Cost of living here is really quite low nothing is majorly expensive. Eating out can be good for certain places but generally you need to go to Menai Bridge, but its still really close! Nights out can be limited but still really decent. Shopping is limited a train to Chester is better! But you still do have pretty much everything you need, clothing shops are just a bit limited. Public transport is cheap and really good always on time, although I used my car, when we did use the bus/train it was reliable.
On 5th November 20
Cost of living here is really quite low nothing is majorly expensive. Eating out can be good for certain places but generally you need to go to Menai Bridge, but its still really close! Nights out can be limited but still really decent. Shopping is limited a train to Chester is better! But you still do have pretty much everything you need, clothing shops are just a bit limited. Public transport is cheap and really good always on time, although I used my car, when we did use the bus/train it was reliable.
On 5th November 20
Living in Bangor
Bangor is known among the tourists for its beautiful coastline, and among the students for it’s cheap living costs. It is set in spectular surroundings with many attractions nearby.
Being one of the UK’s smallest cities makes Bangor the perfect place to hide away and study for those that want to minimise the craziness of their student years as much as possible. This pint-sized place is perched on the north-west coast of Wales, right next to the majestic Snowdonia National Park.
Bangor University isn’t a self-contained campus, instead the buildings are spread through the town, giving you a chance to look around as you head between lectures. You’ll probably walk past the cathedral that gives Bangor its city status and it’s worth having a look inside. Although, like Bangor itself, it’s not particularly big, it’s got a lot of character.
The music scene here is pretty good, particularly if you’re into classical music. Admittedly it’s hard to find many clubs, but that’s only because they’re hugely outnumbered by pubs instead. The town centre has enough shops to take care of all your essentials, with a good mix of chain and local shops. For anything else you need, the St David’s Retail Park is on the outskirts of Bangor. There’s also a big emphasis on sports, particularly outdoor ones, and there are several outdoors pursuits centres and boating clubs in the area. In and around Bangor you’ll find swimming pools, courts and pitches, and a couple of dry-ski slopes,
Bangor also has a Victorian pier that stretches across the Menai Straits. We are reliably informed that the cafe at the end of it does a very good tea and scones. Your nearest cinema is half an hour up the road at Llandudno Junction, and if you go the other way towards Anglesey you’ll find some good sand and surf at Llanddona and Benlecch Beach.
Daytrip!
- City break: For large-scale shopping and entertainment, Chester is just over 1hr away by road, and Liverpool can be reached in 90min.
- Snowdonia: You’d be crazy if you didn’t try some outdoor sports … or perhaps crazy if you did! The combinations of mountains and coast make the area a haven for rock climbers, sailors, paragliders and surfers. There’s some nice walks too for those of us without a deathwish.
- Ireland: The ferry to Dublin leaves from just up the road in Holyhead.
Good to know
- Car?: Don’t bother, it’s that small you won’t need one.
- Bus: The local service is run by Arriva. See their website for times and routes.
- Train: Liverpool is just over 2hrs away by train.
Read Bangor Reviews
Cost of living here is really quite low nothing is majorly expensive. Eating out can be good for certain places but generally you need to go to Menai Bridge, but its still really close! Nights out can be limited but still really decent. Shopping is limited a train to Chester is better! But you still do have pretty much everything you need, clothing shops are just a bit limited. Public transport is cheap and really good always on time, although I used my car, when we did use the bus/train it was reliable.
Bangor itself is not the best city in the world. That's just being honest. I still had an amazing time. I'd say Bangor is more appropriate for the pub-goer rather than the club-goer. Although North Wales offers amazing live music, you just have to do a little digging & be willing for an adventure.
Central location, student focused, beautiful surroundings
£4.50 all day pass in the north of Wales very good value for money. 5+ supermarkets within a mile of each other and enough pubs and nightclubs to go around
Bearing in mind the location of Bangor University, the cost of living is worth it. Its much cheaper than the cost of living in a larger city. Public transport is good with a good train link. It has the longest high street in the country too.
Lots of pubs, two clubs and several bars so good nightlife. Shops are OK, lots of good charity shops, an asda, lidl, aldi, morrisons and tesco. If you want more / bigger shops like Primark or Debenhams then Llandudno is only a short bus ride. Public transport is great, very good bus services to lots of different places. Reasonable train service, direct trains to Chester, Llandudno Junction and Holyhead. Very good and cheap student accommodation available. Great location, close to the sea and snowdonia national Park.
