches, including the iconic Swansea Bay, the city offers a unique blend of coastal allure and cultural richness. Wander through the lush green spaces of Singleton Park or explore the Swansea Marina, where historic structures meet modern amenities.
Home to Swansea University, the city boasts a dynamic student population, contributing to a lively and diverse atmosphere. The thriving arts scene, showcased at venues like the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, and a range of eclectic dining options add to Swansea’s cultural tapestry.
Sports enthusiasts can revel in the fervor for rugby and football, as Swansea has a strong sporting heritage. The Mumbles, a quaint fishing village nearby, provides a serene escape with charming boutiques and seafront cafes. With a rich history, breath taking landscapes, and a warm spirit, Swansea beckons all to explore its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
A beautiful area in South Wales, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot offer the perfect balance of urban lifestyle and seaside idyll.
Situated on the coast, Swansea is the second most populated city in Wales, and comes with all the most sought-after amenities, including a large shopping district, restaurants, cinemas, sports facilities and a brilliant range of high-quality schools, all sitting along 5 miles of sandy coastline.
Swansea also boasts connections to other major cities, being just 1 hour from Cardiff, 2 hours from Bristol and 3 hours by train from London.
Neath Port Talbot is a county borough in the South-west of Wales, which borders Swansea to the west. Sitting between the foothills of the Brecon Beacons and the sands of Aberavon Beach, Neath Port Talbot offers semi-rural living, and a great place to live and work.
There are a range of areas to explore and make your home – whether your by yourself, with friends, or family. Swansea and Neath both offer a range of different areas and neighbourhood to choose from.
Mumbles
Mumbles is a seaside town in Swansea Bay with a picturesque coastal vibe. It has all the amenities you could need, from supermarkets to local greengrocers, butchers and fishmongers, as well as a range of high-end shops and independent boutiques.
Mumbles is home to some of the best home-grown food, including “fresh off the boat” seafood and it has been ranked among the best places to live in Wales by the Sunday Times.
The magnificent landscape and sandy beaches are sought after by surfers as well as families with small children, with great walks right on your doorstep. The area also has a great reputation for primary and secondary schools, with many reported as either Outstanding or Good in their Ofsted inspections.
Uplands
The Uplands are on the outskirts of central Swansea, within walking distance of the city centre. The area has beautiful Edwardian townhouses and large semi-detached properties.
The Uplands’ main road is known for its nightlife and has some great bars and restaurants.
Neath Port Talbot
Neath is home to beautiful, green outdoor spaces and miles of coastline. It has a great sense of community, with regular events such as the Neath Food and Drink Festival, The Neath Great Fair, Neath Real Ale and Cider Festival, and many more.
Neath Port Talbot really is a great place to live and work. Sitting between the foothills of the Brecon Beacons and the golden sands of Aberavon Beach, the area offers competitive property prices, and being situated so close to the M4, you can be in Swansea in 20 minutes and Cardiff in an hour, making it a perfect place for commuters by car or public transport.
The city centre of Neath features many excellent coffee shops, bars and restaurants and it has many good performing secondary schools according to recent Ofsted and Estyn reports. Additionally, Neath college was voted as the top training provider in Wales as part of The School Leavers Awards.
Gower
With stunning landscapes, quality schools, low crime rate and reasonable house prices, the Gower Peninsula is not only a tourist destination, but one of the most desirable places to live in Wales.
It’s the perfect destination for surfers, avid hikers, cyclists, or anyone who enjoys exploring wildlife and being out in nature. It is known for getting some of the best waves in Britain, with Llangennith being very popular amongst surfers.
Rhossili Bay is made up of three miles of magnificent sand, featuring impressive cliffs and stunning sunflower fields that bloom every year. Gower also offers caves and medieval castles such as Oystermouth Castle.
Swansea City Centre
Swansea’s Waterfront City Centre has a range of shops and is home to Wales’ largest indoor market. The City Centre also includes beautiful Botanical Gardens such as Clyne Gardens and Singleton.
The centre of Swansea, hosts a vibrant live music scene with venues such as Hanger 18 and Sin City, putting on Drum and Bass, Rock, Indie and many more music nights. Wind Street also offers many pubs that have a selection of unique craft beers, pool tables, ping pong and arcade games.
Relocating to the area
Whether you are moving within the UK or relocating from overseas, we have a team of recruitment experts on hand to guide you through the process. They will assist you with everything you need from advice on visas, documentation, and processes, through to induction to ensure your move is as smooth as possible.
Life with Family in Swansea
- Swansea offers a family-friendly environment with a good balance of educational opportunities, recreational activities, and a supportive community, making it a great place for families to live.
- The city is coastal location, and natural landscape provides opportunities for outdoor activities, like hiking, cycling and watersports. Families can enjoy beautiful beaches Caswell Bay, Rhossili Bay, Oxwich bay etc.
