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Posted Jan. 10, 2014

Student City Guide: Cardiff

If you have chosen to continue your studies with a postgraduate course in Cardiff, you can be sure that the city will keep you entertained for the duration of your course. Over the past decade, Cardiff has become one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom. According to an article published by the BBC, Cardiff has been voted as the UK's best city to live in for young adults, being even ahead of top locations like London and Edinburgh. The Welsh capital has a lot to offer, most notably a low cost of living combined with high levels of quality of life.

Cardiff University is a well-established educational institution and part of the Russell Group, a selection of 24 elite British universities. The university is also recognised at international level, ranking 135th on a list of 10,000 institutions from all over the world. Cardiff University has received many awards in recognition of its excellence in research (especially in areas like engineering, business, English & Literature, psychology, sociology, town planning, and media studies), which is something that students will want to keep in mind when it comes to postgraduate studies.

So what is it like living and studying in Cardiff? Below you will find detailed information on what you can expect from your stay in the Welsh capital.

Cardiff's Highlights Traditionally, Cardiff Castle was the city's most important highlight. This is a 2,000-year old structure that has been magnificently preserved and that is a must-see for everyone living in Cardiff or visiting the city. Even if you are not into architecture, you will definitely be impressed by the stunning details of the banqueting room.

Cardiff's Milennium stadium hosts several matches during the Six Nations Championship, and it is also the chosen venue for many world-class concerts and events. Cardiff Bay is the place where locals go to enjoy an evening of entertainment, as the area is home to many nightclubs, restaurants, and bars.

During the warmer months, the city's parks and gardens fill up with students, families, and tourists who want to enjoy the sunshine and good weather. Make sure to visit Roath Park, where you can hire a boat, play basketball, tennis, or rugby, and enjoy a takeaway meal.

Practical Information Cardiff has excellent connections with the rest of the UK. Trains depart Cardiff Central station for London, Bristol, Southampton, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester, and many other Welsh towns. Student-friendly Megabus coaches travel to 10 British cities and to many international destinations, like Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris.

City buses cover most of the city and neighbouring towns. The most useful bus lines for student are Cardiff buses 1, 2, 21, 23, 24, 25, and 52, which travel between the main campus, the various halls of residence, and the city centre.

Shopping opportunities are mainly along Queen Street, where you will find two large shopping centres and nearly all of the high street stores seling fashion, electronics, etc. Cardiff has a wide range of budget supermarket options that suit student budgets, such as Lidl, Aldi, and a large ASDA by Cardiff Bay.

Student Accommodation The neighbourhoods of Roath and Cathays are the city's most popular student areas, especially for students who choose to rent privately . Column Road is also popular among postgraduate students, and there are other options near Cardiff University Hospital and the UWIC (Cardiff Metropolitan University).

University accommodation for postgrad students is provided at Hodge Hall, Liberty House, Cambrian Point, Talybont Court, Senghennydd Court, and Aberdare Hall (for female students only). Wherever you choose to stay, Cardiff's compact size and excellent transportation network mean that you will never be more than 20 minutes away from the the campus, the city centre, or your accommodation.

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