Here are the top five most unhinged things Cardiff students have seen in Cathays

Where do we find the late-night robot dance squad?


Cathays is no stranger to the more bizarre and unhinged things any UK uni student could face.

Although we all love a cheeky kebab at Mamas, nights out at Misfits, and of course our beloved SU, there are certainly some things that even the most active of Cathays will surely not miss once graduated.

So here’s our list of the most unhinged things our community has seen in the streets of Cathays.

1. Rats

@niamhautumn11 Get me out of here #cathays #cardiffuni #cardiff #rat #ratatouille #uni ♬ Le Festin (From “Ratatouille”) – Movie Sounds Unlimited

Of course, we had to state the most obvious. The indigenous population of Cathays, the rats.

Are you really a true resident if you haven’t had your fair share of bumping into a few after a night out? Some have had rats crawl or brush against them whilst walking back from YOLO, while others have had some more creative ideas… including the bright idea of capturing a rat with a pasta strainer (don’t ask us how that ended). 

2. Seagulls

@rpnotty a video of a seagull eating a rat, oh how i love cathays #cardiffuni #seagull #rat #cathays #cardiffuniversity #cardiff #fyp #foryoupage ♬ It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – Main Theme – Geek Music

Another member of Cathays’ native wildlife! Seagulls have been rampaging the streets, scaring our students, and frankly, causing full of havoc daily.

Residents have reported bizarre sightings, such as seagulls dragging squashed rats through the streets, fighting over a dead fish by putting its entire head into the mouth of the other to retrieve it, and ripping bin bags to shreds – with one being filled with used condoms. Gross.

3. Weapons of mass destruction

Nuclear weapons might be in the headlines of international news now, but one local resident commented on how she found a grenade in her back garden and had to call the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) or bomb squad to dispose of it. Might be unrelated, but she saw a car blow up outside her house later that week!

4. ‘Strange’ costumes

@misfitscardiff drop us a DM on instagram to book 😉 #cardiff #bar #cathays #fyp #misfits ♬ original sound – Perri Kiely

Everyone knows Cardiff Uni students love a themed social. How can anyone say no to the Joke Shop lady?

One person reported a Greek goddess squatting for a tinkle in the middle of the road in the open. Another saw a group of robot men doing a routine in sync at four in the morning (talk about a fever dream). Finally, someone reported that they were barked at by a furry outside the SU. At least they’re committing to the costume?

5. A Yorkshire Pudding

Just a single Yorkshire pudding in the middle of street. Nothing else to add.

This list makes it seem that Cathays is just another GTA online lobby, but rest assured, as a graduating student who has lived here the past three years, there is certainly no place more interesting to live.

Featured images via TikTok