Cardiff in 5 Senses From a University Student Perspective

By a third-year uni student in Cathays, Cardiff 2025

When I first arrived in Cardiff as a fresher, I never imagined how deeply the city would weave itself into every part of my life. Now, as a third-year living in Cathays, I realise Cardiff isn’t just a backdrop for my degree—it’s an experience that engages every sense, shaping my days in ways I never expected. Let me take you through a typical day here, not just as a student, but as someone who’s learned to feel, taste, hear, smell, and see Cardiff in all its richness.

Taste

Cardiff is a city where you can literally taste its character. My mornings usually start with a strong cup of tea from Coffee Barker in the heart of the Castle Arcade—their vintage interiors and rich brews are the perfect remedy for a grey morning. On days when I’m passing through Park Place, I’ll treat myself to a pastry or toastie—fresh, local, and always comforting.

If I’m lucky, I’ll find a stall at Cardiff Central Market selling warm, buttery Welsh cakes, dusted with sugar and full of nostalgia. For lunch, it might be a halloumi wrap from another stall in the market or something spicy and delicious from Dough Thrower’s wood-fired ovens. Cardiff’s food scene is an ever-changing palette—and every bite feels like a celebration of its multicultural roots.

Touch

Walking through Cathays and the city centre, I’m constantly reminded of Cardiff’s history and energy through touch. The damp breeze from Cardiff Bay carries a briny freshness that clings to my coat on the way to class. I often find myself running a hand along the weathered stone of Cardiff Castle, marvelling at its texture—a silent witness to the centuries.

There’s also the soft coziness of my university hoodie, especially comforting inside the Victorian Castle Arcade on a drizzly day, or the sudden splash of puddles when the inevitable Welsh rain hits. These tactile moments—fleeting and intimate—anchor me to the rhythms of the city.

Sound

The soundtrack of Cardiff is always changing, but it’s never silent. Early mornings begin with the rustle of leaves and the quiet crunch of gravel in Bute Park, where joggers and dog walkers move to their own beats. As lectures start, the hum of conversation fills the halls of Cardiff University’s Main Building, blending with the occasional clang of a coffee cup from the Students’ Union Starbucks.

By late afternoon, the city centre buzzes—buskers outside St David’s Shopping Centre playing indie riffs, traders calling out offers in the market, and friends laughing outside pubs like The Woodville. Come nightfall, tucked-away bars like Porter’s come alive with acoustic sessions and spontaneous karaoke. The soundscape shifts, but it never fades.

Smell

There’s a distinct scent to Cardiff that I’ve come to love. Near the Bay, the salty air carries memories of childhood trips to the sea. In the centre, the rich aromas of artisan coffee drift from places like Uncommon Ground Coffee Roastery. 

Walk past a line of street food stalls at The Depot on a weekend, and you’ll be hit with whiffs of jerk chicken, wood smoke, or sizzling noodles—every scent telling a different story. And yes, even the wet pavement after a downpour has its own earthy, fresh perfume. Cardiff smells like life in motion.

Sight

Cardiff is visually stunning, and I never get tired of seeing it through new eyes. The view of Cardiff Castle at golden hour, the way light filters through the glass dome at National Museum Cardiff, or even the colourful murals dotted around Womanby Street—these all feel like stills from a film I’m lucky to be living in.

In Cathays Terrace, students spill out onto sidewalks with tote bags and takeaway cups. On Sundays, the streets near Roath Lake are filled with joggers and families, framed by blossoms or autumn leaves depending on the season. Cardiff has a cinematic beauty, one that constantly shifts but never loses its charm.

Cardiff isn’t just where I study—it’s a city I experience with every sense, every single day. As I move through lectures, late-night gigs, and quiet moments in my favourite cafés, I’m constantly reminded that Cardiff is more than a place on the map. It’s a living, breathing story, and I’m lucky to be part of it.

Muskaan Pahwa from India. 3rd year Journalism, Media and English Literature student.