If you’re planning on joining Cardiff University in September 2025, there are a few things you need to know before moving in.
First things first, please make sure you enrol. The worst thing is turning up and finding out you aren’t an official student. Sounds silly, but yes, it can happen.
Once that’s all done and you’re officially a student, you’ll start to learn things along the way like how to use Circuit laundry or where the best clubs are. But there are some things people just won’t tell you – so we’ve laid them out to make it a little bit easier.
1. Rats in Cathays
The one thing I wish I was warned of when I moved to Cardiff is the likelihood of me coming face to face with a rat.
If you’re walking down Colum Road or heading toward Misfits you are bound to see a rat scurrying across the road, but don’t worry they probably won’t come toward you. They’re probably out for the rubbish scattered across the road instead.
2. Cathays Lidl bakery
If you’re looking for a sweet treat this is the place to go. With pastries as cheap at 69p you can’t go wrong. It’s a quick five minute walk from the SU but trust me, it’s worth it when your trying to get through that final assignment in the term.
Lidl also gets super busy during exam season as the Arts and Social Sciences Library (ASSL) is right next to it so people head there in the mornings to get their daily revision sweet treats.
My personal favourite is the Chocolate Hazelnut croissant, just in case you were wondering.
3. The YOLO queue (and possible entry fees)
When you move to Cardiff this September you will quickly learn that YOLO is the place to be on a Wednesday night.
Post social or pres everyone will rush to join the queue – but this means to have guaranteed free entry before 10pm you must join by 8pm. Yes, that’s right you’ll be queuing for hours.
Everyone will strive to beat that £7.50 charge after 10pm so make sure you get there early because YOLO waits for no one and it’s definitely worth the hype.
4. The Taf
The deals at the Taf are never ending. Whether it’s Madri Mondays, Dirty Friday’s, or two for one cocktails on a Saturday, the SU pub will always have something to offer.
It’s the place you can go to for a relaxed evening with your flat, or a cheap pres before you head out to Misfits or maybe even St Mary’s Street on a Friday night.
5. The rules of rugby
Rugby is a big sport at Cardiff University, not surprising as most of Wales live and breathe it.
You’re definitely missing out if you don’t head to Principality to watch Wales play, or if you don’t pop to a pub on game day to soak up the atmosphere.
The Men’s Rugby society at Cardiff is also very popular which means when it comes to Welsh Varsity at the end of the year everyone’s fighting to get that rugby ticket. But first you’ll definitely have to brush up on the rules so make sure you’ve looked them up before moving in.
Cymru am byth!
6. Societies
via Cardiff Equestrian Society
Cardiff SU is top tier. We’re so lucky to have such a fabulous Students’ Union, which not only hosts the best Wednesday night but also is home to tonnes of societies.
There really is a society for everyone from Harry Potter to Taylor Swift and from Rugby to Wine and Cheese. And, if you can’t find a society that fits your interests, grab a group of mates and create your own!
7. Accommodation
Although you’ve probably chosen or will be choosing your accommodation before September it is good to know the most popular ones – the Talys. All of the Talys, located on North Road, line up to form a large complex where you’ll be guaranteed to meet someone new. However, if you want to be in the heart of Cathays, you can’t beat Senghenydd Court or Halls.
8. Best libraries
She might not be the prettiest, but oh how we love her via Cardiff University
There are a few libraries located around the uni campus. Some include: Architecture Library, Arts and Social Studies Library (ASSL), Bute Library, Heath Library.
These are arguably the most popular ones with the ASSL and the Heath Library being the only ones open 24 hour. However, Heath Library is not based in Cathays, so that’s worth remembering.
Although you won’t have many assignments in the first few weeks, throughout your degree there will come many times that you’ll find yourself sat in the library for a few hours. So, although it’s not the most important thing right now, don’t worry it will be in the future.
These are only a few of the things that you need to know before joining Cardiff University in the new year, but you’ll learn new things along the way – soon enough it’ll be your second home.
9. St Mary’s Street
Guaranteed you’ll be feral for Misfits, Circuit, and the SU in first year but let me gently persuade you to venture further into town to St Mary’s Street.
St Mary’s Street is *the* place to be on a Friday or Saturday night. You’ve got Prince of Wales Spoons, Bonnie Rogues (or Proud Mary for the OGs), Boom Battle Bar, Temple Bar, and so much more!
There’s also a Maccies, Taco Bell, and KFC there too for your post night out scran. And, we can’t forget Chippy Alley or Chippy Lane, a street literally jam packed with chip shops leading off St Mary’s Street.
It’s also the best place to be when there’s a game on at Principality as the atmosphere is insane, just make sure the grab your table at one of the many pubs well before the match starts.
10. Follow The Cardiff Tab
Last but not least, you should definitely follow The Cardiff Tab on Instagram and TikTok to keep with all the goings on at uni. We cover everything from hard hitting news to where serves the best pint, so you’ll be a Cardiff expert before you even arrive!
We’re also always looking for writers and social media contributors so if you’re interested, don’t hesitate to give us a DM on Instagram!
