Welcome to cardiff international students!
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CONTENTS 3 Welcome! / What is a Students’ Union? 4 How to contact Your Students’ Union 5 Useful Telephone Numbers 6 Welcome to Wales! 8 Meet Your Elected Officers 9 Campaign Officers 10 Help and Advice 11 English Language Support 12 Give it a Go 14 Societies 15 Sports clubs 16 Events Throughout The year 17 Faith and Religion 18 Jobs and Skills 20 Campus Map
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WELCOME! Shwmae/hello! My name is Sophie and I am the President of the Students’ Union. Welcome to Cardiff University! We are proud to welcome students from all around the world to the capital of Wales. In this booklet, there will be information about the Students’ Union and how we can make your university experience brilliant. Our building is opposite the Main Building on Park Place, and we have a smaller location at the Heath Campus. The Students’ Union has lots of services, support, and activities you can get involved in as students. We would love to meet you – come and see what we are all about. Get involved, love Cardiff. Make new friends, and give everything a go. I hope you have the best time at Cardiff, just like I have!
SOPHIE
WHAT IS A STUDENTS’ UNION? Cardiff University Students’ Union is an independent part of Cardiff University which is led by students. As soon as you enrol at Cardiff University, you automatically become one of our members. We represent students and provide activities to make your student life better. We can give you advice on housing or your University course, training and skills development, volunteering opportunities, jobs, and other activities to help you make new friends. We have over 200 student societies and 60 sports clubs with over 10,000
members. Our building also has bars, cafes, and shops which fund everything we do for students. The Students’ Union is based in a purposebuilt building on Park Place at the Cathays campus, and in the IV Lounge at the Heath Park campus. Every year, we’re voted one of the best student organisations in the United Kingdom. This is even more reason for you to come and see what we do!
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HOW TO CONTACT US We want you to get settled into student life in Cardiff when you arrive. A great way to do that is to get involved in the fun and interesting things that are going on. Here is how you can find out what we are doing.
02920 781400
CARDIFFSTUDENTS.COM
WHAT’S ON EMAIL
Give us a call if you would like to ask us about anything we do.
On our website you can see what events are coming up and look for help and advice.
A weekly newsletter of all the latest activities, stories & deals direct to your University e-mail inbox.
SOCIAL MEDIA If you would like up to the minute information about what we are up to, or to chat to us about anything then feel free to follow us on Social Media.
Twitter / @CardiffStudents
Instagram / CardiffStudents
Facebook / CardiffStudents
YouTube / CardiffStudents
Snapchat / CardiffStudents
Whatsapp / 07809 331277 (Add 07809 331277 to your contacts. Send the message ‘Join’ to that number in WhatsApp.)
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS We recommend saving these numbers to your mobile phone contact list: CARDIFF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION: Main Reception 029 2087 1400 Student Advice 029 2078 1410 Box Office 029 2078 1458 Skills Development Service 029 2078 1489 Cardiff Volunteering 029 2078 1494 Student Enterprise 029 2087 1442
Student Support Centre 029 2087 4844 (advice and counselling)
Meningitis Trust Helpline 080 8801 0388
Nightline 029 2087 0555
NHS Sexual Health (I.S.H clinic) 029 2033 5208
Samaritans UK Main UK line 116 123 Cardiff branch line 029 2034 4022 Academic Registry (Student records) 029 2087 6211 University Security 029 2087 4444
Cardiff Student Letting 029 2078 1525
University INSRV (IT help) 029 2087 4487
Jobshop 029 2078 1535
The Graduate Centre 029 2087 4748
Student Finance Wales 030 0200 4050 Student Finance England 030 0100 0607 Traveline Cymru 030 0200 2233 National Rail Enquiries 084 5748 4950 Non-emergency crimes 101 Emergency Services 999 (emergency ONLY) Cardiff Council 029 2087 2087
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CROESO I GYMRU! We love our Welsh Culture Cardiff is in Wales, a small, beautiful country in the UK with its own language, culture, and traditions. There are all kinds of amazing places to discover here - we have beautiful beaches and mountains, enchanting castles and lots of fun traditions. We hope you will enjoy discovering our country during your time here.
