I’ve finished my degree! Which also means I’ve finished three years of being a student at Cardiff University and living in the Welsh capital. After living, studying and partying in Cardiff for the last few years of my life, I’ve learnt so many important lessons. Here are the top 5 things that studying at Cardiff Uni has taught me (and why you should absolutely study here too):

1. Societies are so much fun

It wasn’t until I knew that I was definitely going to Cardiff that I discovered just how many societies the university boasts. Joining a society is perfect if you want to continue a hobby or interest you’ve had for years, or even begin a completely new one! You’ll be spoilt for choice at Cardiff Uni – there are currently over 200 sports clubs and societies, so there really is something for everyone. In my three years at the university I was a member of Broadway Dance Society, the English Literature Society and Cardiff University Rowing Club. I met so many new people through becoming a member of these societies and learnt so much. My most important tip on finding a society that you enjoy would be to try a bit of everything. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t love the first society meeting or social you attend, and don’t be afraid to try something that is completely new to you.

2. Nothing beats Cardiff’s SU

My flatmates and I didn’t go to the Students’ Union much for nights out in first year (Pryzm was our go-to), but we definitely should have! In our second and third years this became our regular destination for Wednesday and Saturday nights. Cardiff University has one of the best SUs in the country. There are so many exciting events held here, as well as lots of other useful shops and services (including a hairdresser, a Co-op and a bookshop), so I would really encourage you to make the most of it!

3. Cardiff is a beautiful city

Although this was one of the main reasons I chose to study in the Welsh capital, this was something that continued to stand out to me right up until my last semester of third year. Even though Cardiff is a big city, it has so many pretty, natural areas that are easily accessible to students. Bute Park, Roath Park and Cardiff Bay are just a few, so get ready to explore a really beautiful city!

4. Make the most of the Careers and Employability service

In addition to being a Russell Group University, there is so much that Cardiff has to offer its students that I would really encourage you to take advantage of. I didn’t realise how useful Careers and Employability was (situated on Park Place) until my final year, when I started panicking about having a career plan after graduation. They were amazing and I wish I’d discovered them earlier on! Make the most of helpful careers appointments, practice interviews and CV advice and you will feel really prepared for the working world when your university journey comes to an end. Which brings me to…

5. Three years will go so quickly

I know this is something that everyone will tell you, but I can’t emphasise it enough. Even though I knew, in the scheme of things, that three years wasn’t very long at all, I was still so shocked by how quickly each year passed by. As a result of all the new people, new experiences and new opportunities that studying at Cardiff gives you, three years will feel like three days. You’ll soon find yourself in the same position as me (I graduate next month!), so I would really encourage you to make the most of your time here and treasure the memories you will make.

I’ve finished my degree! Which also means I’ve finished three years of being a student at Cardiff University and living in the Welsh capital. After living, studying and partying in Cardiff for the last few years of my life, I’ve learnt so many important lessons. Here are the top 5 things that studying at Cardiff Uni has taught me (and why you should absolutely study here too):

1. Societies are so much fun

It wasn’t until I knew that I was definitely going to Cardiff that I discovered just how many societies the university boasts. Joining a society is perfect if you want to continue a hobby or interest you’ve had for years, or even begin a completely new one! You’ll be spoilt for choice at Cardiff Uni – there are currently over 200 sports clubs and societies, so there really is something for everyone. In my three years at the university I was a member of Broadway Dance Society, the English Literature Society and Cardiff University Rowing Club. I met so many new people through becoming a member of these societies and learnt so much. My most important tip on finding a society that you enjoy would be to try a bit of everything. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t love the first society meeting or social you attend, and don’t be afraid to try something that is completely new to you.

2. Nothing beats Cardiff’s SU

My flatmates and I didn’t go to the Students’ Union much for nights out in first year (Pryzm was our go-to), but we definitely should have! In our second and third years this became our regular destination for Wednesday and Saturday nights. Cardiff University has one of the best SUs in the country. There are so many exciting events held here, as well as lots of other useful shops and services (including a hairdresser, a Co-op and a bookshop), so I would really encourage you to make the most of it!

3. Cardiff is a beautiful city

Although this was one of the main reasons I chose to study in the Welsh capital, this was something that continued to stand out to me right up until my last semester of third year. Even though Cardiff is a big city, it has so many pretty, natural areas that are easily accessible to students. Bute Park, Roath Park and Cardiff Bay are just a few, so get ready to explore a really beautiful city!

4. Make the most of the Careers and Employability service

In addition to being a Russell Group University, there is so much that Cardiff has to offer its students that I would really encourage you to take advantage of. I didn’t realise how useful Careers and Employability was (situated on Park Place) until my final year, when I started panicking about having a career plan after graduation. They were amazing and I wish I’d discovered them earlier on! Make the most of helpful careers appointments, practice interviews and CV advice and you will feel really prepared for the working world when your university journey comes to an end. Which brings me to…

5. Three years will go so quickly

I know this is something that everyone will tell you, but I can’t emphasise it enough. Even though I knew, in the scheme of things, that three years wasn’t very long at all, I was still so shocked by how quickly each year passed by. As a result of all the new people, new experiences and new opportunities that studying at Cardiff gives you, three years will feel like three days. You’ll soon find yourself in the same position as me (I graduate next month!), so I would really encourage you to make the most of your time here and treasure the memories you will make.