Bangors night life is great, being a student town there's always different night going on. Eating out isn't the greatest but that's fine for students, less money for us to spend! Shopping is good although the there is no primark or cheaper stores.
Small city easy to walk around, accessible
Not many places to go on a night out. The Harp and The Black Bull Inn are both worth a visit for cheap drinks. SOS at Academi is worth buying a ticket for as drinks are very cheap. Avoid Peep on a Saturday as it's locals night. Cost of living is generally cheap. Can get to most places in North Wales for less than £20 return.
Train services a let down, great bus services
Brilliant night life with many pubs and clubs to choose from which bring life and excitement every night. Brilliantly priced drinks and entry. Good cheap accommodation which is in never far from the main university. No real need for public transport but they offer regular bus services and a train station in central Bangor. Lots of varied restaurants from Thai to Chinese and homemade pub grub at reasonable prices.
Everything you need is within a half hour walk and easy to find.
May have to travel further for shopping but with the internet makes it easier! Nights out are good but can be a long walk uphill at the end of a night!
Bangor is a beautiful place and so cheap too
Missing a few big brands such as primark, could do with an extra couple of clubs opening. Pubs are very cheap and you can have a good night by just going to the pub
You can walk everywhere but there isn't much to do in Bangor after the first 3 months
A very beautiful area to live in
Despite the nightlife being restricted to only two nightclubs, Bangor is a lively little student city and the cost of living and nights out is very reasonable in comparison to bigger cities like Manchester, York and London. Everything is within walking distance so there's no need to splash out on expensive bus passes!
Everything is on your doorstep! Able to walk around everywhere if you want to. Train station quite central, and the bus station in the centre of the high street. Loads of local shops a long with some larger national stores
Not many clubs so if you like clubbing this is not the best place although the two main clubs are very good. Lots of shops both independent and chain, loads of pubs and activities nearby. Public transport is very decent and helpful if you don't know where to go ( welsh names are hard ! )
There's currently only 2 night clubs in Bangor, however plenty of pubs, it is the only fault I can find with Bangor as I come from a large city. The high street is a little basic but still has everything you will need, it has new look, peacocks, Costa, and it's just opened a pandora too. Quite a few takeaways, and quite a few little gems when it comes to restaurants and cafes, however blue sky is a bit pricey, but worth a fancy lunch!
Not many places to eat out but loads of take away the town is small but you can get trains to loads of places for better shopping
Quiet town to live in but still enough to do. Very easy to get to the nearest main town (Chester) and to attractions such as cinemas (Llandudno Junction), beaches (Angelsey/Colwyn Bay), or places to go out for the day (Llandudno). Have always felt very safe living here. Everything is within walking distance, and if you live in Upper Bangor you can get to shops and lecture halls within 5-10 minutes - very convenient.
Bangor... 2nd longest high street in the UK... Pound shops, charity shops and rubbish.. Avoid bangor at all costs.
Bangor is in North Wales; te best part of the most beautiful country in the UK. If you're not from Wales or the UK, don't ne put off thinking that you'll not fit in with the Welsh culture and that everyone speaks Welsh... No one speaks the language, and he few that do are also blessed with the English language. The 'city' is small and compact but had everything g you need and world class facilities. Has great shopping locations, sports, entertainment and leisure attractions. Is also situ stated near to Isle of Angelsea, a must see island full of amazing things to see and do. The city is located right on the coast so get fresh sea air and a great country-side/ urban atmosphere. This is a student dominated city so you are never left feeling lonely or isolated!
Beautiful
Amazing views, lovely people, beach, mountains, everything is in walking distance
Cons?
too many hills and not enough close shops
Its Okay!
Everywhere you could possibly want to go is within walking distance so you dont need public transport unless you do marine science, the cost of living is generally pretty low.
Cons?
The night clubs are not great. The weather is generally pretty rubbish, there is decent selection of shops for retail therapy. There are lots of hills, but you do get used to them.
Bangor
Never far away from university buildings or your friends' houses. Rarely have to use public transport but the train and bus services are frequent. There is a very good atmosphere as half the population are students and there is a community feel among them. Very friendly and welcoming, small city in which you can never get lost.
Cons?
Only 3 night clubs, although it means you will never party at an empty club. It's so windy here!