The Welsh Language (Yr Iaith Gymraeg) An important part of Welsh culture is the Welsh language. In Wales, many people are proud to speak Welsh. Welsh is the official language of Wales, and we have about 4,000 students speaking
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the language here at Cardiff University. You may see both English and Welsh written on signs and other documents while you are at Cardiff University. Welsh is important to Welsh speakers, and the Welsh Government encourages all universities to support Welsh speakers by publishing in both English and Welsh. Many people who live in Wales are encouraged to learn Welsh, so at the Students’ Union we do many things to support the Welsh Language and culture.
Some key phrases: Shwmae! = Hi! Cymru am byth = Wales forever Mae hi’n bwrw glaw = It’s raining Rwy’n caru Caerdydd = I love Cardiff
WELCOME TO WALES! five do in Cardiff castles everywhere! 1. Welsh things to 3. Castles,
Try to see a Welsh international match at the Principality Stadium. The Welsh love rugby, so the atmosphere in the stadium is amazing! You’ll soon find yourself chanting “Cymru am Byth!” along with the Welsh fans.
2.
Visit St Fagans National History Museum. A free open-air museum where you can walk around Wales through the ages – with buildings from Celtic times to the present day, and the chance to sample some traditional Welsh cuisine.
You have plenty to choose from just in and around Cardiff with Cardiff Castle, Castell Coch, and Caerphilly Castle.
4.
Cardiff Millennium Centre. Watch a musical or performance in this iconic building in Cardiff Bay.
5.
Farmers Market. Buy fresh local food at the weekly market from 10:00–14:00 every Sunday opposite the Principality Stadium on the Fitzhamon Embankment.
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ELECTED OFFICERS 2016-17 Elected Officers are a team of students who are chosen by other students to lead the Students’ Union. They represent the views of students and lead student activity in all areas of student life such as education for undergraduates, postgraduates, and healthcare students,
Sport, Societies, and Welfare. The Elected Officers are led by the Students’ Union President. You can find them on the 3rd floor of the Students’ Union building or on cardiffstudents.com
SOPHIE NIKO
SU PRESIDENT LLYWYDD YR UM PresidentCSU @PresidentCSU
VP HEATH PARK CAMPUS IL CAMPWS PARC Y MYNYDD BYCHAN VPHeathParkCSU @HeathParkCSU
MO VP EDUCATION IL ADDYSG EducationCSU @EducationCSU
ALEX VP POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IL MYFYRWYR OL-RADDEDIG PGradOfficerCSU @PostgradCSU
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MILLY VP SOCIETIES IL CYMDEITHASAU VPSocietiesCSU @SocietiesCSU
CAMPAIGN OFFICERS 2016-17 Your Campaign Officers are a group of students who are elected each year to campaign on a variety of issues and to represent your interests at a Union and University level. The Campaign Officers undertake these roles alongside their academic studies. Black & Ethnic Minority Officer: Nancy Turnbull BEMOfficer@Cardiff.ac.uk @BMEOfficerCSU bmeofficersu Ethical & Environmental Officer: James Daly EandEOfficer@Cardiff.ac.uk @EandEofficerCSU eandeofficercsu
LGBT+ Open: Marcus Connolly LGBT+ Women: Ruth Lewis lgbtOfficer@Cardiff.ac.uk @LGBTplusCSU LGBTofficerCSU Students with Disabilities’ Officer: Charlie Knights DisabilitiesOfficer@Cardiff.ac.uk @SWDofficerCSU SWDofficerCSU Welsh Language Officer: Osian Morgan WelshOfficer@Cardiff.ac.uk @SwyddogCymraeg
Swyddogcymraeg
We will be holding an election in October to elect the following Officer roles: • International Students’ Officer • Mature Students’ Officer • Women’s Officer
HOLLIE VP WELFARE IL LLES
If you are interested in becoming one of our Elected Officers, visit cardiffstudents. com/elections to find out more.
