Cardiffs Calling Issue3

U N I V E R S I T Y O F W A L E S I N S T I T U T E , C A R D I F F AT H R O FA P R I F Y S G O L C Y M R U, C A E R D Y D D

STUDENT LIFE IN AND AROUND CARDIFF >>

FROM PRADA TO PRIMARK

BACK FROM THE GAP PARENTS VIEW

CARDIFF HOT SPOTS

University. It can be both a daunting and exciting experience. For many, starting university is not only the start of a whole new learning experience, but the start of a whole new life. So it is only natural to feel a bit nauseous, especially if you have been out the night before!

Ella Watkins Student editor

But fear not! Cardiff’s Calling has been designed to be a hitch hikers guide to university (we’ll leave the universe to Douglas Adams). This magazine has been written by students for students, in order to help you settle into your new life at UWIC in Cardiff.

This magazine consists of articles on how to make money, by being a working student, plus, at the other end of the spectrum, how to spend those precious pennies, in the cosmopolitan city of Cardiff. Cardiff’s Calling also offers an insight into how other UWIC students survived their first year, plus how they coped living in student accommodation.

Having decided to come to UWIC, you have not only secured yourself a place in a great university, but also in a great new and exciting city. UWIC has not only left me with a fantastic undergraduate degree in English and Popular Culture, friends and memories, but has also given me tremendous opportunities. My time at UWIC has opened many doors and even after graduating this year, opportunities are still constantly arising. My time at UWIC was so fantastic, in both the learning and living department that I decided to say in Cardiff and carry out my Masters in English and Creative Writing at UWIC, so quite naturally I’m going to advise anyone to do the same.

So I hope you like, and benefit from, the articles in Cardiff’s Calling and trust that you will enjoy your time at UWIC as much as me. And who knows, maybe you’ll be involved in the next issue of Cardiff’s Calling.

Enjoy!

contributers

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Editor: Ella Watkins Consultant Editor: Robert Taffurelli from UWIC’s Department of Humanities.

Content compiled by: UWIC student journalists & Communications & Marketing, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.

Design: Creative Services, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.

Student Journalists: From Prada to Primark - Ella Watkins Choosing your home from home Charlotte Rees Stoner Back from the Gap - Thea Wise Working Student - Selina J Philpin City Music Scene - Karen Ward Student Advice - Ffion Mainwaring Parent’s View - Linda Rafferty pn:171009

cardiff’s calling!

1EDITOR 2CONTENTS 3FROM PRADA TO PRIMARK 5GRADUATE INTERVIEW 6GRADUATE BAFTA SUCESS 7CHOOSING YOUR HOME FROM HOME 9WE’RE INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE 11BACK FROM THE GAP//STUDENTS UNION - IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE PARTY’S! 13GOLD RUSH FOR STUDENTS 15BEST NEW UNIVERSITY IN WALES 16WORKING STUDENT 18STUDENT PROFILES 20PARENT’S VIEW 21FUNDING UNIVERSITY LIFE 22CITY MUSIC SCENE 23CARDIFF HOT SPOTS

This publication is also available in alternative formats. For further information, please contact the Communications and Marketing Department on: +44 (0)29 2041 6294 Disclaimer: the personal views expressed by individuals throughout Cardiff’s Calling do not necessarily reflect those of UWIC.

WRITTEN BY STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS >>

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by Ella Watkins UWIC student

As a child I loved dressing up in my mother’s clothes, choosing which dress should go with which shoes, and most importantly of all, which handbag! (As I’m sure many others did). Whenever I would have the chance I’d dive into my mother’s wardrobe, but instead of entering the magical land of Narnia, I’d find myself in my own magical world of clothes, shoes and bags.

I still often visit this land (a bit too often I may add), but instead of it being reached through my mother’s wardrobe, this fantasy land is now reached through the form of shops in the magical land of Cardiff.

I have been very lucky to have travelled to three of the fashion capitals of the world; New York, London and Paris, and have enjoyed each three cities and their many delights. But unfortunately none of these cosmopolitan cities have been able to take me to my fashion fairytale. In London I get so overwhelmed by the accessorises section in Topshop alone and the amount of people, that I end up feeling like I am in a rugby scrum, rather than a clothes shop. And in both NY and Paris my fairytale land is

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full of very expensive price tags, that many princesses in reality are unfortunately not able to afford!

