Leigh Phillips

Why Swansea?
I chose Swansea because of the warm and welcoming nature of the department. The course boasts plenty of lab time, access to the instrumentation you learn about at A Level, and many opportunities to benefit the local scientific community through outreach endeavours.

What are your top 3 favourite things about Swansea (the city/area)?
I am a big fan of the proximity to the beach; going for a dip is a great way to relax after lectures and labs. The town centre has plenty of places to eat and drink, catering to all tastes. Additionally, as someone from a rural area, I appreciate the numerous green spaces perfect for quiet reading and learning.

What is your favourite thing about your course?
The lecturers in the Chemistry department are very approachable. With a smaller course size, it’s easy to establish positive working relationships with the staff, who genuinely have your best interests at heart. It's also encouraged to mingle with chemists from other years, which provides valuable guidance and support when you're just starting university.

What are you planning/hoping to do after you graduate?
I’d like to pursue a PhD in bio-inorganic chemistry and then become a researcher, whether in industry or academia.

Would you recommend Swansea University to other students?
I’d recommend Swansea due to its great location. I strongly encourage anyone contemplating a chemistry degree to attend one of our open days and experience the wonderful department firsthand.

Are you/have you been part of a society?
This past year, I was President of the Chemistry Society. Running a society is incredibly challenging but twice as rewarding. We won the Campaign of the Year award for our Chemistry Clubs initiative, visiting local underprivileged schools to provide interactive lab demos. We also secured grants and organised various social events, and I had the chance to visit the US twice, which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Have you lived in halls during your studies?
I lived in Singleton Campus halls during my first year. Having your own space is something I’d recommend for new students as it allows for independence while being surrounded by peers in the same situation.

Have you worked part-time during your degree?
I work part-time as a member of the Events Crew at the Student’s Union. We are responsible for setting up, running, and taking down stages for events like the Summer Ball, layouts for Varsity, and stands at Fresher’s Fair. It's a hands-on job, but seeing the finished product makes it all worth it. I also enjoy working with sound and lighting tech whenever I can, which is my favourite part of the job.