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Making the most of Cardiff’s Student Union

14 June 2022
The entrance to the Students Union via Park Place
The entrance to the Students Union via Park Place

The students’ union (SU) really is the beating heart of Cardiff University student life. From concerts to food to a relaxing study area, the SU has it all. Below are just some of the things you can enjoy at the SU while being a student at Cardiff University.

Concerts

Throughout the calendar year, Y Plas and The Great Hall in the SU building host a whole range of musical acts, turning these spaces into a concert environment. At an affordable rate, students are able to gain access to these performances if they’re looking for something alternative to do. The acts are smaller than what you might find playing over at the Principality Stadium, but nonetheless a good way to expand your musical taste. Most recently, the SU is hosting Japanese-American singer-songwriter Mitski in The Great Hall.

Six Nations at The Taf

If you live in Wales, you’ll know the Welsh love their rugby, and with this comes the celebratory atmosphere during the Six Nations games – an international rugby union competition which Wales participates in. At The Taf, which is the SU’s inhouse pub, the many TV screens up makes it a great spot if you’re wanting to catch the games and see what it’s all about. Better yet, you’ll be watching it with many other people, adding to the energy in the room.

The Taf from the outside

Variety of food in the SU

Besides The Taf, there are so many more eateries in the SU building itself, so you’ll have many options to go after. On the ground floor where all the shops are, you can get tacos at Breatos, fresh bagels all day with The Bagel Place, or for a vegetarian option you can head to The Falafel House. Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? Boba Time doesn’t just sell boba drinks, but also specialty bubble waffles.

Part of the ground floor of the SU

The Lounge

Located on the 3rd floor in the SU building, The Lounge is the perfect place for socialising and studying. It’s rare that a study space in the university is open 24 hours, so if you are a night owl, you’re welcome to head here and change up your study location. It has been recently refurbished and decked out with booth seats, armchairs and even swings if that is more up your alley. It’s a great place tucked away in the building and welcoming to you and your study buddies.

Societies Fair 

Clubs and societies are a big part of student life at Cardiff. If you have a hobby or interest, there might just be a club/society for it. However, it can be quite daunting and overwhelming to scroll through the hundreds of societies on the SU’s website – this is where the Societies Fair becomes helpful. Taking place twice a year at the start of each semester, the fair is a great way for you to see all the clubs and societies available to you at Cardiff, and get to talk to current members to find out more about what they do.

 

The SU building is not only large in size, but it is also large in what it provides Cardiff University students with. As can be gathered from the above, the SU contributes greatly to the university experience, so while you are a student here, make the most of it!