VPWelfareCSU @WelfareCSU
associations
ELIN VP SPORTS AND ATHLETIC UNION PRESIDENT IL CHWARAEON A LLYWYDD YR UNDEB ATHLETAU
Our Campaign Officers work closely with our Student Associations. The Associations don’t cost any money to join and any Cardiff University student can become a member. Each association represents a specific group and campaigns on issues that may affect them. You can find out more about our Associations at cardiffstudents.com/ associations
AUPresidentCSU @AUPresidentCSU
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HELP AND ADVICE Student Advice is a free, confidential, impartial, and independent service run by the Students’ Union, providing advice and information, advocacy, and representation to all students at Cardiff University. The service is delivered by drop-ins, appointments, email, and phone. The service also undertakes other activities and events to develop awareness of rights and responsibilities, as well as promoting and supporting the health and wellbeing of students. For international students, Student Advice provides general advice and information on a range of issues such as academic, consumer, employment, health services, housing, money matters, student finance, welfare matters, and much more.
Get in touch: 029 2078 1410 Advice@Cardiff.ac.uk cardiffstudents.com/advice
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Student Advice drop in sessions (term time) are open weekdays between 12:00 - 14:00. Outside of term time contact Student Advice between 10:00 – 16:00 to make appointments. Heath Campus: Heath Campus appointments are available by booking ahead. Call 029 2078 1410 or e-mail Advice@Cardiff.ac.uk.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT Studying an undergraduate or postgraduate course at university can be very challenging. If English is not your first language, you may need some help to meet the challenges presented by lectures, seminars, and assignments.
At the Students’ Union, you can speak to Student Advice about the challenges you may be facing. They are located on the 3rd floor of the Students’ Union and can help you find ways to improve your English.
Cardiff University provides ongoing English language and study skills support, especially for current international students during their academic studies.
Student Advice
When you arrive, speak to your academic school about what support they have for you as an international student. Ask the International Office about help that they can provide, and if there are any courses you can attend.
029 2078 1410 advice@Cardiff.ac.uk cardiffstudents.com/advice
english language team 029 2087 6587 Elt@Cardiff.ac.uk
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Cardiff Students'Union
Proudly Presents Give it a Go is a fun calendar of amazing opportunities and activities for you to try while you are a student at Cardiff. It gives you try-before-you-buy opportunities for our 250 societies and sports clubs, learn a new language, develop skills, volunteer, go on day and weekend trips and so much more. Our aim is to get you to try things you’ve never tried before, meet new people, and have an absolutely amazing time while you are in Cardiff. We would love you to join in! Look at what’s going on with Give it a Go at: cardiffstudents.com/GiveitaGo
Freshers’ Events! Event University Grounds (Cathays) Tour Students’ Union Tour City Centre Tours SU Film Night Big Red Bus Cardiff Tour Cardiff Bay Trip Ikea Trip Barry Island Trip St. Fagans Trip Castle Coch Caerphilly Trip Rhossili Beach Trip Rhossili Walk Cardiff Castle Tour Principality Stadium Tour National Museum Tour Welsh Cake Making Welsh Lesson
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Dates (September) 14th–23rd 14th–23rd 14th–23rd 14th–25th 19th, 21st, 23rd 19th, 21st, 23rd 19th, 21st, 23rd 19th 21st 23rd 24th 25th 25th 20th 22nd 20th & 22nd 20th & 22nd 20th & 22nd
Time 11:00 & 14:00 12:00 & 15:00 13:00 & 16:00 20:00 13:00 & 16:00 11:00 14:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 11:00 10:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 12:00 & 15:00
Cost FREE FREE FREE FREE £1 £5 £5 £5 £5 £5 £10 £16 £16 £10 £10 FREE £2 Free
Travel around Europe! Did you know the Students’ Union organises regular city breaks to loads of different destinations around Europe? While you’re in Cardiff, make the time to explore other parts of the UK and Europe with us! Most of our residential trips run for less than £150 so everyone can afford to go on an adventure. In the past we’ve taken you to London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid and many more!
