Getting noticed in the Graduate Market

Posted on 15 February 2019 by Maddie Duffield

Getting noticed in a sea of graduates seems like an incredibly daunting task, and with the graduate market getting more and more competitive, you really need to pull out all the stops to get hired! Final year Genetics student, Maddie, talks about her application experience and how she got onto the Vodafone graduate scheme. After
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Remember to re-apply for funding for next year!

Posted on 12 February 2019 by Your Student Life Supported

Are you in your first, second or penultimate year of study?  Do you get student funding now?  Would you like it again next year?  Did you know that you need to reapply for funding each academic year?  The Advice and Money Team tells us more … In the talks we, the Advice and Money Team, give to Cardiff
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Managing your financial commitments

Posted on 12 February 2019 by Your Student Life Supported

Managing your financial commitments can be a bit like juggling elephants…you know what they are, roughly when they’re going to land, but if you don’t catch them at the right time they might just squash you! Financial commitments go beyond the things you have to pay, like your rent and bills. It also covers the
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Discover Cardiff and Beyond on a Budget

Posted on 11 February 2019 by Your Student Life Supported

Our experts in the Advice and Money Team share some help and advice to make the most of your money. Putting the fun back into budgeting We know that the thought of budgeting can make anyone start to sweat but we’re here to remind you of the benefits of budgeting and why it’s important. So
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Money, food and…climate change?!

Posted on 11 February 2019 by Your Student Life Supported

Our experts in the Advice and Money Team share some help and money management advice. Managing your food shop can not only save you pounds but can also help with climate change. No I’m not talking rubbish………hmmmmmmm well yes I am, food caddie rubbish. The science bit: Food waste is listed as the 3rd biggest
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Budgeting Basics

Posted on 11 February 2019 by Your Student Life Supported

The looooooooooong second term and the dreaded ‘B’ word (Budgeting of course!) Our experts in the Advice and Money Team share some help and budgeting advice. You’ve managed through the first term of the academic year, survived the money pit of Christmas and finally reached the second instalment of funding pay day; hurray!! Finally, your
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Make sure you and your friends stay safe

Posted on 6 February 2019 by Your Student Life Supported

Stay safe as you move around Cardiff and the university by following our tips and making use of the safety initiatives available to you. Please be sure to: Be safe and sensible Look out for your friends  Make sure someone knows where you are  Keep your belongings out of sight, particularly mobile phones, wallets and laptop bags
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Jo, Wellbeing Practitioner, talks about LGBT+ History Month, the Stand with LGBT+ campaign, and new support options available for LGBT+ students…

Posted on 5 February 2019 by Your Student Life Supported

Being at University can be full of high and lows, and this can be heightened if you identify as part of the LGBT+ community. February is LGBT+ History Month, and Cardiff University and the Student’s Union will be running events to mark the month and to promote Stand with LGBT+ The campaign encourages us to
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Why You Should Apply to be a Student Mentor

Posted on 4 February 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

Looking to develop your employability skills and enhance your CV?  Apply to become a Student Mentor and you will be given full training and supervision to support a small group of new students with their transition to university life and to guide them in developing their academic skills. If you are a continuing undergraduate or
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What to do if you experience Sexual Violence or Abuse…

Posted on 3 February 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

It’s Sexual abuse and sexual violence awareness week, 4-10 February and time to reaffirm that NO student should experience sexual violence or abuse! The Disclosure Response Team are here to support you and advise on your options should you choose to report… Immediately after an incident it is normal to feel shock, pain, anger, numbness and
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What is Sexual Violence?

Posted on 3 February 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

It’s Sexual abuse and sexual violence awareness week, 4-10 February, and the perfect opportunity to remind students that Cardiff University has a zero tolerance policy for violence and abuse.  Please read on for more information about sexual violence and how to access support. The term “sexual violence” is an an all-encompassing, non-legal term that refers
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Interview with a graduate entrepreneur – Mohamed Binesmael

Posted on 30 January 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

Recent graduate, Mohamed Binesmael, shares with us his new start-up and how he took it to Dubai. My name is Mo, I studied civil engineering at Cardiff University, and I’m from Cardiff.  I’m an avid competitor and love to program, hence I joined Cardiff Racing at the earliest opportunity, and founded Cardiff Racing Driverless, bridging
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Becoming a Student Mentor

Posted on 28 January 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

Becoming a Student Mentor will enhance your employability skills by giving you the opportunity to guide new students in their transition to university and academic career. If you are a continuing undergraduate or post-graduate taught student and would like to volunteer to help first year students, the Student Mentor Scheme is a great opportunity for
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Are you giving Dry January a go, or wish you were?

