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Sophie Robinson, a third-year English Literature student and reporter for the student paper, gives us the inside story on Cardiff University.

Being a student in Cardiff

Croeso i Caerdydd – Welcome to Cardiff. Linguistically immersed in the rich Welsh culture, Europe’s youngest capital city has plenty to offer university students, not least a vibrant, cosmopolitan life-style. Tree-lined avenues connect the centre of Cardiff to the main university buildings, subtly dividing student and city life by a five-minute walk.

The arrival of the Millennium Stadium has greatly rejuvinated Cardiff, fuelling the buzz this capital city has. This is contained within the compact shopping area; several large arcades directly accessible from the commercial centre of Queen’s Street. All major high street stores from H & M and Gap, to WH Smith and Virgin line the centre, yet a range of more unique shops from vintage Hobos to chic Eden Park can be found by venturing towards nearby St. Mary’s Street. With a Sainsbury’s Local on the corner, you can combine a leisurely shopping trip with the necessity of picking up groceries.

With over 32,000 students, you may think that Cardiff University has the feeling of being over-crowded. However, there is a refreshing sense of space between each faculty; the majority of buildings are situated on, or very near to Park Place. Engineers, Physicists and Computer Scientists, however, are based in The Trevithick Building on Newport Road, a short walk from the Main Building, and Medics have their own campus towards the Heath Hospital which is about twenty-five minutes walk away from the Main Building. The introduction of a Heath Park Campus Officer ensures the links are maintained between the Main Building and the Heath.

When considering where to study, it is worth noting that the cost of living is relatively low in Cardiff; rents are comparably cheaper than other major cities. Although there are convenient bus links to and from the city, and Cardiff Central train station, it is rarely necessary to use public transport as everywhere is so close.

Study time

There are three terms in the university year, which are condensed into two semesters; September to January, and February to June. Asessment of most subjects takes place at the end of each semester, and this is when you will find yourself spending the majority of your days in the library. There are eighteen library sites located close to the academic schools they support. All are well-stocked with books relevant to each course, and students can usually expect to find the book or journal they want. If this is not the case, students can reserve books on the university’s electronic Voyager catalogue system and be notified on its availability.

Twelve books, articles, CDs or DVDs can be issued on a card, which is not always enough for one essay or piece of research. However, the convenient location of the libraries makes it easy to return and borrow books several times a week. Alternatively, the University’s new Electronic Resources gateway provides access to all databases and electronic journals from your own computer by using your CU Login.

The Main Building and Trevithick libraries are open 24 hours a day. Most other libraries are open from 8:45 until 21:30 during the week (10:00-17:30 on Saturday, and 12:00-17:00 on Sunday) and offer extra photocopying, network printing and binding facilities. Staff are helpful and friendly, even offering you a plastic bag if you have borrowed more than you can carry!

During the day, computers are often busy and you can end up waiting a while for a free computer, especially in the popular Arts and Social Sciences library. It is perhaps worth the five minute walk to the Julian Hodges Building, or across to Main, where you will find suites with almost 200 computers. Similarly, desk space in either the designated silent areas, or communal study areas, can be limited during the exam periods. It’s advisable to arrive early to bag your desk as it becomes very busy throughout the day.

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