For me Cardiff offers the perfect shopping experience. All the shops are located in the city centre which is neither too small, as it consists of all the shops you need, from unique boutiques to high end fashion stores, nor is it too big, as all these fabulous shops can be reached on foot.

Cardiff is both full of new and modern shopping centres; Capitol, Saint David’s Arcade and the newly opened John Lewis/Saint David’s Dewi Sant, as well as many quaint and charismatic arcades, which are full to the brim with boutiques.

experien ultimate fairytale

cardiff’s calling!

I have to admit that I am pretty obsessed with Topshop and often find myself trying to take half the shop’s stock to the changing rooms with me, which can sometimes be a bit of a mission. But recently I have discovered something quite brilliant, which enables me to fulfil my mission. Topshop offer free style advisors! Meaning you are able to take as many items as you wish to try on at the advisors suite, (which consist of the biggest changing rooms ever), plus you get great and friendly advice and free membership; where the more you buy, the more gift vouchers you get!

ce the fashion

Another thing I am pretty obsessed with is sleep, and since we spend over a third of our life in the land of nod, it is only right that we wear good quality and fun pyjamas. Plus being a student you do find, a) you spend a lot of time in bed, and b) you have a lot of pyjama parties, so you want P.J’s to be both comfy and

cool. My personal favourite place to get them is at Elephant and Flowers in The Capitol, where the lovely owner Jo Hammond, stocks the brands David and Goliath, Paul Frank, Half Moon Bay, Retro, Barbe, Queen of F**king Everything and many more, and offers all students ten percent off!

By far, my favourite arcade to shop in is the quaint and charming Highstreet Arcade which holds such delights as Hobos Vintage Clothing, which is full of original pieces; plus Bejewelled and Lunacy, two magical boutiques packed with unique and original clothes and accessories.

Magic!

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Jenifer Smith graduated from UWIC BA (Hons) Interior Architecture in 2002 and is now an Associate Director at Hughes Architects based in Mid-Wales.

Why did you choose UWIC and this particular course?

Although UWIC was a long way from my home town in Lincolnshire it offered one of the top courses in the country for studying Interior Architecture under some very highly prized tutors. This coupled with the opportunity to live and study in the vibrant city of Cardiff left me very little to consider when making my decision.

What influenced you towards this career area?

I wanted to become an architect from a very young age and was encouraged by my parents who supported me in making the decision to embark upon my career in design.

That’s what colouring in and playing with lego as a child gets you‌ a natural progression some might say!

What personal achievements did you make during the course?

The course helped me hone my skills as a designer and achieve a greater understanding and respect for the profession and the time involved in design which can be very intense.

We travelled to Rotterdam, New York and Germany to expand our knowledge and vision for both buildings and cultures.

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While in the studio I developed skills on the drawing board and on the computer, achieving rendering techniques better than I had ever done throughout the rest of my educational career along with an introduction to model making and concept modelling at an early design stage.

What are you doing now?

After graduation I worked for a Worcester based architectural consultants specialising in the design and development of large retail sites and garden centres across the UK and Europe. This gave me a great start and being a small family practice meant that my skills could develop much quicker than if I’d been employed in a large London practice where you have to work your way up.

I have recently moved back to Wales and have become an Associate in a growing Mid-Wales based practice designing a very broad range of buildings from the ground up working in both the commercial and residential sectors.

Have any of the roles you have had since graduating been especially rewarding to you?

Designing houses for people is

perhaps the most rewarding as you are giving them a home they have always dreamt of; when complete they are quite possibly some of the most grateful clients you will ever have.

That said the feeling you get when you completely transform the image of a struggling retail business and their success from that point has been better than they ever expected is very satisfying.

What did you most enjoy about being a student in Cardiff?

Cardiff changed as a city in the time I spent there with the development of the bay and city centre. Now when I visit I would certainly say it is up there with some of the best cities in the UK and is a great place to live and work.

The best part of my time spent as a student was the many close friends I made along the way. It was one of the most important times in my life where I really found myself and became the person I am today.

The close sense of community and camaraderie throughout Wales really makes it feel like home.

cardiff’s calling!

Richard Jenkins, a BA Broadcast Media graduate from UWIC is celebrating small screen success after scooping a prestigious BAFTA Cymru award, recently.

Having won the award for interactive work on hit BBC TV show ‘Merlin,’ Richard is currently the Interactive Producer behind several hugely popular TV programmes including Ashes to Ashes, Mistresses and Doctor Who spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures and has previously worked on Doctor Who and Torchwood.

