As another academic year begins, Billy Edwards, now entering his third year of university in Cardiff, looks back on his journey embedding himself in his new Welsh home to offer sage advice and tips for those about to do the same.
For anyone who’s grown up in England, going to university in Wales is likely to prove a cultural departure, but an ultimately pleasant one. For me, although it was a long way from Essex, I soon happily assimilated into Cardiff in my first year – so much so, I can hardly believe it was two years ago, and I’m not sure how willingly I could ever leave.
Get to know your Welsh lingo
The changes are obvious at first, particularly in language. Most universities also offer special adjacent courses on learning Welsh if you’re seeking to brush up or fully integrate into the local lifestyle as a novice. Friends persuaded me to learn the proper names for stalwart landmarks of Cardiff, and so now we don’t talk about a particular favourite venue as the Welsh Club, as it’s colloquially known, but Clwb Ifor Bach.
Build your support network
I can remember just how welcoming your newfound freedom is, and you’ve worked very hard for it, but be wary of how quickly it can become unnerving. It takes a lot of responsibility to stick to an effective revision schedule with so many opportunities for fun. Even cooking, travelling to university and general housework can be nerve-wracking pursuits when an important assessment’s looming in the back of your mind.
Therefore, it’s important to build a good support network. Universities are very good at providing opportunities to meet people, in my experience, especially through societies. These are often fun and relaxed environments to destress after a hard day’s lecture-attending. Oddly – given it’s been produced in the city for a while – Cardiff University didn’t have its own Doctor Who society, as many other universities did. That was rectified this year, when I’ve had a great time watching, quizzing, and enjoying the programme with other enthusiasts.
Make the most of being in Wales
That’s my key advice: take every chance of anything that will get you to see more of Wales. It’d be a shame to spend years in such a great country confined to a slither of it. For me, I have found advice and tips from local friends helpful in getting the most out of Wales. One of my major interests is collecting records, and advice from local shop owners for fairs took me to some great days out in Swansea, Newport and Caerphilly, the latter of which featured a wonderful lunch overlooking its castle ruins.
Furthermore, your university’s hiking society can offer opportunities to venture into lush countryside. The great views at Lisvane and Thornhill, Skirrid Mountain and Treorchy were terrifically refreshing after staring at screens all week, and all I had to do was sign up and be at the train station on the day. They’re usually very accessible, great for making friends and remarkably picturesque… good weather permitting.
Travel, learn, rest
You will surely find considerable confidence in being in Wales while at university, a great place to be situated for university, whatever the area—it’s fully connected, with bustle and quiet retreats a couple of train stops away. What’s more, in the summer, it boasts a plethora of great places to unwind for a weekend; for example, I journeyed to Tenby for a well-deserved rest at the end of my second year. Other places great for a trip to taste Wales’s rich history, food, and sights include Carmarthenshire, Anglesey, and Llandudno. Hiking is a perfect opportunity to think about things; it’s important not to get too disheartened when everything doesn’t work out immediately.
Your time at university, whatever the course, is longer than the stats seem to suggest, and it’s likely to be devised by your university so every student slowly gains resilience. Choose your university carefully and well – but choose Wales.
words BILLY EDWARDS
