10 things only Welsh students can relate to

From sipping tea in front of a swan-filled lake to going on a sports social dressed as a carrot, studying in the Welsh capital is a unique, yet enjoyable, experience

(Matthew Dixon/iStock)

With its impressive buildings, rich history, abundant nightlife, and love of rugby, it’s no wonder the Welsh capital has such a massive student population. Home to three universities - Cardiff, Cardiff Metropolitan, and University of South Wales - here are the ten things only the Welsh can all relate to:

1) Reading sign translations becomes commonplace

Getting your head around the Welsh language can be daunting at the best of times, not to mention trying to decipher different place names on the screens at Cardiff Central train station - finding the correct platform is easier said than done. However, the real challenge lies in learning how to actually pronounce these place names. Most first year students fall into the trap of pronouncing Cathays with a ‘th’ rather than a ‘t’ sound, and won’t realise their mistake until a taxi driver tells them otherwise.

2) Rugby is a huge thing

Summoning a mass of supporters to the heart of the city and with it an exhilarating atmosphere, Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium plays host to a number of rugby matches. So, whether it’s the sight of stallholders doing face paints, promoters selling team merchandise, the ‘All Blacks’ New Zealand rugby team performing hakas in the street, or giant rugby balls crashing into castles, the Welsh capital will certainly not disappoint.

3) Cathays is the best place - ever

With its abundance of pubs, takeaways, cafes, charity stores, and affordable housing, Cathays is every student’s dream. Everything you desire is within a short walking distance, meaning you have the luxury of rolling out of bed 15 minutes before the start of your lecture. While living in this area, it’s inevitable that you will attend one of Miskin Street’s infamous house parties and get a hangover breakfast at Cafe 37 the next day.

4) Abundance of nightlife

Students can either experience the joys of pub golfing around Cathays or drinking VKs (yes, we are the number one retailer in the UK) whilst on a fancy dress social at the students’ union. Alternatively, going for a civilised cocktail at Buffalo Bar or watching live bands perform at Gassy Jacks can also make for an enjoyable night out. Whatever the occasion, Cardiff always has something to offer.

5) Most of your money will be spent on food and shopping

With two large shopping centres, a pedestrianised city centre, and loads of restaurants on offer, splashing all your cash on the latest fashion trends and gourmet foods is all too easily done. If you want to stray away from the major British shopping retailers and chains, then you can just visit one of Cardiff’s many vintage ‘couture’ sales instead, and take a break in one of the quaint tea rooms hidden away inside the Victorian arcades.

6) Buses are confusing

It only takes one or two instances of having that £5 note plucked from your hand for that £1.30 bus fare to put you off using public transport in Wales. The illogical ‘exact fare policy’ - meaning no change is given - results in students walking everywhere and clinging to any housemate that has a car and can afford a parking permit.

7) The Cardiff vs Swansea rivalry is real

As Welsh Varsity looms, each university prepares itself to compete in 35 different events, all climaxing with an intense rugby match at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium. The bitter conflict between these two universities will fully reveal itself in this period of fierce competition.

8) Cardiff is steeped in culture and architecture

Cardiff is home to two castles, the highly acclaimed Millennium stadium, a national museum and gallery, a theatre, and so much more. Students can spend their spare time enriching their literary knowledge by going to watch plays, musicals, opera, and dance. A trip down to the waterfront is always a cheaper alternative - the modern architecture of Cardiff Bay is a must-see, and is also a five-minute walk away from a contrastingly historical Norwegian church.

9) The parks are second to none

Summer terms are spent sunbathing and escaping from the city in Bute Park, an extensive recreational area that borders the River Taff and hosts the renowned X Music Festival each year. For a change of scenery, you can also explore Roath Park and go grab a drink in the cafe overlooking a large swan-filled lake. The more adventurous souls will probably spend a weekend away hiking in the Brecon Beacons - a mountainous national park that is only an hour’s drive away from Cardiff.

10) Umbrellas are a must

115cm of rain a year, you say? That’s correct. Living in Britain’s wettest city can make walking to lectures a daily struggle, especially when it involves getting regularly soaked by passing cars or ruining your new trainers in an outrageously deep puddle.

Despite this, though, Cardiff is a place you will come to know and love. Whether you enjoy shopping, partying, sports, or exploring, it has something for everyone. So make sure to cherish your years as a student in Wales while they last, because who knows if the opportunity to live in a whole other country will crop up again?