As Interactive Producer, he is responsible for producing all of the video, audio and images for the programme’s interactive platforms including the Web, Mobile phones, Red Button interactive, itunes, iPlayer, BBC Youtube and BBC Bebo.

“This can include anything from producing web games, creating behind the scenes content to shooting scenes specifically for interactive content. My day can range from being on set, to writing ideas for future commissions to balancing my budgets,” explained Richard.

Commenting on his career plans for the future, he said: “At present I want to stay with the BBC. I’m lucky enough to work with a great team and Wales is becoming the BBC hub for exciting interactive content. We’re also lucky enough to have a stream of outstanding network shows that are made here at BBC Wales.”

Highlighting his growing status in the broadcasting industry, Richard, who graduated in 2005, was also part of a team nominated for a main UK BAFTA for his work on Merlin and has previously been nominated for an International Emmy and a main BAFTA for his work on Doctor Who.

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by Charlotte Rees-Stoner UWIC student

Deciding whether to live in halls or private accommodation can be very daunting. Do you choose halls, where the idea of living with hundreds of other people can be very scary, or do you choose a private house, where you can focus on getting to know a small group of people?

Any decision can have positive and negative aspects so I am going to let you in on my own views having lived in both!

I lived in halls for my first year, and absolutely loved it! For me, the more people you don’t know, the more people there are to get to know! You have to remember that everyone you meet is in the same boat and just as eager to make friends as you are! A great thing is that halls tend to be close to where you’ll be studying, I was lucky enough to live on the

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campus where I had lectures, meaning the walk between bed and lecture theatre was very short, an added bonus for mornings after the night before! Halls can offer much more than just a room. The majority of halls will offer catered accommodation. This means that you can get hot food everyday that isn’t a pot noodle or takeaway! I went for this option and it was perfect for me. It meant that I didn’t have to worry about where my next meal was coming from, and could focus on settling into university life!

However, I knew plenty of people who self catered and argued it gave them much more freedom. Halls can also offer an on campus doctor, wardens to take care of you, and a network of people making sure you’re settling in happily.

Living in a house is a completely different experience, but far from negative. I chose to live in a house in my second year with people I previously lived with in halls. There is a lot more freedom, especially when it comes to socialising, with BBQ’s in the summer and friends over whenever you want. There are

so many different ways of going about finding houses. You can do it through an agency, but this can often be pricey, or you can find a private landlord. If you’re ever struggling your university will always help, and will have lists of names and houses. I do recommend when choosing a house you select one in a student area; it means that you’re never far from university friends and don’t have to worry about disturbing neighbours, because unless its exam time, students are always up late!

Whichever you decide to choose, both are so much fun, and although I would always recommend living in halls as a fresher and a house after that, friends who did it differently will argue otherwise. Whatever decision you make, you will have some of the best years of your life, and as long as you make it the experience you want, you won’t regret anything.

cardiff’s calling!

I lived in halls for my first year, and absolutely loved it!

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cardiff’s calling!

Where you study and the facilities available to you whilst you study are the things that can really make the whole university experience for you.

At UWIC we realise that it is important to provide our students with an environment that is up-todate, comfortable and conducive to learning. Part of UWIC’s master plan over the next ten years will see more than £50m invested in improving estates.

Successful completion of UWIC’s £5m Food Industry Centre in May means that the Llandaff campus is now home to another high calibre research centre which all our health sciences students will benefit from.

The new centre will help food businesses to put in place the robust processes they need to meet global food safety standards while making an impact on the knowledge economy through applied research, knowledge transfer and the provision of graduates and postgraduates with the skills demanded by employers.

The newly opened £2.5m Campus Centre at Cyncoed will be a focal point for students, staff and visitors.

Offering a multi-purpose environment including a place for people to relax, eat, work and play, the centre will be in operation between 8am and midnight. The centre will also provide centralised student union advice and support services and a lounge area leading onto a terrace with outdoor seating.

The most recent addition to the campuses is the Cardiff School of Management Building which is currently under construction and will be opening in autumn 2010. This £20m building is being built to relocate Business, Hospitality and Tourism students from their current Colchester Avenue campus to the Llandaff campus.

These recent site developments have been made under the watchful guidance of the construction company Willmott Dixon and each have been designed in order to achieve a BREEAM rating of excellent using a range of sustainable and energy saving features.