Posted on 23 January 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

Scott from our Wellbeing team tell us more about Dry January and the support available to students if alcohol is an issue… It’s a new year, we’re all feeling the after-effects of the Christmas period (some for the better, some for the worse), and what better way to start 2019 off than Dry January. This
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Getting the funding right for your placement year or study abroad

Posted on 21 January 2019 by Your Student Life Supported

Siobhan and Tania from our Advice and Money Team explain what students need to do to apply for funding for a work or study placement year.   Photo credit: Hugh Doyle, BA History, George Washington University, USA It’s nearly that time of year again when you have to reapply for your funding. If you are going on
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Guarantor Scheme for care leavers and estranged students

Posted on 10 January 2019 by Your Student Life Supported

Are you a care leaver or an estranged student unable to find someone to act as a guarantor to secure accommodation in the private sector? If so, Cardiff University has a Guarantor Scheme to assist you. Basically, this means that the University will act as your guarantor so you can secure somewhere to live in the private sector
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Tips and advice for your exams and assessments

Posted on 7 January 2019 by Your Student Life Supported

Help is at hand to support you through the exam period. Our exam and assessment tips are here to help you through the next few weeks.   Whilst it’s important to work hard and try your best, try not to overdo it. Taking regular breaks and sticking to a healthy routine can improve your time management and make your
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Organisation, revision and exam strategies for success

Posted on 7 January 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

Ann, our Academic Study Skills Manager, shares organisation, revision and exam strategies for success…   Prior planning and preparation are the keys to exam success. So let me introduce my exams guide, with organisation, revision and in-exam strategies to help you set a course and stay on track. From planning to procrastination and revision notes
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Top tips to help you manage exam stress

Posted on 7 January 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

Amy from our Wellbeing Team shares some useful tips to help you cope with exam stress.   It is normal to feel a little bit of stress (some level of stress can help you focus), but too much of it can lead you to feel out of control and can make it harder for you to
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In-exam guidance: Three golden rules

Posted on 7 January 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

Chloe, from our Disability and Dyslexia Team shares three golden rules for the exam relevant to all students… With exams looming, here are three golden rules from us at the Disability and Dyslexia Team relevant to all students!
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Top tips to help you revise effectively

Posted on 7 January 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

Rachel from the Student Wellbeing Team shares tips on how to manage your revision time effectively.     It can be really hard to find self-motivation as the exam period gets closer. It requires a great deal of discipline and organisation to revise, especially when the joint demands of different courses or modules become overwhelming. Good
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The Exam Diet: Your guide to budget-friendly brain food

Posted on 7 January 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

27Kate, our Student Intern, shares her tips for eating well on a budget during exams…   Endless tesco meal deals, the occasional wi-wo, various chocolatey snacks and an array of beverages from hoffi coffi’s selection may seem like the ideal exam diet, but it’s neither brain food nor budget-friendly. I know the struggles of exam
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Presentation Panic? Tips to help

Posted on 7 January 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

Victoria, Student Intern, shares her advice on preparing for a presentation…   Most students experience a bit of presentation panic at some point. Your stomach drops, your mouth goes dry, your knees wobble beneath you and a lump forms in your throat. It can be especially terrifying if it’s marked. However, burying your head in the
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Tips on coping with anxiety before and during exams

Posted on 7 January 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

Rachel, Wellbeing Practitioner from the Counselling, Health & Wellbeing Service, shares tips on coping with anxiety before and during exams. It is natural to feel anxious prior to an exam. In fact, a little anxiety can actually help performance. Anxiety and stress cause the body to release adrenalin which can be helpful when responding to challenging
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A Placement Year: The best way to prepare for the world of work!