Now is the perfect time to explore the most breath-taking cities in the world. Make new friends and come join us! For more information about our regular national and international trips and for help with visa applications, head to cardiffstudents.com/GiveitaGo.
visit me!
Save money with a Give it a Go Freshers’ Wristband at cardiffstudents.com/freshers
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SOCIETIES Societies are groups of students who share common interests, beliefs or values. We have over 200, from debating to jazz; chess to Islamic society - they are a great chance to experience something new, develop skills and make friends along the way from all around the World! Throughout the year we do events such as Go Global, where some of our international and cultural societies perform in the Great Hall.
If you have an interest, belief or hobby, there will almost certainly be a society built around it. Signing up to societies can be done at Societies Fairs in Freshers’ Week or online at any point in the year at cardiffstudents.com/societies. If you have queries about joining a society, setting one up or just want to know more, you can contact Milly – Vice President Societies. Find her at: VPSocieties@Cardiff.ac.uk or on 029 2078 1427. Browse the full list of societies online now at cardiffstudents.com and make sure you attend the fairs!
MILLY VP SOCIETIES VPSocietiesCSU
@SocietiesCSU
VPSocieties@Cardiff.ac.uk 029 2078 1427
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SPORTS CLUBS There are over 60 different sports clubs at Cardiff University Students’ Union. We’re positive there’ll be a club for you. The Athletic Union (AU) offers classic sports like badminton, hockey and basketball, or if you want try something new then we have lots of sports which are growing in popularity such as korfball, caving and American football.
We would also recommend coming along to the Sports Fair in September. You can also join sports clubs during the year online at: cardiffstudents.com/au
If you have any questions, come to the 3rd floor of the Union to chat to Elin – Vice President of Sports and Athletic Union President. Or find her at: VPSports@Cardiff.ac.uk or on 029 2078 1438.
ELIN VP SPORTS AND ATHLETIC UNION PRESIDENT AUPresidentCSU
@AUPresidentCSU
VPSports@Cardiff.ac.uk 029 2078 1438
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EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Throughout the year, Cardiff University Students’ Union hosts a variety of events that we would encourage you to get involved in. From international cultural events, to our famous sports tournament, these events are a great chance to join fellow students in celebrating being a member of Cardiff University.
Go Global Festivals are a common thing in the world of students, but no festival is as exciting and ground breaking as Go Global, Cardiff University’s Festival of Culture and Diversity. From India to Poland, China to Greece, our societies will take you on an incredible, unforgettable journey around the world at this wonderful event. Go Global takes place in March every year.
Cardiff Fringe Festival Cardiff Fringe Festival is a week-long celebration of all society activity. It’s full of incredible events run by our studentled societies, showcasing their amazing talents. From a variety show, an original musical, an opera, and music showcases; to stand-up comedy, a photography workshop, a bouncy castle and much more! There’s something for everyone. Cardiff Fringe Festival takes place in March every year.
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Welsh Varsity Tournament Welsh Varsity started out 20 years ago as a rugby match between Cardiff University students and Swansea University students. Today it’s so much more than that. Welsh Varsity has become a whole day of events, with teams competing against each other in over 30 sports to represent their university. The day culminates with the legendary men’s rugby match, played in front of thousands of students from both universities.
Cardiff Student Elections We hold elections every year to elect the team of students who will lead the Union during the next academic year. Their role is to represent the interests and rights of all students to the Union, University, and local community. All Cardiff University students have the right to stand for election and all students get to vote on who they think is the right person for the job. Find out more at cardiffstudents.com/elections.
FAITH AND RELIGION Cardiff has a strong history of diversity in faith and culture, and welcomes students from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Find others who share your faith There are various religious societies in the Students’ Union representing different faiths which you can think about joining, including the Islamic, Jewish, and Christian Societies. Details of these can be found at: cardiffstudents.com/ societies. Places of worship for all major religions and faiths can be found around the city. The Chaplaincy has information about all the churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other places of worship around Cardiff. For more information, please email Chaplaincy@Cardiff.ac.uk.
