THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE AT CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

Cardiff University combines tradition with modernity through its state-of-the-art facilities and beautiful historic buildings. Since 1883, the university has been a fêted hotspot of creative thinking, helping to mark it out as the highly-esteemed educational institution recently ranked 198th in the QS World University Rankings®. Its exceptional degree programmes ensure that around 33,000 students have an exciting and academically challenging experience – with the significant student population and array of university-hosted and external sporting events giving the city a unique edge. In this article, Cardiff Prestige give a rundown of the city’s student experience for those considering the university.

Courses & facilities

Cardiff University’s degree programmes are spread across three colleges – The College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; The College of Biomedical & Life Sciences; and The College of Physical Sciences & Engineering – with the university’s expertise residing in their approach to research-led teaching. Alongside the 300+ courses the university offers, they deliver up to 100 courses that are taught in Welsh. It also provides a wide range of opportunities in international student exchanges, with more than 300 destinations available worldwide.

In addition to the new state-of-the-art School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, the university hopes to facilitate a central hub for student support services. Set to open in 2021, the new Centre for Student Life provides flexible social learning spaces and a 550-seat lecture theatre. Its academic distinctions are complemented by more than 200 student-led societies and over 65 sport societies, with its 33 acres of first-class grass pitches and sports training village providing the ideal space to host clubs and events.

Living & studying

Living in the Welsh capital, students can enjoy a variety of exciting events, from gigs with well-known international bands to local student acts on university grounds. Recognised by its Purple Flag status, Cardiff’s nightlife is full of diverse, safe and welcoming venues for entertainment and club nights to be held, many of which are LGBT+ friendly and boast affordable student nights. On Wednesdays, Soda offers £2 glasses of wine, and Friday night partiers can toss student loan worries aside with PRYZM’s £2 Jägerbombs.

Elsewhere, the city is famous for its rugby and is a sporting hotspot for events such as the Six Nations, which is hosted in some of Cardiff’s best arenas. As a city rich with culture, there are numerous historical points dotted throughout the area, with Cardiff Castle – established in around 50 AD – concealing almost 2,000 years of history. There is an abundance of parks throughout the city, meaning that students can enjoy the best of both worlds and rotate study spots easily.

Why Cardiff?

Cardiff is celebrated for its cultural vibrancy and groundbreaking yet adaptable academic thought. Officially recognised as the capital of Wales in 1955, Cardiff is young, diverse and fast-growing, with world-class sports venues, a rich cultural heritage and a great lifestyle for residents and students alike. From award-winning writers to influential politicians, the university’s alumni have been influencing history since the institution was founded over 130 years ago.

Noted alumni include Neil Kinnock, the Labour politician who was leader of the opposition between 1983-92; Gillian Clarke, the third National Poet of Wales; and Julie Williams, a leading figure in Alzheimer’s research. The university continues to be at the forefront of cutting-edge research, maintaining an esteemed reputation and a high standard of teaching – which has always been its central ethos.

Benefits for students

  • Living in a vibrant and diverse capital with world-class sporting and cultural events.
  • 30th in the 2021 Complete University Guide rankings.
  • 7% of Cardiff graduates are in employment or further education following graduation.
  • Access to leading libraries, study spaces and student support facilities.
  • The university is committed to improving both local communities and quality of life worldwide, with their prominent Phoenix Project and Community Gateway projects.