Posted on 4 January 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

Deciding whether to do a placement year can be a seriously big decision for some University students, and it’s completely understandable why! There can be so many things that you find yourself taking into consideration. You’re deciding if you want to take a year away from your friends, debating whether it will be worth elongating
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Explore your options: Informa Graduate Fellowship Scheme

Posted on 2 January 2019 by Your Student Life, Supported

Now in its fourth year, graduates on this scheme get the chance to experience various parts of Informa over the course of a two-year development programme. The Informa Graduate Fellowship Scheme is one of the many ways Informa looks to attract and recruit new talent. The scheme consists of four, four-month rotations working on projects across
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Why should you consider applying for the Frontline Programme?

Posted on 11 December 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Alfie is a second year participant on the Frontline programme, and is based in the London Borough of Southwark. Alfie originally studied Criminology at university, and then went to work for a schools advice organisation that provided support to senior leaders in schools across the UK. It was whilst tutoring for the Access Project, a
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No contact with your family? We are here to support you at Uni

Posted on 4 December 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Einir England, the dedicated contact for care leavers and estranged students at Cardiff University, explains what it means to be estranged and the support available… Most Universities in the UK recognise that students who have been through the care system face barriers in access to higher education and have developed a support package to try
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Why Christmas time can escalate relationship abuse and how to get support if you are affected

Posted on 29 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

If you’ve experienced violence and abuse of any kind, please know that you are not alone and our Disclosure Response Team are here to offer practical support and advice. Money tensions, unrealistic expectations and increased alcohol consumption make the Christmas period a peak time for relationship abuse/domestic violence. If your partner or family member is controlling,
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Staying in Cardiff over the holidays and feeling homesick?

Posted on 29 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

One of our Wellbeing Champions, Tsvetina, shares tips on coping with homesickness… Staying in Cardiff over the holidays is a decision or necessity for some students due to a number of reasons. If you are staying in Cardiff over the winter recess, please rest assured that it is normal to feel a bit off-balance when lectures
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Things to Do in Cardiff Over the Holidays

Posted on 29 November 2018 by Maddie Duffield

Genetics student, Maddie, shares some things to do in Cardiff over the winter break. Staying in Cardiff over the holidays and looking for something fun to do? There’s a variety of events and activities to suit everyone in Cardiff this Christmas no matter what your interests, but here are our top picks!   1. Visit
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Estranged from your family this winter?

Posted on 29 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Einir, the dedicated contact for care leavers and estranged students shares some advice for students estranged from their families this winter. The festive period can be challenging if you are estranged from your family. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, the never-ending advertisements featuring happy families around the Christmas tree may make you feel angry,
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Staying safe over the holidays

Posted on 29 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Sophie, Student Intern, discusses how you and your friends can stay safe this winter… With tinsel, gifts, Christmas lights and snow loads of university work, it might be easy to put personal safety on the back burner. However, whether you’re heading home or staying in Cardiff over the holidays, it’s still important to take precautions to ensure your own and
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Winter survival guide: Information, advice and guidance for students

Posted on 29 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

With the holidays fast approaching, our winter survival guide is here to provide information, advice and guidance for Cardiff University students. Whatever your plans over the winter recess, we have created a series of blogs to help give you some fun ideas on what to do and offer practical advice on your wellbeing during the holidays.
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Winter study tips

Posted on 29 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Rachel from the Student Wellbeing Team shares tips on how to stay on track with your studies whilst also enjoying the winter break. There are always a million and one things to be done over the festive period – whether it’s making sure you’ve bought gifts for everyone, arranging to meet up with friends or catching
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Stay drink aware this festive season

Posted on 29 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Victoria, Student Intern, discusses festive drinking and warns not to get too jolly… For some, ‘tis the season for festive drinks. However, don’t feel like you need to chug mulled wine just to get in the festive spirit. Alcohol can affect your university experience and your mental and physical health. The festive season often comes
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A guide to remote working and virtual teams from SAGE

