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The best bits of my Student Life at Cardiff Met – so far

Aaron on campus
Aaron on campus

Hey, I’m Aaron! I’m a student at Cardiff Metropolitan University studying BSc (Hons) Social Work at Llandaff Campus. Originally from Llanelli, last year I took a dive back into academic learning, starting my journey towards becoming a qualified Social Worker in the hope of being able to move to Cardiff full time when I graduate.

I originally planned on taking a gap year after completing my Foundation Degree, but it became a four-year break to gain more work experience. Now I’m back, studying for my Bachelor of Science Degree and fully immersing myself in student life in the big city.

Here’s a few highlights of my experience so far:

My course – and my part time job

Aaron smiling outside Llandaff Campus
First year has been busy, but it’s going great!

My student experience so far has been amazing, despite studying during the pandemic. Our classes have been hybrid learning, so we have a mix of online and on-campus classes. The university has a real ‘community’ feel, where lecturers and fellow classmates remember your name as the classes are smaller. I’ve also been fortunate enough to gain employment at the university as a Student Ambassador, which has opened so many doors in terms of my professional development, making new connections and improving my confidence in public speaking.

I’m a very sociable person, but until recently sticking me in front of a room full people to do a presentation would be a whole different matter! Luckily, my role as an ambassador often involves talking about my experiences of the course and life on campus to groups of potential students in and it’s made me much more comfortable with it.

I’m currently working towards the Cardiff Met Award, is an employability program that improves your professional development and increases your self-awareness of your skills and abilities. It’s been a very hectic first year, but I’m loving it.

The city lifestyle

student life cardiff met, The best bits of my Student Life at Cardiff Met – so far, CARDIFF MET BLOG
At the Wales Millennium Centre in the Bay

Cardiff has so much to offer – it’s the city of culture, diversity and chippy lane! In all honesty, it has been great to get to know Cardiff, see the sights and experience the capital city lifestyle.

There’s so much to do from hanging out in the parks, to shopping, visiting the museum or even going to see a show – I recently went to see The Book of Mormon at the amazing Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay.

With Cardiff Met’s campuses being so nearby, I’ve had the opportunity to go into the city centre to explore a lot more than I ever have before.

Great food

I’m a big foodie, and fortunately lots of the best places to eat do student discounts! The St David’s Centre has plenty of places to eat like Zizzi, which has some tasty Italian food, Shake Shack with its food truck style burgers, Ed’s Diner that does American style food, and Cosy Club which has a great vegan friendly menu. They also do the best Cherry Bakewell Cocktails I have ever tasted!

If you wanted to go for more independent restaurants, I’ve got you covered! Calabrisella has branches in both Cathays and Canton, and makes fresh hand-made Italian pizzas in a traditional pizza oven. If you love desserts, try Heavenly Desserts on Windsor Place – they do individual cheesecakes (the Biscoff one is a favourite) and some of the best cookie dough you’ll ever have. There’s even a gelato counter to accompany your dessert!

Socialising and big nights out

For me, socialising means nights out! Me and my classmates have been going out on the town for the rugby recently – Cardiff is a party city every year for the 6 Nations Championship! We start off at Peppermint in Mill Lane before hitting Spoons and the rest of St Mary Street, the city’s biggest nightlife area.

It’s a good way to let off some steam from assignments and to get to know everyone in your class better. It’s felt especially important since the pandemic as the mix of online and on-campus learning means we have less time together. I feel like we have grown a lot closer by spending time with each other outside of uni.

All in all, Cardiff has so much to offer. I’m still discovering new places every time I venture out. If you happen to see me on campus when I’m working at an Open Day, just ask if I’ve found any new places and I’ll probably have a list for you!

Even though first year can be really busy, my advice to any new students would be to make time to go out and explore the city. The next thing on my to-do list is a proper visit to Cardiff Bay in the summer.

Make memories, discover new places, and make the most of your time as a student!