Experience in Cardiff, United Kingdom by Elle

What is it like to live in Cardiff? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Not only do I go to university in Cardiff, but I was born and raised just outside the city, so I may be a bit biased but Cardiff is easily my favourite city. Yes, it rains a lot, but with a good pair of shoes and a raincoat, it's not too bad. Living in Cardiff is great, because everything is so close together, and you can find everything you need.

What is the student lifestyle like in Cardiff?

In term time, Cardiff becomes a student city, and is incredibly student-friendly. The university buildings are all close together, and generally staff and students get along well and Erasmus students always get a lot of help from the university.

How much does it cost to live in Cardiff?

Compared to other university cities, Cardiff is very affordable. Accommodation costs around £325 per month, all inclusive. There are lots of shops and supermarkets, ranging from super cheap student-favourite Lidl, to the more expensive Marks and Spencer. Public transport can sometimes be expensive, depending on where you want to go. But within Cardiff, everything is so close together that walking is fine. Or taxis aren't too expensive, again because of the short distance.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Cardiff? Is there any advice you can give?

Cardiff has lots of property letting agencies, and most of Cathays (the suburb of Cardiff where the university is based) is made up of student flats and houses, so there is plenty of help and choice available to students.

Alternatively, there are lots of Student Halls Accommodation, which have some rooms allocated for Erasmus Students.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Like the rest of the UK, Wales has adopted cuisines from around the world, so you can find whatever style food you want. But Wales itself doesn't have a very strong national cuisine. However, there are a few things you need to try before leaving Cardiff. Welsh Cakes - so simple, yet so delicious, there is even a shop dedicated to selling them in Cardiff Bay. Bara Brith - a sweet bread made with raisins. And a Roast Dinner with lamb, or a traditional lamb stew called ‘cawl’ - nobody cooks lamb better than the Welsh!

What places would you recommend visiting in Cardiff?

Cardiff Castle is right in the city centre, and is the best place to discover Cardiff's history. And they also hold many events there throughout the year, so there's bound to be something going on there.

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Cardiff on the day of a rugby match has an incredible atmosphere, so if you have the chance to watch a match in the Millenium Stadium, go for it! (If not, the atmosphere in the pubs is just as good!)

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Bute Park is a large area in the city centre, but you could be forgiven for forgeeting you're in a capital city! On a sunny day it is a favourite place for students - whether it's for studying, jogging, a BBQ or just hanging out.

St Fagans is one of my favourite places in the world. It is an open-air museum telling the history of Welsh life and people. It is made up of old cottages, chapels, farm-houses and displays of welsh crafts. It is free, and is about a 20min bus ride from Cardiff Central Bus Station.

If you're in Cardiff at Christmas, a fairground and German Market called Winter Wonderland come to the city, where you can ice-skate, have some German sausage, drink mulled wine and cider. It's really fun to wrap up warm and go there with your friends in the evening.

March 1st is the feast day of the patron saint of Wales, St David. There is a parade through the city centre to celebrate St David's day and there is no better way to soak up the Welsh Spirit!

Cardiff Bay is a really lovely place. Over the past decade or so, it has been completely transformed and there is so much to do there now.

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The Wales Millenium Centre theatre is a beautiful building, and has wonderful shows throughout the year, but it's worth a visit just to see the building.

Cardiff Bay is also home to the Doctor Who Experience, as the show and it's spin-off Torchwood were both filmed in and around Cardiff.

There is also the Norwgian Church which is now a cafe and gallery.

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For me, there is nothing better than spending a sunny day out in Cardiff Bay.

Elsewhere in South Wales, there are many things which are worth visiting.

Big Pit in Blaenavon is a museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of Welsh Coal Mining. It is a great way to discover what made up such a big part of the history of Wales.

The Brecon Beacons National Park is about an hour away from cardiff, but the scenery is simply stunning. The views of the valleys, hillsides and lakes are breathtaking, and a typical example of the 'Green, Green Grass of Home'.

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Is it good to eat out in Cardiff? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Cardiff has hundreds of restaurants and cafes. Some of my favourites are Zizzi's restaurant, Ruby Tuesdays, Cosy Club, and Wally's Delicatessen.

And for students, there are loads of take-aways and pubs which serve some really cheap meals, such as the Taff in the Student's Union. And for a morning after a big night out, you cannot beat a breakfast at Cafe 37.

Is the nightlife good in Cardiff? Where is good to go?

Cardiff has a brilliant nightlife, really well suited to students. The Union has club nights, and there are lots of clubs in the city centre, as well as cocktail bars and pubs. Erasmus Students are always impressed by the range and the amount of different places there are.

What advice would you give future students heading to Cardiff?

Bring some shoes which can withstand a lot of rain!

Embrace the Welsh language - you will see it everywhere alongside the English translation.

And finally, if you have any problems or questions, help will always be given at Cardiff to those who ask for it ;)