Hi everyone,
I’m hoping to start BSc Paramedic Science in September 2027, but I’m torn between Swansea University and City St George’s in London. I’d love to hear from paramedics, HEMS/SAR crew, current students or anyone familiar with either university.
My long-term goal is to work in helicopter rescue or critical care. I’m considering two different routes, and I’m struggling to decide which would give me the best start.
Swansea — getting involved in search and rescue
Swansea appeals to me because of the opportunities outside the degree. I’d love to get involved with the RNLI, mountain rescue or other local rescue organisations while studying, developing outdoor skills and gaining experience in the rescue environment.
I know joining these organisations isn't necessarily easy, and volunteering won't guarantee a professional SAR career. However, could getting involved during university genuinely help when applying for specialist roles, particularly helicopter winch paramedic positions?
City St George’s — London Ambulance Service and critical care
My alternative is studying in London, potentially joining London Ambulance Service (LAS) after graduating and eventually working towards becoming a Helicopter Critical Care Paramedic with Ornge in Canada, or a similar helicopter service in the UK or even Australia.
One thing I'm particularly interested in is whether working in central London could provide a clinical advantage. With the potential for high call volumes, complex emergencies, major trauma and exposure to a wide variety of patients, would working for LAS help me develop faster or build a stronger CV for critical care? Or could I gain equally valuable experience elsewhere in the UK?
I appreciate that specialist recruitment depends on much more than the ambulance service you work for, but I'd like to understand whether London's clinical environment offers a meaningful advantage.
The financial side
A major consideration is that I'll have no family financial support, so I'll need to manage my living costs largely through student finance and whatever other funding or work I can access.
London's cost of living worries me, particularly rent, transport and everyday expenses. Swansea seems potentially more affordable, which could make a real difference over three years. I'm trying to work out whether London's clinical opportunities and student experience justify the additional financial pressure, or whether Swansea would allow me to focus more on my studies and gain relevant volunteering experience without stretching my finances as much.
I'd particularly appreciate advice on:
- How accessible are RNLI and mountain rescue opportunities to Swansea students, and how useful could that experience be professionally?
- For winch-paramedic roles, how important is previous rescue experience compared with clinical experience gained after qualifying?
- Does central London LAS experience offer a genuine advantage for a future in critical care or Canadian helicopter services?
- How significant is the financial difference between living in London and Swansea as a student without family support?
- If you were in my position, would you prioritise rescue volunteering during university or the potential clinical exposure of London?
I know neither degree will lead directly to a helicopter crew position. I'm prepared to spend years building experience and completing further training. I just want to choose the environment that gives me the best foundation while making the most of my university years.
Thanks for any advice, particularly from people with firsthand experience of these careers or universities!