Got your Cardiff University place? Here’s everything you need to know before freshers

Congratulations to all those who received their A-Level results today and an even bigger congratulations to those who are coming to Cardiff University this September.

Although one of the most daunting days has come, the A-Level period is now officially over and you begin to celebrate and start thinking about your new year as a fresher. There are a lot of things that need to be done, some exciting and some not so much. But they are all equally as important. So we have created a list of things that you definitely need when coming to uni this September, but more specifically what you need to bring and need to know before your arrival.

1. Accommodation and enrolling

Before doing any shopping it is incredibly important you enroll into Cardiff University via Cardiff SIMS and also confirm your accommodation space. If there is an issue with your accommodation allocation do not stress as there is a chance you can amend this. However, if no changes can be made this is not guaranteed to affect your first year. Friends can be made anywhere, not just in your flat, and make sure you push yourself out of your comfort zone to try new things and meet new people, especially in freshers week.

2. Raincoat

Arguably one of the most important things that you definitely need at Cardiff University is a good raincoat. There’s rain, and then there’s Cardiff rain. Although the sun is nice, it’s rare, so make sure you bring a coat that will protect you on your way to lectures or even on a night out from the great amount of rain you will experience here. Not to put you off though because we embrace and romanticise the bipolar weather. A spokesperson said “My raincoat was one of the best things I brought to uni with me, never had to worry about getting drenched!”

3. Storage boxes

This is a general piece of advice that storage boxes come in very handy at university. Especially in first year halls where you might not have enough space for all your belongings, wardrobe storage or even under-bed boxes come in handy for all the extra items you’ll be bringing with you for the year. There is however a big Tesco and Ikea nearby if you ever need to invest in more storage space.

4. Costume items

This always has mixed opinions but with our weekly student night-out, YOLO, you are definitely going to need some costume items as Halloween will not be the only time you’re dressing up. As freshers in any society, you will be given the bottom of the barrel when it comes to costumes, but it also allows you to use your creativity to have the best outfit. Whether it’s togas, minions or ‘dress as your year group’ there is always something fun for you to join into every Wednesday.

5. Speaker

Another unspoken one but a speaker is extremely useful especially during the fresher’s week pres when you are bonding with your flat and new friends. It is also nice to play your music to feel more at home whilst settling into a new routine and area.

Most Read

Chris Watts has remarried in jail and he and his new wife have ‘steamy visits’ in prison

Indie artist addresses huge similarities between her old music video and Ariana Grande’s petal

All the Love Island 2026 cast members who spent an absolute fortune on surgery before the show

6. Cleaning items

This for all university students is a really important item. You would be surprised how many people forget to bring bleach, cleaning spray and cloths but they come in very useful. When doing your big uni food shop make sure you pick up these items to make sure you flat is not a complete mess by the end of freshers week.

–              Microfibre cloths

–              Surface spray

–              Toilet bleach

–              Laundry detergent/pods

–              Bin bags

7. Photos and decorations

Finally, you want your uni room to feel like home. This goes for all university students, no matter what year, but make sure you bring photos from home and decorations to make your room feel comfortable and like yours. From personal experience, the quicker you decorate the room the easier it is to settle in and feel at home.

Although this is a scary experience, it will be incredible once you arrive in September settling into Cardiff, hopefully with the Sun, to begin your first year here at Cardiff University.

Follow more of the latest news, guides, gossip, and memes, follow The Cardiff Tab on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.