Artist impression of the Cardiff School of Management building at the Llandaff campus.

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Llandaff campus Internal artist’s impression of the CSM building Campus Centre at the Cyncoed campus Food Industry Centre at the Llandaff campus Cafe and bar at the Campus Centre Cyncoed campus learning centre

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Mind broadening, soul enlightening, a time to relax, reflect and party. New people to meet, places to see, a chance to live away from home…Sound too good to be true?

by Thea Wise UWIC student

University and gap years are for EVERYONE! Not only do they allow us to boost our cultural knowledge, they create firm friendships and confident personalities within us all.

The true independence you gain when travelling is like nothing else.

Being in a new country every few weeks, seeing new places and faces everyday, you get used to adapting your mind to feel comfortable quickly.

Students’ Union – It’s not all about the parties!

The membership services within the Students' Union is specifically for students who feel they might want to talk over a particular issue or problem, be it money, course issues, missing being at home or anything else! It also provides student with representation on an array of issues.

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cardiff’s calling!

I remember when I first stepped off the plane in Singapore, “What am I doing?” I thought to myself. It’s not that I thought it was going to be hard, it was that feeling of not having my parents at hand when I needed them. The distraction of beaches, temples, jungles, full moon parties, mates, adrenaline sports, laughs and making life-long memories, soon made me forget all those uncertainties…But what does happen when you get home? …Holiday blues and withdrawal symptoms. Travelling is like a dream that you think will last forever. So when it ends and reality sinks in, it’s only normal to feel low and apprehensive about living a ‘normal life’ again.

University is the next step for many, up until your gap year, or university, loads of us had never been away from home alone, let alone budget our money, wash our clothes and cook our own food.

How do we manage it? Well, we just do. Even if you didn’t take a gap year, leaving home and heading to university is a big step, it is challenging and emotionally straining on the best of us. In my own experience, I found coming back from my gap year extremely unsettling, but I am now beginning

to feel comfortable and content with where I am and what I am doing. UWIC staff have been extremely helpful in helping me settle, and it is this kindness that has made me want to stay and feel happy in my environment.

Your first year at university is very important. It is a big step, so it’s only natural to feel nervous. I remember worrying so much about whether I would make any friends, enjoy my course, get on with my lecturers and so on. The night before I left home for university was horrible, I sat in my room bawling to my mum about how I didn’t think I could do it.

Then the day finally arrives, you pack up, say goodbye to the cat, wave farewell to what you’ve known as home since you were a kid… And turn up to a tiny new room, which will be known as ‘home’ for the next year.

On the first day of university, the best advice I can give is to just drop all your belongings and go and talk to people. Have fun, after all, this is your chance to shine and show people what a wonderful person you are! University is all about the experience, meeting new people, finding out new and interesting things.

The membership services are run by the Students' Union so you can be sure that any advice you receive will be completely non-biased and strictly confidential.

Ffion Mainwaring is the Membership Services Manager within the Students’ Union and Alex Hales is the Vice-President of the Students' Union. They are both based at the new Campus Centre on the Cyncoed Campus and are available Monday to Friday to talk through any issues you may be having, as well as trying to help find solutions.

Go to your student information point and check out all that the freshers fair has to offer, (you can pick up enough free pens to last you a lifetime). Joining different societies is the best way to get socialising, it also opens up a whole new range of opportunities for you and your ‘new friends’ to go and experience.

Get involved in as much as possible. Your university will have arranged a whole load of exciting fun things for your freshers week and attending all this will undoubtedly help you begin to feel more settled.

I am writing this article for those of you who may feel anxious, unsure or worried about where you are in your university life and to reassure you that it is only natural to feel apprehensive. Getting used to a new environment takes time, but use this time as a positive learning curve, that, much like a gap year, will hopefully open your mind and develop your confidence in decision making. After all, you have finally become truly independent and taken control, which is a skill you can take with you and use effectively throughout your whole life!

The services’ primary purpose is to provide free advice on all sorts of issues ranging from academic appeals to bus timetables! There isn't anything we won't try and assist you with, so if you need a chat come and see us.

If you can't make it to the office, then you can also email us on: Ffion Mainwaring: fmainwaring@uwic.ac.uk Alex Hales: ahales@uwic.ac.uk Telephone us on: 029 2041 6190

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’s UWIC Women

UWIC is celebrating more national sporting success after scooping five gold medals at this year’s British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championships in Sheffield.

