UWTSD Summer Residential 2026 inspires future university students

THE UNIVERSITY of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) welcomed students from schools and colleges across Wales and England to its Carmarthen campus for the 2026 Summer Residential, held from June 30 to July 3.

The four-day programme gave prospective students an insight into university life through a range of academic, social, and personal development activities. Students took part in team-building challenges, attended one of 11 subject-specific academic sessions across the University’s Swansea and Carmarthen campuses, learned about the university application process, and recorded podcasts reflecting on their experiences. The residential concluded with a graduation ceremony and celebration.

The Summer Residential forms part of UWTSD’s commitment to widening access to higher education, helping students explore their future options while building confidence, independence, and lasting friendships.

Donna Williams, Senior Widening Access Officer at UWTSD, said: “The Summer Residential was a fantastic success, and it was wonderful to welcome such an enthusiastic and engaged group of students.

“It was especially encouraging to see so many first-generation students taking part, many of whom left the week feeling inspired to pursue higher education.

“My sincere thanks go to our academic colleagues for delivering engaging sessions and to the wider University staff whose hard work helped make the experience so memorable.”

Anna Stephens, Student Recruitment Officer, added: “After a year of planning, it was fantastic to see the Summer Residential come to life.

“The week captured what university is all about – bringing students together, building friendships and confidence, and giving them a genuine taste of university life.

“Every student was a credit to themselves, and we couldn’t be prouder of how they represented their schools and communities.”

Student attendee Dyfan Wheeler said: “The Summer Residential was an incredible experience. The staff went above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome, and there was always something exciting to do.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to make new friends, learn more about university life and speak with passionate lecturers. I arrived feeling unsure but optimistic, and I left knowing that UWTSD is an excellent place to study.”

Lucy O’Flynn said: “The Summer Residential made me realise that university is definitely the route I want to take. I loved UWTSD’s strong sense of community and the smaller class sizes, which really appealed to me.

“It’s definitely a university I’ll be considering next year. Thank you to all the staff for such an amazing experience – I’d do it all again.”

Libby Stirling added: “The Summer Residential helped me understand what university life is really like and confirmed that higher education is the right path for me. I also made lifelong friends and memories that I’ll always be grateful for.”

The programme also made a lasting impression on parents and guardians, many of whom said they noticed a significant boost in their children’s confidence, enthusiasm, and aspirations after returning home.

Tracey Swann, whose daughter Lily attended the residential, said: “What an amazing opportunity. The staff were brilliant, the sessions were engaging and Lily came home much more confident.

“She also made lots of lovely friends and is even more excited about university.”

Karen Brown, whose daughter Amelie also took part, added: “A fantastic residential. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was clear how much time, care, and effort the University staff invested in making it such a positive experience.”

Students attended the 2026 UWTSD Summer Residential from the following schools and colleges: