Experience in Cardiff, United Kingdom by Emmie

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

Cardiff is a fantastic place to live and work and I would recommend it to anybody! It manages to mix excellent culture and entertainment with having a small town, friendly atmosphere. The city is vibrant and everything is easy to get to, especially with most of the town centre being pedestrian. With the commanding view of Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium as well as easy trips to the Bay area and excellent parks and beaches available should you choose to visit them. Cardiff has something for everyone.

What is the student lifestyle like in Cardiff?

The student lifestyle in Cardiff is second to none. There loads of student orientated places to eat and drink, there are always student offers wherever you go.

How much does it cost to live in Cardiff?

Rent in Cardiff can be quite expensive depending on where you go for but in terms of day-to-day spends the cost of living is quite cheap for food, entertainment etc., pretty similar to the rest of the UK. Watch out for public transport though as it is often cheaper to get a weekly/monthly pass on the bus/train depending on how much you use it.

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

I would recommend heading to the Cathays area of the city as this is where most students live and the houses are cheaper. There are also plenty of letting agents in this area who can offer advice although most property hunting tends to be done online.

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

The food choice is very varied in Cardiff due to it being a really multicultural city. Curries are really good, I would recommend heading to City Rd. if that's what you're after! There are also great Italians in Cardiff such as Giulianos and Valentinos in the City Centre. One of my favourite places to go to get cheap and sometimes more authentic British/Welsh fayre is Cardiff Market, full of loads of surprises.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Cardiff?

Any trip to Cardiff would not be complete without a visit to the Millennium Stadium, I would definitely recommend going to any rugby match but even if you go and see something different it is worth a visit just to marvel at the stadium. Cardiff Bay is good for a stroll in the day or a more sophisticated night out, there are always different shows and entertainment on at the wonderful Millennium Centre (not to be confused with the Stadium! ). Cardiff Castle is the ideal place for anyone interested in history and for all Dr. Who fans head down to the Red Dragon Centre for the Dr. Who experience tour - apparently it's fantastic!

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

Eating out in Cardiff is a real treat. There are loads of good spots in the town centre and in Cardiff Bay. I would recommend staying away from the chain eatery's to be found in the shopping centres and instead head to the arcades where you can find loads of quirky and often cheaper places to eat. For a proper Chinese head to Happy Gathering on Cowbridge Rd East - a hidden gem!

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

The best thing for students is the nightlife, there are loads of different clubs and pubs in Cardiff to suit everyone's taste and often have great live music. One thing you can't miss out on is going out to town on the night of a rugby match, the atmosphere is electric and there are plenty of, I think we'll say colourful sights to behold!

What advice would you give future students heading to Cardiff?

Don't be put off by the weather! Nothing is better than lying round in Bute Park with a barbecue on the few sunny days we do have and it more than makes up for a winter full of rain. Cardiff locals are super friendly and more than willing to lend a hand so if you do have any problems they will be easily sorted out.

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