Study in Cardiff

Overview

Cardiff is ranked eleventh in the UK’s largest cities, and the Wales’ largest city, the area of which is 140.3km² where there are about 481,082 people living on this spacious land.

So, the city of Cardiff is densely populated when compared with other cities in the county; for each per square kilometer there are about 6,400 people.

The people are of a number of ethnicities divided according to their density into British, African, Caribbean, Asian and some other minorities that do not constitute significant importance.

Cardiff is the capital of Wales. The name is believed to have originated from an English corruption of the main Welsh title “Caer-Taff” (Fort on the Taff) which means fortified city on the “River Taff”.

It was granted its status as a city in 1905, but it was decreed to be the Wale’s capital in 1955 whereby it is the Smallest Capitals in Europe, and one of the newest as well.

The Cardiff town was built upon conquering “Glamorgan” by the “Normans” under the leadership of “Robert Fitz Hamon” who established a wooden castle within the walls of the ancient Roman fortress, after which The Castle was reconstructed using stones in the first decade of the 12^th century.

According to people witnesses living in Cardiff: The city is considered the least safe cities in the UK, because of knife crime which is on increase, car theft, vandalism, murders, scuffles...

On the other hand, it is a great place to live in and make a home. The quality of life is one of the metrics encouraging people to settle there; the cost of living is low, Cardiff has many good job opportunities, nice outdoors and several enjoyments.

Living Expenses in Cardiff

The international student estimated monthly costs are $900 (650P) without rent. Cardiff is less expensive by 33 % than New York, without rent. Furthermore, rent in Cardiff is, by far less expensive than New York as well.

Lists of Living Expenses in Cardiff in Pounds

The Culture of Cardiff

The City is known for production and exporting of coal. So the city depends upon revenues generated from exporting coal by which the city continues to grow and develop. It occupies the first place in exporting coal worldwide.

Cardiff is famous for many industries like engineering, food processing and many other industries. In addition, it is considered a commercial centre; and a hub for higher education, law, media and film production.

Cardiff encompasses a number of historical houses and castles, and the Cardiff Castle is one of the most known historical constructions for tourists to visit. The mesmerizing landscape around the city makes it the convenient site for walkers, people who are interested in water sports and cyclists. Let alone affordable housing, distinguished schools, entertaining facilities and low price- retail centres which are some of benefits making Cardiff a suitable and fine place to live and study at its universities. The National Museum Cardiff is on the door step about a 3 – mile distance from Cardiff University.

Weather and Environment

The summers are warm but not hot, and winters are cool to cold. Cardiff can be visited all year round for lack of extreme temperatures either in summers or winters. By far, the hottest month is July, while the coldest is January.

The environment is beautiful and interesting overlooking the Irish Sea. The weather is cool, wet and most of the year the sky is mostly cloudy, as the climate is oceanic, with frequent wind blows; nevertheless, the area plays an important role in showing climate differences.

Working in Cardiff

While you are a student in Cardiff, you can apply to the Jobshop  found on the second floor of the Students Union as soon you arrive. You are supposed to show your passport and national insurance number.

Jobshow website makes sure to advertise both casual work and permanent posts. Casual work is a good way to gain money without risking your freedom, but permanent posts are good for students who need a constant income.

On line applying for jobs is also possible by searching at local businesses to ask for work.  Also, students can apply for internships or work experience which might be more suitable for the degree they hold. Internships always represent a great process to students’ outlook careers. Vacancies maintained up to date are followed on:

CU Careers / Gyrfaoedd PC on LinkedIn.

Student Future Service is the body helping international students in Cardiff create a CV, negotiating future career and apply to different jobs. International students, according to their visas directives, are allowed to work for up to 20 hours while they are at university studying a full-time study, and for unrestricted hours in times of holidays, but the visa directives should be followed to avoid punishment.

The Areas and Districts of Cardiff

• Black weir
• Blaengwynlais
• Canton
• Capel Llanilltern
• Cardiff
• Cardiff Gate Business Park
• Cathays
• Creigiau

The Universities in Cardiff

Cardiff is home to four major institutions of higher education:

• Cardiff University
• Cardiff Metropolitan University
• University of South Wales  
• The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama