By Anneka Sprangers

I am two and a half months into my exchange at Cardiff University, and what an experience this is turning out to be! Time is flying by. Between classes and all the extracurricular activities, I am constantly on the go, but I truly feel like I am LIVING!

Student life here is different from what I have experienced at Waikato, and in all the right ways. The Cardiff University Students’ Union is behind much of what happens on campus, and they really pull out all the stops. Their efforts have earned them a second-place ranking among student unions in the UK for 2024! From bar and nightclub events to 200 societies, 70 sports clubs, ‘Give it a Go’ trips to various UK destinations, and sober socials, something is going on every day of the week for everyone.

A big part of student life here is getting involved with societies and clubs. I was encouraged to join one or two during my exchange, either something I already love or something new I wanted to explore. For the first fortnight of the semester, the Students’ Union hosted sessions to help students discover their fit among the many options. I tried out the Book Club, Aerial Fitness, the Taylor Swift Society, and the Art Society. Ultimately, Aerial Fitness won me over, and I now attend two or three classes a week, focusing on hoop or pole. The classes are challenging yet so rewarding, and they have helped me step out of my comfort zone. Beyond the physical benefits, the group is incredibly welcoming and supportive. The weekly socials are a great bonus, whether it is a night out, a relaxing wellness walk, or a casual study session, there is always something to look forward to. 

That said, my absolute favourite offering has to be the ‘Give it a Go’ trips around the UK, which completely satisfy my travel bug. Almost every weekend, you will find me hopping on a bus to explore somewhere new (my flatmates call me the ‘Give it a Go’ queen lol). These trips are super affordable, and once you arrive, you are free to explore however you like! So far, my highlight destinations include Stonehenge, the Jurassic Coast, the Cotswolds, the Bridgwater Carnival, and Whitby. I still have a few trips lined up, but I am most looking forward to a long weekend in Edinburgh to kick off the Christmas break!

Beyond university activities, Cardiff itself has so much to offer. I recommend following the Instagram account @itsoncardiff to stay updated on events around the city. I have checked out ice hockey (go Cardiff Devils!), a rugby match between the Welsh National Rugby Union team and the Wallabies (sadly, we lost), and theatre productions of Wicked and Hamilton. Every experience has been incredible, with electric atmospheres and locals who truly embrace the excitement of it all.

With so much to do, it is important to take a breather every now and then. I learned this the hard way when I ended up spending most of the semester break with a good dose of the flu! 

All in all, this exchange has been everything I hoped for and more. Cardiff University and the city itself have given me opportunities to grow, connect, and experience new adventures. I cannot wait to see what the remainder of my time has to offer!