- Swansea offers a range of housing options, from city center apartments to suburban family homes. Popular family-friendly neighborhoods include Sketty, Uplands, Mumbles, Llansamlet, Morriston (to name a few). Compared to larger cities in the UK, Swansea has a relatively affordable cost of living, making it an attractive place for families.
What can I expect generally?
- While the cost of living, transportation, and utilities in the area may be subjectively perceived as high, it is essential to note that they do not surpass the levels experienced in some major cities in the UK. Your income will now be in pounds, and with decent financial management, you can navigate these expenses with confidence.
- During the initial months of settling in, it is perfectly normal to incur additional expenses. Allow yourself the flexibility to address major expenditures first, and you will find a sense of relief once these initial challenges are overcome. Consider giving yourself a grace period of 3-4 months of settling in to work before contemplating taking up a locum shift(will be discussed later) for financial grace.
- If you are internationally relocating for employment by SBUHB, please be aware that you are eligible for a Relocation Claim and that your previous experience may be valid here, allowing you better pay. If you’re relocating from within the UK there is a different package offered.
- Kindly liaise with your Medical Workforce contact to facilitate the process and address any queries regarding this entitlement.
- On a practical note, it is worth mentioning that paper mail remains an integral part of communication in this region. Information, including important updates, is regularly posted through the postal service. Each residence, whether it be a house or apartment, is equipped with a letterbox utilized by delivery and mail personnel.
What to expect regarding the weather in Swansea
As you acclimatise to Swansea, we would like to offer some practical advice regarding weather-appropriate attire.
Considering the brisk winds in the region, a raincoat is advisable over an umbrella, as the latter may prove susceptible to wind-induced damage.
It’s worth noting the distinction between waterproof and water-resistant garments while shopping. For brief exposure to light rain, water-resistant attire may suffice. However, for longer durations, such as a 30-minute walk, waterproof clothing will ensure you remain dry.
Additionally, for those sensitive to cooler temperatures, thermal inner wear is worth investing in. These fleece-lined under tops and underpants provide warmth throughout the day. While the hospital is equipped with heating facilities, it does get cold in the hallway due to open windows and doors.
In Swansea, the summers are comfortable; the winters are long, very cold, and wet; and it is windy and partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 3°C to 20°C and is rarely below -2°C or above 23°C.
June to September constitutes the warmer months, with July being the hottest, while November to March marks the cooler period, with February as the coldest.
Join the local support group for IMGs in Swansea
Please join the local support group for JCF and International Medical Graduates in Swansea via the link: chat.whatsapp.com/Ls5gHp5sWSt903tL4zbnyK
Food in Swansea
- The most economical (and delicious) option would be to cook your own food. When time does not allow for it, consider meal prepping.
- Sainsbury’s supermarket in city centre has a small halal section in the refrigerated section where they sell halal meat/chicken and some delicious microwaveable meals (which will definitely save you in your first week) for about £3.50 pounds which is reasonable compared to ordering takeout or getting it delivered with additional delivery charges.
- Halal meat can also be ordered online from Tariq Halal Meats, which is very convenient! www.tariqhalalmeats.com
- A surprisingly decent amount of halal restaurants are located in Swansea, a cluster of them can be found on St. Helen’s Road. Always check the reviews before visiting.
- Plenty of other restaurants to try from, a quick google search away: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g186466-zfz10751-Swansea_Swansea_County_South_Wales_Wales.html
- Vegan and Vegetarian options: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/swansea-places-vegan-vegetarian-eat-10976338
Supermarkets
There are plenty of supermarkets around Swansea. The cheapest items you will find in ALDI and LIDL. Not one supermarket has every item under one roof so you may have to go to different places to get what you need if you’re doing a big shopping list.
Most of the supermarkets usually close very early on Sundays so don’t forget to get your groceries before that. Always carry a pound (for the trolley) and carry your reusable bags with you. I used to go to the supermarket with a suitcase to do bulk shopping and that was convenient for me.
Do register for membership in all the supermarkets that you go to, or any shop for that matter, as you’ll be able to collect points, that may be worth some money in the long run.
- ALDI
- LIDL
- Sainsbury’s
- Morrisons
- Poundland
- B&M
You can find desi/Asian spices, Basmati rice, Indomie noodles in these convenience stores for decent price:
- Masala Bazaar SA1 4DQ
- Brother’s Cash and Carry SA1 4AP
- Exotica World Foods SA1 4BE
- Stop and Shop SA5 9JL
- Medina Shop SA1 5SE
- SA1 Grocery SA1 1LF
- African Food and Spices SA1 5SF
- Oriental Express Asian Food Store SA1 4JG
- Family Choice Golden Asia SA1 2BQ
Moving to the area
Education
Housing
Nature
Jobs
Transport
The Local Community
