The College serves a vibrant and expanding community with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. At night, a variety of clubs offer different styles of music, and wine bars in and around the town centre are the focus of a buzzing social scene, along with restaurants catering for all tastes and cultures.

There are also two cinema complexes, a bowling alley, an ice rink (home of Swindon Wildcats Ice Hockey team), and a thriving Arts Centre. Swindon has a number of leisure centres offering sports and fitness activities. The County Ground is the home of Swindon Town FC, and Blunsdon Abbey hosts League speedway and greyhound racing. Student discounts are available at many of these activities.

Outside the town, Swindon is surrounded by the beautiful Wiltshire countryside. The Ridgeway provides 80 miles of walking routes, while prehistoric Avebury is nearby.

Swindon's excellent shopping facilities include the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Village, the Brunel Centre and a wide range of high street shops.