Posted on 27 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Stacey from SAGE talks to us about remote working and virtual teams and their benefits… In 2017, more than 4.3 million people worked remotely in the UK. The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that three quarters of these people were experienced professionals who work in the highest skilled areas of the economy.
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What to do if something affects your exam performance

Posted on 27 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Amy from our Advice and Money Team tells us more about ‘extenuating circumstances’ and how you can make sure that a difficult time in your life does not unduly impact your academic chances… Despite your best efforts to concentrate and revise it’s quite possible that Murphy’s Law will strike and anything that can go wrong, will go
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5 Myths and Misconceptions of Work Experience

Posted on 20 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Emily McCarthy from the Work Experience Team explores five myths about work experience that could be holding you back from achieving your dream job. It’s a given – the graduate recruitment market is highly competitive, and you need to stand out from the crowd, so what, if anything is stopping you from strengthening your position
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Trans Day of Remembrance

Posted on 15 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Jo from the Wellbeing Team talks about Transgender Awareness Week (12-19 November) and Trans Day of Remembrance (20 November) Transgender Awareness Weekis an annual event, which aims to raise the visibility of transgender and gender non-conforming people and address some of the issues this community faces. After Transgender Awareness Week is Transgender Day of Remembrance
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Conquering Culture Shock

Posted on 15 November 2018 by Maddie Duffield

Kristina Bowers, International Student Advisor, explains culture shock and how you can overcome it. As the nights get longer and the days become grey and damp, you may find yourself wishing for the warm sun and familiar faces, missing the comforts of home a little more than you expected… It’s likely that it’s not just
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Rethink remembrance

Posted on 8 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Rachel, Wellbeing Practitioner from our Counselling, Health & Wellbeing Service, talks about Remembrance. Join us in a two-minute silence to remember our Armed Forces’ Veterans. Every year, a two-minute silence is held to remember and honour those who served in the war to protect our freedom. This year Armistice Day falls on Sunday 11 November and staff
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Dealing with Stress

Posted on 6 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

One of our Wellbeing Champions, Tamzin, shares some strategies for dealing with stress this International Stress Awareness Week. Stress is part of modern life. Four out of ten people in the UK say that it is a big problem for them. It is actually one of the most common reasons for people seeing their GP.
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We support student carers

Posted on 5 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Gareth, Student Support Adviser and the dedicated contact for student carers, tells us more about Carers’ and Family Week and the support available from Cardiff University if you are a student carer. Never considered yourself to be a carer? Or know someone else who might be a carer but is unaware of it? If you
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Start your Careers Journey – Science Careers Fair

Posted on 2 November 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Hear from Careers Ambassador and Biosciences student, Jasmine about what you can expect from the Science Careers Fair The Autumn term can be loads of fun, what with starting your new modules, joining new clubs and societies, or getting back into the swing of things with your existing groups, the never ending list of party
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How to get the best out of attending the Science Careers Fair

Posted on 24 October 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

With the upcoming Science Careers Fair taking place, fair sponsors PCI Pharma share their top tips on how to make the most of the careers fair.  Here are our top 5 tips: Don’t rule us out Yes, we are a Pharmaceutical company, but it’s not all about recruiting scientists (although they are important too).  Any
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Am I in a Toxic Relationship?

Posted on 23 October 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Are you in a happy and healthy relationship? Take the quiz…  In a healthy relationship, both partners will share power and control equally. You should feel safe and secure in your relationship. Here are some key characteristics of a healthy, loving relationship… 1. Mutual respect You respect each other just the way you are. You
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How to Support a Friend Experiencing Relationship Abuse

Posted on 23 October 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

Watching a friend experience relationship abuse can be scary and frustrating. You may feel like you have no control of the situation and are unsure how to help… You may want to consider the following advice on how to offer support: It is important that the person feels that they are believed. Make sure that
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How to help create a safe campus culture – become an Empowered Bystander…

Posted on 23 October 2018 by Your Student Life, Supported

As a student of Cardiff University, we hope that you’ll play your part in creating a safe campus culture. Acting as an Empowered Bystander is easy and can have a huge impact.  What is the Bystander Effect? The Bystander Effect is a psychological phenomenon where you are less likely to receive or give aid when
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