Welsh Community (UMCB)
UMCB is a union dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights and opportunities of Welsh-speaking students at Bangor University, both socially and academically. First established in 1976, we play an active role in supporting Welsh-medium university life and work to strengthen Welsh social life by collaborating with our affiliated societies.
Academically, we work closely with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, Canolfan Bedwyr, and other university departments to ensure that the rights outlined by the Welsh Language Commissioner in 2018 are upheld in practice. If any issues arise during the year, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we are here to represent and support you.
UMCB is led by a voluntary elected committee of students, which sits at the heart of our campaigns and activities. The committee is always open to hearing your ideas and supporting you throughout your time at Bangor.
Clubs, Societies and Projects
JMJ
JMJ (John Morris-Jones) is Bangor University's Welsh-speaking hall of residence and is at the heart of the Welsh student community. With its own common room, JMJ hosts a wide range of social activities throughout the year, including parties, darts tournaments, choir rehearsals, and much more. Living in JMJ offers Welsh-speaking students a welcoming environment where lifelong friendships are made, creating an unforgettable university experience.
Cymric Sports
Cymric Sports are Bangor's Welsh-medium sports clubs, offering students the opportunity to train and compete in a variety of sports, including football, netball, rugby, hockey, and darts. Teams train weekly, compete against Bangor University Athletic Union clubs and local teams, and proudly take part in the annual rivalry against Aberystwyth University's Y Geltaidd. Whether you're an experienced player or looking to try something new, Cymric Sports has something for everyone.
Welsh Friend Project
Looking to improve your Welsh while meeting new people? The Welsh Friend Project provides a relaxed and informal way for learners to practise their Welsh with fluent speakers. It's a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, develop your language skills, make new friends, and enhance your employability through bilingual communication.
John Gwilym Jones Society
The John Gwilym Jones Society is perfect for students with an interest in Welsh literature, language, and performance. The society encourages members to explore a wide range of Welsh literature and writing styles while developing their analytical, creative, and performance skills in a supportive environment.
Siop Siarad
At UMCB, student wellbeing is a priority. Siop Siarad was established to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing within the Welsh-medium student community. The project helps connect students with Welsh-language support services, ensuring everyone knows where to find help and creating a welcoming, supportive community where no one feels alone.
Aelwyd JMJ
Aelwyd JMJ is Bangor University's Welsh choir, welcoming singers of all abilities. The choir rehearses weekly and performs regularly throughout the year. Renowned for its success at the National Urdd Eisteddfod, Aelwyd JMJ continues to represent the Welsh student community at performances and events across Wales. Alongside music, members enjoy a vibrant social calendar, making the choir a fantastic way to meet new people and enrich your university experience.
Y Cymric
Y Cymric is the social wing of UMCB, led by four elected student officers who organise many of the community's most popular events throughout the year. From Clwb Cymru (our legendary fancy-dress night) and regular quiz nights to Pentre Bach, a tour of local village pubs, and many other events, Y Cymric ensures there's always something to look forward to. These events are a brilliant way to make lifelong friends, celebrate Welsh culture, and create unforgettable memories during your time at Bangor University.
Welsh Student Representatives
We have Welsh Medium School Reps in each school across the university. They are responsible for representing the voice and rights of all Welsh speaking students, regardless of whether they are studying in Welsh or English.
They attend Welsh Matters Committee Meetings with school staff to discuss specific feedback as well as meeting with our Llywydd UMCB to feed into university wide projects.
