Cardiff anyone?

[itsnotjustyou]

DS2 has a deferred place for 2016.

So far I know that a) it's a great city for partying and b) that 2nd year accommodation is really grim.
Any other info? TIA

(c) third year accommodation is really grim too.

The city is small so everything is local and within walking distance. But it's also a capital city so it's got the buzz.
There are lots of shops, clubs, restaurants, cafe. They have the Millennium Stadium so you get all sorts of tours and, of course, the rugby. Plenty of coast nearby and stunning inland scenery.
Despite being a capital city with all that entails - National Assembly, National Library, Companies House, BBC studios (you see Dr Who being filmed), the teaching hospital, the docks and Tiger Bay, etc, etc - it is not expensive.
Like most RG University, it is overpopulated by those from London and the SE.

DD had a ball there and still came out with a decent degree. Hope your DS enjoys it as much.

Thanks senua. DS loved it when he went to the Open Day. I think it was the social life that clinched it .
Is there any way of avoiding the really grotty accommodation or do they all just put up with it?

A close family member of mine went there a couple of years ago and loved it. Good academics (but I think students have to be self-motivated; it sounded quite easy to get away with not doing much), and fab city to be a student in from the sounds of it. He knew more students from Wales/SW/Midlands than London/SE and they were lovely. He lived out in 2nd and 3rd year in a shared house, which was fine (it might have changed since? but this wasn't long ago).

Thanks Musidora that's reassuring. We're from the SW but oddly he thinks he's the only one going from this year's 6th form.
He's very sociable so making friends shouldn't be a problem, but I'm not convinced of the motivation. Still, a year out should help him grow up.

Senua - the national Library is in Aberystwyth not Cardiff

the national Library is in Aberystwyth not Cardiff

oops, so it is. I'm sure I read on some wiki page somewhere that it was in Cardiff. But you get my drift - lots of Important Things going on in Important Buildings.

A lot of students live in Cathays which is full of Victorian terraces, some of which are showing their age, but the area is handy for the University. I'm sure there are some posh Unite-type things but they cost more money.

DD is going there next month. We only live in the valleys and she originally wanted to go far from (me) home but realised what a good uni it was. I love cardiff but I suppose I'm slightly biased!

When I was there (98 - 01), it certainly was a big party place, but I think most Uni's were then. Tuition fees have changed most Uni's a lot.

You can find grim accommodation in any student town, Cardiff was notorious for being vile, but I think it has improved massively. There are good houses, you just need to be organised to make sure you get them. Had some wine now so not able to be that helpful, but will do my best if you want any more info!