Those crowned champions were the Women’s Football team, Women’s Basketball team, Sean Kilroy (Boxing), Bryony Raine (Pole Vault) and Francis Baker (Long Jump).

Proving the dominant position they continue to hold in their sports both the Women’s ‘Archers’ Basketball team and Sean Kilroy celebrated victories at the championships for the second year running.

“Sending more than 180 students to the championships was a major undertaking by the Students’ Union and the results have been absolutely tremendous, not only with the ‘Archers’ and Sean retaining their titles but the success of our Women’s football, Athletics, Judo and Water polo teams demonstrates the strength in depth that our clubs have,” said Adam Painter, former SU President, UWIC.

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Rugby team

UWIC Archers “I was there throughout the championships and in addition to the medals and high performance I have to say that our students were exemplary in their approach to the championships throughout the event. They are definitely a credit to UWIC,” he added.

With more than 180 students representing UWIC, it was among the largest teams taking part in this year’s BUCS Championships. In its second year, the BUCS Championship takes place over five days and is the highlight of the university sporting year. In 2009, more than 5,500 student athletes competed in 24 sports at 14 venues making it the UK’s biggest multisport event.

UWIC Women’s Rugby team also successfully defended their BUCS Champions title at Twickenham.

After a phenomenal season, which saw them concede only two tries and one penalty in the league programme, the team went into the final as hot favourites and did not let the pressure get to them on the big day, beating Leeds Met Carnegie 32 points to 12, and were crowned BUCS Champions for a fourth consecutive season.

cardiff’s calling!

best new university in Wales in all four major UK league tables Best new university in Wales in all four major UK league tables UWIC has been ranked as ‘Wales’ top new university’ by an essential national guide – a title which it has now succeeded in being awarded by all four major university guides this year.

The Sunday Times University Guide 2010 shows that UWIC is Wales’ top new university, scoring particularly well for its student satisfaction and employability.

This achievement for UWIC follows on from the success of being named as Wales’ top new university in this

year’s Complete University Guide published in the Independent, the Guardian University League Table 2010, and the Times Good University Guide.

Richard Moremon, UWIC’s Director of Marketing and Communications said: “Putting the needs of the student first is at the heart of everything we do at UWIC and so it is fantastic that our work in this area is reflected in our excellent performance in this national guide.

To be listed as the top new university in Wales again highlights our progress top date. With a £50m investment in our facilities well underway, we hope that we’re well placed to continue to meet the needs of our students now and into the future.”

The Sunday Times University Guide 2010, described as “the definitive guide for prospective students”, provides students and their parents with an invaluable first reference point on the path to finding a university place. It contains full profiles of all universities and the leading colleges of higher education.

The league table is drawn up from criteria including student satisfaction, teaching and research quality, ratings from head teachers’ and academic peer review, entrance qualifications held by new students, degree results achieved, student/staff ratios, graduate unemployment levels and university dropout rates.

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Aside from extra cash, work experience is a great contribution towards personal development

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cardiff’s calling!

By Selina J Philpin UWIC student

Raiding the penny jar for pound-a-pint night at the Woodville or living on a diet of value pasta or cheap baked beans seems to be a common theme once the student loan has dwindled.

Therefore, for many students, having a parttime job has become a fundamental aspect of university life. There are many jobs available for students but the key is striking an effective balance between working, social life and most importantly studying.

Personally, I found call centre work complimentary to being a full-time student. I worked at a directory enquiries call centre which required minimal training but still gave me experience of working in the ‘real world’. They operated fixed shift patterns which didn’t conflict with university timetables. Essentially, the early evening shifts, chosen from a seven day rota, gave me sufficient studying time between lectures and work. Overtime during holidays or less busy study periods was also frequently on offer. I felt that, unlike working in a bar, call centre work gave me the flexibility of going out afterwards or even going home to relax and study.

Aside from extra cash, work experience is a great contribution towards personal development.

Gaining a feeling of independence and demonstrating to future employers a sense of responsibility, motivation and commitment.

However it is also important to keep work secondary to your studies and to focus on the bigger picture, never allowing work to interfere with study. Whether it be call centre, bar or supermarket work, the key is to find a job where the employers are flexible and sensitive to your studying needs. If this is attainable I would encourage all students to work part-time and make it integral to your university experience.

