How to make the most of Cardiff: A student’s guide to exploring, studying and living

New to Cardiff Uni? Gagging to know more about the wonderful city we now call home? Well, we’ve got you.

This is a rundown of all the best places in Cardiff for everything you need while studying here. A “how to” guide is essential with Freshers’ Week incoming and other students returning.

There is so much to do and see in Cardiff, from the perfect student pub to a cute coffee spot but it is easy to get overwhelmed with so much choice. That’s why we’ve broken down all the famous places and hidden gems for you to try out during your time here.

The Best Pubs in Cathays

The Woodville – This pub is in the perfect location (right next to the library) so it’s ideal for a post-study or post-lecture pint. It is definitely one of the nicer pubs in Cathays with a great garden and two floors. The infamous “Wing Wednesday” is also a highlight with wings for just 40p per wing! Bargain.

The Mackintosh – Lovingly known as “The Mac”, this pub offers exactly what you want – cheap and cheerful drinks. However, it definitely fills up when there’s sport on so try and get there early (or book) to secure a table. With student drink deals and lots of tables, it’s the perfect student spot.

The Flora – This pub is known for its garden which is great whenever the sun decides to come out, and with a pool table and small marquee it’s perfect for a group drink. We also love its weekly pub quiz too so be sure to check it out.

The Best Bars

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Lab 22 – This is definitely a hidden gem. In the city centre just off of St Mary Street, this bar is not easy to spot when passing by but it’s certainly worth a visit. It features a range of amazing cocktails with an intimate vibe so is perfect for a date night or a celebration with friends. It was also ranked one of the best cocktail bars in the UK too!

The Botanist – This bar is a classic. The Botanist offers a range of drinks with a beautiful indoor bar but the highlight has to be the rooftop bar; perfect for an Aperol in the sun.

Boom Battle Bar –  Another favourite. Boom Battle Bar is great for a night out in the centre of Cardiff. Located in the Brewery Quarter, not only does this bar have great drinks and food, it also has a range of games from pool to axe throwing, and let’s not forget there’s a dance floor in the evenings too!

The Best Charity Shops in Roath

Bernardo’s – This is certainly a gem of a charity shop, located on Albany Road in Roath. There are so many bargains in this particular shop, from leather jackets to cami tops. It is also great for other bits such as books.

British Red Cross – Also located on Albany Road, this charity shop has provided students with so many great pieces. Plus, British Red Cross have a partnership with Zara, so there are always new Zara pieces in there every week – perfect for a dress for a uni ball.

Tenovus Cancer Care – Surprise, this charity shop is also located on Albany Road. This is great for last minute social outfits for a Wednesday night, especially on a student budget.

The Best Coffee Shops

Rhostio – Located on Crwys Road, this is the perfect study spot. With delicious coffee, cake and toasties, this coffee shop is perfect for studying as well as treating ourselves with friends. This place also doubles up as a bar, with the gorgeous roof terrace being open in summer so keep this is mind.

Coffee Barker – This coffee shop can be found in the Castle Arcade in the city centre of Cardiff. It’s certainly not the cheapest coffee spot, but is great for a treat. It’s a must visit with beautiful interiors.

Brodie’s Coffee Co – Located opposite Talybont Court, this coffee shop is perfect for freshers wanting to grab a coffee or a top-tier smoothie on the way to lectures.

The Best Fun Activities

Pottery painting at Peggy’s Pots – Located in Pontcanna, this is a great place to have some sober, wholesome fun with your flatmates.

Golf Fang – This indoor crazy golf is a perfect place to visit when the weather isn’t great, which lets face it is most of the time in Cardiff. They offer student rates too, making this activity cheap but so much fun.

Roxy Lanes – This place offers so many different types of games for you to play such as air hockey, darts and bowling. Enjoy with a drink or simply just have some chilled fun with your friends.

The Best Walks

Bute Park – A true Cardiff classic, Bute Park stretches from Talybont to the city centre. It’s a beautiful spot to walk with your flat to grab a coffee or simply reconnect with nature after a night out. We’d also recommend grabbing a couple of tinnies and heading there on a warm day.

Roath Park – This gorgeous park has a lake in the centre which is perfect to walk around before grabbing a drink at the cafe. It also has botanical gardens which simply are a must see.

Cardiff Bay Trail – For a slightly longer walk, head along the Cardiff Bay Trail which takes you down to the gorgeous Cardiff Bay. With lots of restaurants and gorgeous views, we couldn’t recommend walking along this trail more.

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