Right, it’s time to lock in: Here are 10 things every Cardiff Uni final year needs to know

Freshers isn’t just for first years. It’s a handy reminder for second and third years to make the most of your time left at uni – especially if you’re graduating next summer. Winter will be over in no time – here are all the things every Cardiff University final year needs to know. 

Whether you are staying in Cardiff as a postgraduate or moving on to new things, this list is for you. 

1. Join a club/society

via Instagram  @cardifftennis & @cu_decibelles

Cardiff University offers an amazing selection of clubs and societies. From sporty students to the creative and curious, there is something for everyone. 

If you haven’t already, joining one of these groups is a great way of exploring something new, continuing a hobby, and above all, meeting new people. These are the things that help you grow as a person – and undoubtedly make you more attractive to future employers.

Get yourself to one of the societies fairs at the beginning of term, or look on the Students’ Union website to find out more.

2. Get ahead early

Heading into your final year, it is important to be organised from the get-go. Start planning your assignments, dissertation, and group projects as soon as you can.  The more you can gradually chip away at things over the year, rather than leaving them until the last minute, the less stress you will put yourself under.

3. Look back as well as forward 

Undoubtedly, this year will be a step up from last, so recognising your strengths and weaknesses is an invaluable skill. 

Review your previous work, look at the feedback you received, and find out what you need to work on, or keep doing. Get your friends to help you as well, it’s always good to have a fresh perspective. 

4. Know your limits

While preparation is key, so is balance. It is very easy to become overwhelmed at uni as your workload increases, alongside any other commitments you may have. 

Knowing when to step away from something and take a break is essential, whatever that looks like for you: going on a walk, catching up with your friends, or literally doing anything else. 

5. Make some memories

Especially with the winter months approaching, try to get away from your screen and do something else – with others or by yourself. Go for that run in Bute Park, try out that new coffee place, pay a visit to the Brecon Beacons, and go watch that rugby game.

There is so much to do in and outside of this city, and after you have left, the things that stick with you are the memories.

6. Sleep, sleep, sleep

Most Read

How to do the Hotel Lobby AI trend from TikTok that puts people into Quavo and Takeoff video

Here’s what the real Lizzie Borden’s father Andrew was actually like to be around

Gone but not forgotten: Honouring the 13 Glee cast members who have passed away

One of the biggest enemies of students is a lack of sleep. You may be out in town until late, kept up by noisy neighbours, or simply cannot settle – regardless of the reason, your sleep can be easily disrupted. 

Needless to say, the feeling of dragging yourself to a 9am lecture or fighting to stay awake in the library is not enjoyable. Doing what you can to improve your sleep can have a huge impact on your day, and therefore uni life. 

As you start to wind down, turn off your screen and do something else – read, yap with your housemates, plan out your day, or just be mindful. Getting into the habit of doing these things and getting to sleep early – unless YOLO Wednesday is really calling to you – will keep your mind fresh and your body happy. 

7. Don’t be afraid to ask

Asking for help, in any capacity, should never be something you worry about. This year can weigh on you, and asking your friends, fellow students, or university staff for support and guidance is always a good idea.

You are surrounded by thousands of other people in the same boat as you, so don’t shy away from speaking up or isolate yourself when you’re struggling – the sooner you start talking, the lighter things feel.

This also applies to asking questions. In lectures or seminars, don’t hesitate to ask the “silly” questions, they are never silly and they’re always worth asking. The staff in your department are there to help you, not judge you – so seek those clarifications, go to those writing sessions, as the clearer things are, the more confident you will be.

8. Eat well

Even after a few years at university, not everyone is a master chef with seven day meal preps. The main thing is to make sure you’re giving your body the fuel it needs.

Although budgeting can seem daunting, and a busy, sprawling supermarket too much hassle, maintaining a balanced diet is important. Looking up recipes online, asking your friends for recommendations, and if in doubt, keeping things simple are the best ways of eating well and avoiding unhealthy habits.

Of course, healthy eating isn’t everything – allowing yourself a sweet treat once in a while is equally important. 

9. Apply for jobs/schemes

It was nice to avoid it for a while, but the “J” word had to be mentioned at some point. 

The thought of what comes after uni is scary, and that’s okay. The best thing to do is start looking early. A lot of graduate schemes and entry-level positions pop up during winter, with deadlines often falling early in the following year. 

Make use of the Jobs Board, Careers Fairs, and other resources set up by the university. These are great ways of finding out more about the job market and speaking to employers themselves. 

10. Be brave

University is a place for you to grow, but unlike lectures and seminars, not everything is going to be provided and scheduled for you – you need to be able to put yourself out there and go for things as well. 

Don’t hide from new things. Whether it is trying a new society, applying for a job you don’t think you’ll get, putting yourself forward for an opportunity, or simply talking to someone new, sometimes you have to take that first step.

Your final year is a chance to make memories, discover what you’re capable of, and maybe do something you never thought you would do. So be brave, take the opportunity, and put yourself out there.  

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