Having said that, fellow student Jennifer Lindley, who works at local pub The Claude explains the advantages of balancing bar work and student life; “The pub where I work is very busy but I find that a typical shift will finish at about 1.00a.m and, no later than 2.00a.m, so I don’t particularly suffer with lack of sleep. The managers are very understanding and flexible but you can also have fixed nights to work; I’ve found that having a sort of routine with work has helped with planning my studies effectively.”

Cardiff has a plethora of bars and clubs offering flexible and fixed hours to suit the workload of a full time student.

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Fliss Nash Course: BA (Hons) Graphic Communications Home town: Bath Why UWIC? The course covered exactly what I wanted to study and it specifically said that it wanted to push your own style rather than adopting a university house style.

The location was perfect - not too far from home and all the perks of a small city.

What do you think of Cardiff? I love it; it’s close to everything and not the most expensive town. I can get around everywhere easily and it’s close to the coast for surfing.

Amazing.

What do you see yourself doing after graduation? I want to travel abroad and hopefully get a taste of graphic design from all over the world. Find a place that inspires me and let it take me wherever it takes me.

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cardiff’s calling!

Nathan Stephens

Gwawr Eira-Mair

Course: BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching Home town: Bridgend

Course: BA (Hons) Psychology Home town: Llanarth, near New Quay

Why UWIC? It has excellent training facilities, and I knew the campus very well as I have been training in NIAC for seven years. I chose the course because when I have finished my athletics career I want to carry on coaching and developing young disabled athletes.

What do you think of Cardiff? It is a very diverse city, with the sport culture growing all the time, especially now with 2012 around the corner and the development of the new sports village. My campus is close to town, and there is always something going on.

What do you see yourself doing after graduation? Well at the moment my career is my athletics, and ambitions are to win gold in javelin at the 2012 paralympics and smash the world record which will definitely be in my grasp in the next few years, but when I have finished competing I would like to pass my technical knowledge of seated throwing on to the up and coming Paralympians.

Why UWIC? I have always had a keen interest in the development of children, and the way peoples’ minds work. Studying Psychology at UWIC means that I can gain a professionally accredited degree which will help establish a successful career.

What do you think of Cardiff? It’s a really friendly place to study. There are several universities around the city making it ideal for students. I also love the Welsh community that exists in the city.

What do you see yourself doing after graduation? Find a job that I enjoy! It's a competitive career path but the rewards are significant. My Psychology degree has helped me to understand not only the theory behind the profession but also to learn about the various types of roles Psychologists play in our lives.

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parent’s view

by Linda Rafferty, proud mother of UWIC Students’ Union President Claire Rafferty

I am immensely proud that my daughter, in fact both daughters now, made their way through the ranks of school, college and on to university. But the day I dropped my youngest off was almost as heartbreaking as the first day I left her at primary school.

Unpacking the car was as laborious as it was loading and after seeing the room she was about to occupy for the next 32 weeks, I did wonder how much I would be bringing back with me. We made up the bed together, plonked some pictures on the shelves…I had a quick clean of the bathroom…I know it was already clean but I just wanted to do that one last thing.

I had checked she had everything she needed, boxes and boxes were crammed into the car, I think I had packed everything but the kitchen sink for her and she had packed her essentials…clothes, cds and hair straighteners!

Boxes now unpacked and back in the car, her room looking cosy and homely and the chatter of the others in the halls in the background I knew she was going to be ok…but was I?

The drive to the campus was jolly enough, the radio on in the background, me asking…”did we pack a tin opener, what about an extension cable?”, and realising I had forgotten air freshener and feeling like a terrible mother – as if she’d even notice.

Many hugs and kisses later…I left one almost teary eyed, slightly embarrassed young adult behind and headed home. I think I made it to the first lay-by before I stopped and thought about calling to double check she was ok.

But no, I pulled myself together and made it down the motorway back to a now slightly too tidy and too quiet house.

With her sister already away at university the house had gone from overrun and bustling with the both of them and their friends, to me, my husband and a disgruntled cat.

I knew from experience this quiet wouldn’t last long, her sister who went to university two years ago had been back every few weeks with a backpack full of washing and looking for a Sunday dinner.

They have a lot of fun and are out a lot of the time but they still manage to make a call home and send the odd email. I know it’s not the same but you haven’t lost them for good…in fact you get used to your new found space and free time and feel like you have had your wings clipped when they are back on holidays!

My advice to all parents sending their child off to university for the first time… it’s no more painful than that first day of school. Honestly they are old enough to ensure they keep themselves clothed, fed and watered…step back and watch them flourish.

