Student Only St David's

The kitchen situation after Christmas was especially unfair. I came back to find it mouldy and full of flies, and couldn’t eat there for a week. I reported it and was told there’d be an inspection and a conversation with the flatmate responsible. Instead, we were all told off, nothing was really resolved, and I was pressured to clean it within 48 hours or face a fine, even though the mess wasn’t mine. The whole response felt unprofessional and left me deeply disappointed. Other basics were unreliable too. The oven stayed broken, and for two days I was told to use a microwave. The freezer had missing or broken drawers, and I got only one replacement, which wasn’t enough storage. We were promised free bus passes for the academic year, but they arrived three months late, so I missed that much free travel. They also didn’t explain clearly that the passes were only for longer tenancies, such as 44 weeks or more. Movie Mondays never happened during the three weeks we went. Staff said they were still choosing a film, then the sign vanished the next day. Reception staff were repeatedly rude or seemed fed up when we asked questions. The place may be the cheapest option, but the problems with maintenance, services, and staff outweighed the savings. I regret not looking into it more, and wouldn’t recommend staying here.

The fire alarm has been going off continuously for 30 minutes as I write this, and nobody is doing anything. That sums up how stressful this place has been. The Wi-Fi, which students really need, isn’t working. Hot water only turns up now and then, so I have to check whether a shower is even possible. The lift has failed twice in just a month and a half. When I first got here the kitchen was so filthy and chaotic that I couldn’t use it. Student Roost hasn’t kept up even the basic standards it advertises. I’d honestly rather be homeless than live here again, and wouldn’t recommend it to another student.

When loneliness hit now and then, the reception team helped me feel at home. Elaine, Olena, Amy, Alex, and Owen were especially empathetic and chatty, and Nia put together lovely playlists and movies for reception. I had a good stay. The place was clean, close to buses, trains, shops, and the city centre, and maintenance responded quickly. The communal cleaners did a fantastic job too.

I’ve already booked St Davids again for next year. It’s been a great way to meet friendly international and local students from different cultures and countries, and everyone has been nice. When I arrived in Swansea really late, the staff still helped me, and having reception open 24/7 is useful for students. They provide a free bus pass for South Wales as well. Campus, the city centre, railway station, Lidl, JD gym, Farmfoods, Aldi, and Sainsbury are all nearby. St Davids has been a great choice for me, and I’d recommend it to Swansea University and UWSTD students for a memorable experience.