International Students
Firstly, welcome to Cardiff! We hope that you enjoy your time here and get to explore all that Cardiff and the surrounding areas have to offer.
We appreciate that being far away from home may be difficult, a new city, new academic processes, a new culture and a new language are some of the challenges that you may face but there is support available if you need a helping hand.
Both Cardiff University and Cardiff Students Union can offer support throughout your studies.
Support from the University
All of the services listed below are based in the Centre for Student Life on Park Place and can be accessed by calling 029 22 51 88 88 or emailing studentconnect@cardiff.ac.uk
Student Health and Wellbeing Team
The team can offer support for your counselling and wellbeing and appointments. The team also offer group therapy and wellbeing resources.
The Student Visa Support Team
If you have any questions regarding your ability to work in the UK, Visa renewal , status or application process, the team are able to help.
Student Futures
The team are able to offer support in terms of your future career prospects, writing your CV and opportunities for work experience and volunteering.
Student Advice and Money Team
If you are experiencing financial difficulties then the Money and Advice Team may be able to help. The team also offer budgeting advice.
If you are experiencing financial hardship during your studies then you may wish to enquire about your eligibility for the Money Support Fund which is a means tested grant available to students in financial crisis.
Student Disability Service
The team can offer support in terms of applying Reasonable Adjustments for assessments, diagnostic screening, study skills and support worker services in order to support you during your studies.
Support from Cardiff Students' Union
Student Advice
If you have any concerns about your ability to study, contact Student Advice who can advise on a range of academic issues. Student Advice can also advise on housing issues ranging from finding accommodation to moving out.
Jobshop
If you are looking to earn some extra money whilst you study, contact the JobShop team. Jobshop may be able to help you secure part time or casual work to fit around your study commitments.
Give it a Go
The Give it a Go team offer a range of trips and activities which not only help you to make friends, but also see the sights in the UK.
Sabbatical Officers
The Sabbatical Officer team are elected students who represent the interests of the student body. The team has a designated International Students Officer who is available to support you throughout your studies.
Student Voice
Cardiff Students’ Union is led and directed by you, its 30,000+ student members. All Cardiff University students automatically become members of the Union when they enrol for their degree. The Union works consistently to ensure that every student has opportunities to raise their voice through debate, providing feedback, and suggesting ideas.
Activities and Societies Team
A great way to make friends and try new experiences is to join a Society or club. There are over 200 societies to choose from – for further information check out the web page or contact the Activities team directly.
The Athletic Union also offer 70 student led sports clubs covering a wide range of sports. This is a great way to stay healthy and meet new people.
FAQs
How can I get involved with the Students' Union?
- Associations. The Campaign Officers also have Associations that they are part of. These are students from the same minority groups. Each Association is different, some are used to facilitate and arrange socials and events whereas others are seen to be more political and a sounding board for campaign ideas.
- Athletic Union. The Athletic Union are the home of student sport at Cardiff University. They facilitate over 65 student-led sports clubs and offer 5000+ students the opportunity to represent Cardiff regionally, nationally and beyond.
- Cardiff Volunteering. Cardiff Volunteering offers a wide variety of different and exciting projects to choose from which you can fit around your University schedule, as well as loads of one-off events and summer volunteering opportunities.
- Cardiff Student Media. Student media is always on the look-out for new recruits. There's no typical member - those involved are from a very diverse range of backgrounds, studying everything from physics to philosophy, and as long as you've got passion and enthusiasm, you'll be welcomed aboard.
- Give it a Go. Give it a Go’ is a Students' Union initiative which aims to showcase opportunities and taster sessions available from Clubs, Societies and Student Groups. It allows students to try a club or society for a one off cost, before they commit to membership. The vast majority of clubs and societies will run an introductory session and brand it as their 'Give it a Go'.
- Jobshop. The Jobshop is a free student employment service which aims to find paid work for registered Cardiff University students.
- Societies. Society memberships are available throughout the academic year so it's never too late to join any of our Societies. With over 200 Societies to choose from, there's something to suit everyone.
- Student-Led Services. Student-Led Services are student groups that run similarly to societies and sports clubs, but have a specific purpose that they campaign for. SLSs are at the heart of the Students' Union in providing support for students with wellbeing needs.
- Student Voice. The Student Voice team work with Academic Reps and PGR Reps to ensure that the student voice is heard at every level of the university. You can be a Rep too, just get in touch with us at StudentReps@cardiff.ac.uk. You can also be involved in the decisions made by your Students' Union by becoming a student senator, a member of the scrutiny committee or part of the Officer's Executive Committee. Get in touch at Elections@cardiff.ac.uk to find out more.
I’m struggling to make friends, what can I do?
Joining a society or an athletic union is a good way of making friends. There are over 200 societies affiliated to the Students Union to consider.
The Sabbatical Officers arrange regular meet ups for International students and this is a really good way of meeting people in a similar situation. Look at the What’s on calendar on the website for future events. You may also wish to contact our VP for International Students for more information.
The University's Wellbeing Champions also run events throughout the year which can be a great way to meet people. Information about events can be found here.
I’m feeling homesick – is there any support that I can access?
It may be difficult being so far from home especially when you are first settling in. The Counselling and Wellbeing team can offer appointments either virtually or face to face.
Information on managing homesickness and additional support you may wish to access can be found here.
I don’t know what to do about my housing options?
Contact the Student Advice Team who can talk to you about your housing options and support you through the process.
You can call us on 02920 781 410 or email advice@cardiff.ac.uk
Where can I access English language support?
The University offer English Language Support classes throughout the academic year.
Information on how to enrol onto the classes and additional support can be found
here.
How can I explore Cardiff and the surrounding areas?
Contact the Give it a Go team at the Students Union as they offer a wide range of trips and experiences, not only in Cardiff but throughout the UK and further afield.
I don’t have a UK based Guarantor – how can I secure accommodation whilst studying?
The University do have a Guarantor Scheme that you may be eligible to apply for. Information about eligibility and accessing the scheme can be found here.
I am struggling with my studies and have failed some assessments - where can I go for help?
Student Advice can help. We are a confidential service and separate from Cardiff University. Call us on 02920781491 or email advice@cardiff.ac.uk