P.S. take some tissues with you!

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cardiff’s calling!

Going to university should be one of the most exciting times of your life; but it is understandable that sometimes the worry of money can make you think twice about even making the application.

Most of you are aware of the student loans that are available, but you are also probably aware that these will need to be paid back…but did you know that there is funding available to you that doesn’t?

In an effort to make things a little easier UWIC have introduced a number of bursaries and scholarships schemes. These schemes are not limited, meaning that you could qualify for more than one and potentially receive up to £5,500 over a three year study period, which is totally nonrepayable.

We spoke to UWIC’s Bursaries Officer, James Brennan, to find out what’s on offer:

Q – I suppose it’s sensible to start at the beginning, what bursary and scholarships are available?

A – UWIC currently offers the Entry Scholarship, Sports Scholarship, Food Industry Bursary, Care Leavers Bursary and the Postgraduate Scholarship.

Q – Ok so we now know the names, let’s talk money, how much could a student receive?

A – Well this all depends on the bursary or scholarship applied for, each has its own specific criteria and levels of payment and you may be able to receive more than one, so I will give you some examples:

UWIC. This is what he could expect to receive: Entry Scholarship: £1000 (one off payment)

The Entry Scholarship (for top achieving students) could provide a one off payment of £1000; the Sports Scholarship could provide a further one off payment of £1000; a Food Industry Bursary payment can vary from £250-£750 per year; the Care Leavers Bursary can be up to £1000 per year. There is also a Postgraduate Scholarship which is set at a maximum of £1000.

Food Industry Bursary: £750 plus a work placement

It know it seems confusing, but a full breakdown of what is available and who can apply for each is available on the uwic website: uwic.ac.uk/bursaries

Q – You’re right, it does leave me wondering what a student could realistically receive, could you give a specific example?

A – I am always here to help each student find out what they are eligible to apply for but I will give you an example: Tom plans to study a full-time BSc (Hons) Food Science & Technology degree at UWIC, making him eligible for a Food Industry Bursary. He has 360 UCAS points, which makes him one of the highest achievers. He also plays county level hockey and will continue to play whilst studying at

Sports Scholarship: £1000 (one off payment)

Total over three years: £2,750 Victoria is studying full-time BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and has been living with her foster parents since the age of 14. She has 360 UCAS Points. This is what she could expect to receive: Entry Scholarship: £1000 (one off payment) Child Leavers Bursary: £1000 per year Total over three years: £4,000 I hope this has made things a little clearer. Along side these scholarships and bursaries you are still entitled to apply for all the statutory support and student loans available to you. It’s a stressful time for parents and students so it’s important to know what is available.

So it would seem that there is help available to take away some of the financial worry. James’ final piece of advice was: The money is there, so apply!

For further advice please visit: uwic.ac.uk/bursaries or call James Brennan on 029 2041 6143

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uwic.ac.uk

by Karen Ward UWIC student

Cardiff is a bustling, vibrant and modern city, with much of its population consisting of young people and students who have a great love for many genres of music.

The cosmopolitan attitude of the city means that it attracts many different types of people, and makes it a musical hub for many Welsh bands and artists. From legends like Dame Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones, to highly successful bands such as the Super Furry Animals, Manic Street Preachers, Stereophonics, Catatonia and Feeder. In more recent years, similarly successful Welsh bands like Lost Prophets, The Automatic and Funeral for a Friend have emerged.

In conjunction with the city supporting a variety of successful musical talents, Cardiff also boasts the world’s oldest record shop, Spillers established in 1894. The shop is independent, small, reasonably priced and offers a diverse selection of musical sorts which can be found on both CDs and old vinyls. It is popular with both tourists and Cardiff locals.

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The fact that Spillers has survived for so long, emphasises the city’s great passion for music.

Cardiff is also a stop off place for world famous bands and singers who often come to play in the city, with popular venues such as the Wales Millennium Stadium and the Cardiff International Arena. In recent years artists such as U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oasis, Kanye West, Kings of Leon, Take That, Blondie, Kasabian, the Arctic Monkeys and many many more have all played at Cardiff venues.

St. David’s Hall, which is situated in the Hayes area of the city centre is another popular venue for musical performances. It offers something to suit most musical tastes; from jazz to classical music, from rock to pop. Dance, drama and comedy performances also take place there, meaning there really is something for everyone.

