UWIC - Student View

It's based on 4 separate colleges, a young and vibrant institution with many excellent courses. UWIC Rider bus service runs through the city centre and connects all sites. Each site has its own character: Cyncoed is active, busy sports site; Colchester Avenue quieter and businesslike: Llandaff relaxed but hard working; Howard Gardens is creative but sometimes political.

First years in 3 halls of residence, in Cyncoed, Plas Gwyn and Fairwater. Others in private, rented accommodation - plenty around if you look, many excellent.

Resources such as the libraries and computer facilities can be a problem but improving; pays to get there early. Students not only from Wales, but from all over the UK, Europe and elsewhere. You can change course quite easily in first term, usually within same subject area.

Cardiff is a rapidly developing city, especially the Bay area; many tourist sites of historical, cultural and scientific interest. Plenty to do for any age or interest including the National Museum for Wales, the Castle, the Millennium Stadium, cinemas, theatres, clubs, pubs and a huge range of shopping centres. Cardiff has a huge student population, so is well geared to them with good student deals.

Nightlife is up there with the top british cities and new bars and clubs appear all the time. Active gay scene. SU is developing rapidly. It runs extremely popular bars - all named The Union - one on each campus and each with its own unique atmosphere. They are the safest and cheapest places to drink and entertainment usually free.

SU Christmas Ball is best seller (students queue from as early as 5am); bands have included Terrorvision, Space and Cast and Wheatus. SU is also the best place to get advice and representation in all areas, based at the student centre at Llandaff; SU also funds many successful sports clubs.

Sporting facilities are excellent (2 specialist gyms, athletics track, swimming pool, astroturf. indoor tennis centre and National Indoor Athletics Centre NIAC) and plenty of sport to watch in the city (Cardiff Devils ice-hockey, Cardiff FC and RFC, Network Q Rally of Great Britain).