Quiet Rooms A number of quiet rooms on both the Cathays and Heath Park campuses have been set up for individual prayer and reflection, meditation, contemplation or just quiet time. There is also a quiet room available every day during term-time on 3rd floor of the Students’ Union in The Lounge.
Chaplaincy
Our Chaplaincy is made up of Anglican,Roman Catholic, Muslim, Methodist, and Eastern Christian Chaplains. They work alongside other denominations and faith communities in Cardiff, welcoming students from all parts of the world regardless of their nationality or religion. They are committed to encouraging discussion between students of different faiths and backgrounds. The Chaplaincy provides a place for friendship, hospitality, reflection, prayer, support and dialogue, offering opportunities for you to engage socially and to explore faith and spirituality.
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JOBS AND SKILLS Cardiff Volunteering
Cardiff University Enterprise
Volunteering is a great way to make a difference in your new local community. You’ll also get to meet loads of new people and have a lot of fun! Cardiff Volunteering offers a wide variety of different and exciting projects to choose from which you can fit around your University schedule.
Whether you have an idea for a business or social enterprise, or want to gain new skills to help you become a more enterprising employee, Cardiff University Enterprise is here to support you.
Lots of students volunteer on projects in and around the city of Cardiff, giving up their time to help improve the social, economic, and environmental lives of others in the local community and gaining new skills, experiences, and friends along the way – so it really is a no-brainer. To find out more about Cardiff Volunteering and how you can get involved, visit cardiffstudents.com/ volunteering or drop into their office in the Centre for Skills, Enterprise and Volunteering at the Students’ Union when you arrive in Cardiff. The office is open 09:00–17:00 Monday-Thursday and 09:00–16:00 on Fridays. cardiffstudents.com/volunteering
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Cardiff University Enterprise are a student focused team that is here to help students to achieve their full potential: whatever their subject area. They offer events, workshops, competitions, and advice, and it’s all absolutely FREE! Cardiff University Enterprise activities will pop up anywhere within the University, but our base is in the Students’ Union. Visit the Cardiff University Enterprise office on the second floor. StudentEnterprise @CardiffUniE Enterprise@Cardiff.ac.uk 029 2078 1442
JOBS AND SKILLS Jobshop A priority for a lot of students is finding a part-time job when they arrive at University. The Jobshop is a free student employment service run by the Students’ Union. We aim to find casual employment for registered Cardiff University students. Opportunities are available within the University, the Students’ Union and with local employers. If you are an international student and are studying in the UK with a Tier 4 visa, you are entitled to work. Your entitlement to work will depend on your level of study and whether you are in term time or vacation. To find out more about the Jobshop and how to register, visit cardiffstudents.com/Jobshop. It’s a great way to earn some extra cash and to gain valuable work experience! CardiffJobshop @CardiffJobshop Jobshop@Cardiff.ac.uk 029 2078 1535
Skills Development Service The Skills Development Service (SDS) provides a range of courses aimed at getting you ready for the employment market. These courses range from improving your transferable skills, to building your confidence, and generally increasing your future employment potential. Certificates are awarded for successful completion of courses and are highly regarded by employers. The courses offered by the Skills Development Service are broken down into three main areas: • Certificate of Professional Development • Progression and Well-being • Externally-Certificated Courses and Sessions Detailed information about all of these courses can be found at cardiffstudents.com/sds CardiffSDS @SDScardiff SDS@Cardiff.ac.uk 029 2078 1489
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Main Building
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University Hall Liberty House Talybont Gate Cartwright Court Talybont North
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Talybont South Roy Jenkins Hall Talybont Court Aberconway Hall Colum Hall
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Hodge Hall Aberdare Hall Gorgon Hall Senghennydd Hall / Court
Cardiff University Students’ Union Park Place, Cardiff. CF10 3QN
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029 2078 1400
StudentsUnion@Cardiff.ac.uk
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