Welsh-language life in Cardiff
There are thousands of Welsh speakers living in Cardiff, meaning that there is a lively and active community waiting to welcome you.
You may not get the chance to meet each and every one of Cardiff's Welsh speakers, but what kind of social and cultural experience can you expect in the capital?
The school is very homely and fun with several extra-curricular activities such as quizzes, stomps and summer dances held as an opportunity to socialise with fellow students and staff outside the classroom.
The Welsh life of our students
As a Welsh-speaking student with us, and as a resident living in one of the flats for Welsh speakers in Senghennydd Court or Talybont North you will definitely hear Welsh being used throughout the day. You will hear it over breakfast in the morning, in your lectures and seminars, and while having a cup of tea before going to bed. But what about beyond the learning and living environments?
As a student at Cardiff University, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the work of Undeb Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Caerdydd. UMCC is here to represent Cardiff's Welsh-speaking students and ensure that they enjoy all aspects of life at university.
In addition, the university has a Vice-President for Welsh Language, Community and Culture. This is a role within the Cardiff Students' Union which represents everyone who uses the Welsh language. The representation can be for academic and extracurricular matters within the University, the union or beyond.
Social life
The Gym Gym
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKNqaQQEnns
Another way to enjoy a lively social life is by joining the Welsh society - the famous Gym Gym. You can join one of their sports teams, attend social events, or even take a trip to Dublin or Edinburgh to support the Welsh rugby team. You might even manage to see the game!
Cymdeithas Iolo
Cymdeithas Iolo is the School of Welsh society that focuses more on cultural things, and everyone is very welcome to come to their events, whether you are a student at the school or not. The highlight of the year is the poetry slam between Cymdeithas Iolo and the school staff. Will you perhaps one day contribute to another victory for the Iolo crew?
Waun Ddyfal choir
Or are you more of a singing person? If so, the Waun Ddyfal choir will be right up your street. Many of your fellow students will be members of this social but successful choir. You will likely hear about their successes at the Urdd Eisteddfod, the National Eisteddfod, the Gŵyl Gerdd Dant, and the Côr Cymru Youth Choir competition.
Beyond the university
While there are many options on campus, you will also find that there is plenty going on through the medium of Welsh across the city.
The arts scene is flourishing, meaning that Welsh-language plays are regularly on in venues such as the Sherman Theatre and Chapter Arts Centre. If live music is your thing, Cardiff is home to Clwb Ifor Bach and festivals such as Tafwyl.
The city offers a number of Welsh-speaking teams (football, hockey, rugby, and cricket) while Menter Caerdydd — the city's Welsh language initiative – is able to offer information on a host of other activities on offer. You will be surprised at what is offered through the medium of Welsh - from ukulele bands to cynghanedd, from yoga to pilates!
All in all, there has never been a better time to be a Welsh-speaking student in the capital of Wales!