Experience in Cardiff, United Kingdom by Philippa

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

Cardiff is very much a student city! It's one of the cheapest to live in in the UK, and there is always something going on! Cardiff uni is really good at organising stuff for international students and Erasmus students, but foreign students normally attend the same stuff as everyone else! There's lots of drinking, opportunity to dress up, and lots of fun!

What is the student lifestyle like in Cardiff?

It's great, the student union has so much stuff going on, we are really competitive when it comes to sport! The big event is the Varsity around March/ April time every year, so much fun! The big event is the rugby in the Millenium stadium!

There is something on in town every night! And there are events for all music tastes, live music, pop/ chart music, house music, hip-hop nights, drum and bass, everything! There are lots of house parties in the student areas all the time, and plenty of underground raves! It's cheap too!

How much does it cost to live in Cardiff?

Well if you're living in accommodation provided by the University. Otherwise, living in Cathays/ Roath (the student area) can cost anywhere between £220-350 a month for an individual, plus bills.

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

Well, it depends why you are there! If you ask the university, they will help you find somewhere!

If you can, try and live in first-year halls whilst you're there, because they are really sociable and cheap! The best ones are probably Talybont South, and Senghennyd Court. Senghennyd isn't as big as Talybont South, but it is right next to town, whereas Talybont is about a half an hour walk from town!

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

Haha well, cheesy chips at the end of a night out are always a winner!

It's just typical British food really, lots of meat, curries, whatever you want! I wouldn't say Cardiff cuisine is very unique or sophisticated in comparison to the rest of the UK!

What places would you recommend visiting in Cardiff?

To be honest, it's a bit of a boring city for tourists, I'd say the main attraction is the shopping! Oh, and the bars! A night out in Cardiff is so much fun!

I think Bute park is always a great place to hang out when it's sunny, it is so big!

Cardiff bay is nice for a romantic meal out, and the old victorian seaside town of Penarth just across the bay is also a great place to eat out! And it has a beach. Barry island is a short train journey away, and is quite a cute, stereotypical British beach.

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

To be honest, it's all chain restaurants in the centre, but then it's not too expensive! The Cosy Club, and Jamie's Italian are great places to eat with good prices, good service, and beautiful interiors!

If you want to try something a bit different, you should go to one of the little places in Cathays or Roath, of which there are plenty!

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

It's amazing! I think I've already spoken a lot about it! During Freshers and Refreshers (September/October, February) everywhere is busy, every night!

It's also really well connected via rail and buses to other cities, so you can try loads of places!

Revolution on a Tuesday/ Wednesday if you like to get dressed up, and they do have great resident DJs, Mill Lane is good for cocktails, The Vaults are good for underground parties. There are lots of house music events in Base... There's loads!

The megabus to London can be as cheap as £5 one way too!

What advice would you give future students heading to Cardiff?

Live in Talybont south or Senghennyd court, and you will have so much fun!

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