Another venue important to the city’s music scene is Cardiff University Student Union, located in Park Place. It is extremely popular with the students of Cardiff, with bands such as the Noisettes, The Kaiser Chiefs, The Hoosiers, Goldfrapp, The Doves, The Darkness, The Thrills and many more having graced its stage.

Not only is Cardiff a city popular with signed, famous bands /singers, but it also has plenty of unsigned bands who are eager to promote their music. It has numerous bars/clubs where people can watch different up and coming bands play, including Clwb Ifor Bach (or the Welsh Club as it is otherwise known to the non-welsh speakers!), Buffalo Bar, Glo Bar and Barfly – all of which are great places to discover new and original music in an intimate setting.

All of this leaves me with no doubt that Cardiff has so much more to offer than male voice choirs and Katherine Jenkins and a music scene to rival any city in the UK.

cardiff’s calling!

As with any city there are places to be seen and places to relax and places that are still to be discovered, however we thought we would give you heads up on some of the less obvious places around town that have been tried and tested.

For full listing of upcoming gigs in the city:

Buffalo Bar: Buffalo is a great place to spend an evening. Down stairs ‘the bar’ is retro -chic, serving cocktails, trendy beers or coffee. Grab yourself a comfy sofa, relax and listen to the DJ, you’ll be set for the night.

Upstairs provides live music and specialist DJ nights, which is always a treat.

Millennium Stadium: www.millenniumstadium.com/music/index.php

Not just an evening venue though, Buffalo is a great spot for those who want to grab something to eat and a chance to read the paper in peace. www.myspace.com/wearebuffalobar Milgi Kitchen, Lounge and Gallery: Situated on City Road in Roath, is a great place. The motto is 'Eat, Art, Drink, Music', this place is not just a pub, but a 'venue'.

There's Cabaret, a monthly market, photography, DJs, and tuck-shop; alongside drink, tapas and a Yurt in the garden. www.milgilounge.com Clwb Ifor Bach: For those who can’t manage the Welsh it’s also known as ‘The Welsh Club’ has establish itself as a great music venue; bands and artists initially from the breadth of Wales have found their way through its doors.

Essentially they are about all things Welsh, notable shows in the last 12 months have come courtesy of Blood Red Shoes, Dead Meadow, Turisas, Foals, Black Lips, Future of the Left, Los Campesinos! Clwb is also widely known for its dance nights. www.clwb.net/eng

Cardiff International Arena: www.ents24.com/web/venue/Cardiff/CIA-1149.html Clwb Ifor Bach: www.clwb.net/eng BarFly: www.barflyclub.com/cardiff/whatson/WhatsOn.aspx

Something a bit more cultural Chapter Arts Theatre: Cinema, Theatre, Gallery and Bar; offers an ever-changing programme of the best performance, films and exhibitions from Wales and from around the world. Chapter is the flagship for the contemporary arts in Wales and is one of the largest complexes of its kind in Europe. Try a lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon visit. www.chapter.org National Museum Cardiff: The museum offers a look at art, archaeology and the geological evolution of Wales.

With a regularly changing programme of exhibitions and events, there is always something interesting to see. Best off all, it’s free. www.museumwales.ac.uk Wales Millennium Centre: Offering the best of modern theatre and the arts in one of the most impressive buildings in the UK. www.wmc.org.uk The Glee Club: Offering both music and comedy entertainment in Cardiff Bay. www.glee.co.uk

The Pen and Wig: A great place mixing old-man pub with trendy student style providing a very mixed audience, but with a good range of ales, board games, eclectic music, and some very leftfield pop philosophy.

Tricky to find, 1 Park Grove, Cathays.

Cardiff Art Institute: This place is a collaborative project between Camden Lock’s Tavern and the people behind Cardiff’s Milgi’s. A lively and popular place with a focus on the best new music. It has a cool but kitsch vibe and invites people to explore art in a relaxed informal way. You can grab a drink or food from the fab canteen whilst making a creation of your own on the large Lego wall. Great stuff. www.cardiffartinstitute.org

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U N I V E R S I T Y O F W A L E S I N S T I T U T E , C A R D I F F AT H R O FA P R I F Y S G O L C Y M R U, C A E R D Y D D

Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment UWIC Western Avenue Cardiff CF5 2SG

Tel: +44 (0)29 2041 6070 Fax: +44 (0)29 2041 6286 email: uwicinfo@uwic.ac.uk uwic.ac.uk