Coming to Cardiff Uni in September? Here are 10 essential things to know before you arrive

The kind of advice that you won’t find in your welcome pack

2 months ago

Congratulations! After two years of hard work and revision, weeks upon weeks of exams, and two even longer months of waiting, you’re coming to Cardiff Uni. Whether this was your first choice or not, Cardiff welcomes you with open arms and has much to offer for the upcoming years of your life.

You’ve also still got plenty of time to prepare for the start of university life, so please don’t worry about having it all figured out right away. Take your time to hear advice from other students via social media, contact other freshers, and most importantly make a packing list.

It might seem overwhelming having to think about starting over in a new city, even if you’re commuting from in and around Cardiff, but there will be plenty of help along the way and everyone is in the same boat as you.

So, here is your unofficial guide to help you make your move into Cardiff as smooth as possible.

1. Join course and accommodation group chats

This might seem daunting, but getting on student apps and finding the people on your course and in the same accommodation as you can be super helpful. It can be the most reassuring thing just to have a few contacts in your phone before you get to halls or start the first day of lectures, even if you don’t stay in contact with everyone.

2. Cardiff is SO much cheaper than other cities

In comparison to the likes of Bristol and London, Cardiff is dirt cheap. Whether this is the cost of your rent, a pint down the Blackweir Tavern on a Friday night or trying out local activities, you’re going to notice the price reduction. This will help in managing your weekly spending, as this can be a stressful thing for a lot of students.

3. There are a lot of seagulls

Unless you live by the coast at home, be ready to be inundated with seagulls in your everyday life. They have been known to cause havoc around Cathays, on bin day especially, so just watch out.

4. Cardiff has the best societies

From AU sports teams to IMG league, cocktail club and Taylor Swift society, the student union has so much to offer for both freshers and existing students.

By joining a society, you can carry on with hobbies you already had back at home or try something new, and in the process meet a lot of like-minded people that might become your friends for life. So don’t hesitate to do some research before you come and definitely head to the fresher’s fair before term starts.

5. There will be plenty of opportunities to make friends, not just with your housemates

A lot of people have the preconceived idea that they have to get along with everyone in their flat, but this isn’t always the case. Yes it will be great if you find friends in the people you live with, but this doesn’t mean you should limit looking for connections to the comfort of your home.

Knock on your neighbours’ door, go to society taster sessions, speak to the people you sit next to in your lectures; there are opportunities to meet people everywhere in Cardiff.

6. Prepare for the rain

Cardiff is full of more positives than negatives, but it is necessary that you are warned about the wet weather. It is in fact the rainiest city in the entirety of the UK, so make sure you pack an umbrella and a raincoat before moving, you are most definitely going to need it.

7. Wing Wednesday at the Woodville

Second and third year students will be very hesitant to gatekeep Cathays’ best food initiative, but it is only fair that the top advice is given to you.

For most students, your Wednesday timetable will be left free in the afternoon so that students can make time for sporting events and training before the social evening. This means that those of us unburdened by a rugby match in the rain can take our time to catch up with friends over 40p chicken or cauliflower wings and a drink.

This is the perfect remedy for a student-budget lunch before pre-drinks and a night spent at YOLO.

8. The cheapest drinks can be found at the SU

Even though most pints around are great value for money, you’re going to get the most bang for your buck in the student union.

The Taf, the student pub, does a range of drink and food deals each evening. This includes “Dirty Fridays” where all pints and dirty fries are half price, and two for one cocktails on a Saturday.

9. It’s a very walkable city

Even though the walk to your 9am’s from Taly South can seem like a chore, Cardiff is very easy to navigate and get around on foot. Between halls and the city centre, the maximum amount of time you will spend walking will be about 30 minutes (maybe more if you’re a slow walker). This compared to other universities who can only access their city via public transport, is a godsend.

However, if you do need to travel further afield, or that early morning walk in the rain to JOMEC seems more hassle than it’s worth, then consider taking the bus from Taly, or the train from Cathays, or even bring your bike.

10. Yes, rugby is a big deal

Anything you’ve heard about rugby in association with Cardiff, times it by 10. Although not everyone plays it, the matches are a great way to enjoy an evening out with your friends, you might even know some people on the team.

Whether you choose to watch the clash between Cardiff University and Cardiff Met (both the men’s and women’s team might I add), or you treat yourself to watching a Six Nations game at the Principality, rugby will undoubtedly become a part of your university experience.

As the countdown starts to your new life in Cardiff, cherish the moments you have at home with your friends and family, but don’t let this stop you from getting excited about what the next few years will bring you. It will go by in a flash and you won’t want to miss it.

Most importantly, congratulations to all incoming freshers! Cardiff looks forward to having you.