University is a mix of what I expected and did not expect it to be. I expected to meet loads of people and socialise a lot which was true and that my lessons would be different and I was excited about a new approach to learning as it feels so specialised and focused in a degree. What I did not expect was this much help and support available to me in my university. Lecturers are always on hand and my classmates can always help if I need it with anything. Cardiff is an amazing city with a great nightlife and I am really enjoying it here!

As I am only a few months in, I haven't been given any advice on employability yet but I have heard that we are going to be well trained in all of these areas in our 3 years. Starting in January where we have 3 weeks of guest speakers and Live briefs to complete. I am in the middle of a live brief now and you could say it is a slight introduction into the working world of graphic design. We get given briefs with outlines of what we have to do within a certain time and I feel that this is gradually going to train me up until I can be the best I can be to enter the working world of industry. There have been a number of career and part time jobs events to introduce students to earning money and experience in the Atrium which I have found very helpful.

I like how my lecturers are incredibly friendly and approachable, before moving here I had the idea that university was where you were more isolated in the work you did and had to do most of the learning and research by yourself, it is still independent work but my lecturers are always there to help and the lessons are interactive, interesting and enjoyable with lots of social and group work as this is a fundamental skill in the industry.

13

My students union is impressive. There are always events going on in the zen bar like quizzes and performances which I find enjoyable. The element that I don't find beneficial is that the sports clubs and most of the students union is situated a £7 train journey away in Treforest. Doing this every week would not be plausible for me as it would just be too expensive.

I haven't used most of the facilities available to me yet but I am excited to try them out as I have heard they are very good. I am aware of the 3D printers, wood workshops and laser cutters which I am eager to learn to use in the new year. There is also a great loan system of hundreds of pieces of equipment that you can take out and use when you want such as cameras and laptops. The library is one of the best I've ever been in as it seems to have a book for everything I need! There are also Mac's with the latest softwares which is really essential to my course.

I love being in the centre of Cardiff. Not only am I just across the road from where I study, I am a 2 minute walk from the centre of town, there is always a buzz especially when there is a sports game or music event going on in the principality or millennium stadium. There are markets and museums and all kinds of shops that fulfil my every shopping need with amazing architecture surrounding me when I'm out. I really do think I have made the right choice with the city I chose to live and study in.

I haven't really noticed any clubs or societies around me, sports clubs which I would be interested in joining are really far away at Treforest which is unfortunate and I don't really know anyone who is part of a society

Support and feedback to my course and I believe I get plenty every lesson I go to. The lecturers are very aware of every student and what they need to do to improve, I feel they have masses of experience and are excellent resources to have. I wouldn't know much about the university's personal support but I'm pretty sure that if I did have any problems I could ask one of my lecturers and they would know where to send me.

Been good so far

For my course it seems good

I like how the course is taught

15

Haven't been to the SU/know about it

Condition + safety isn't great, but the cost is okay.

Mental health services need improving

Yes, very close to everything

Not great for this campus (Cardiff)

Feedback is good, counselling not so much