Two Months in Cardiff

Hello everyone!

Wow, I actually can’t believe it’s been two whole months since I last wrote a blog post or posted anything on here. It feels strange typing again, but in the best way possible. Firstly, I owe you all an apology for disappearing a little, though honestly, if you could see how hectic my first few weeks as a first-year student have been, you’d completely understand why this little corner of the internet had to take a back seat.

I’m only half-joking when I say I’ve barely had a second to breathe, but truthfully, I’ve missed this space so much. I’m so happy to finally be back, catching you up on everything that’s been happening.

Since moving to Cardiff and settling into university life, everything has felt like a blur; a very fun, slightly chaotic blur. I’m studying English Literature, Media and Journalism, which I’m absolutely loving so far. Between long reading lists, creative projects, and early morning lectures (more on those later), I’ve been learning so much and actually enjoying the challenge.

Freshers’ Week was a whirlwind, by dancing through different clubs, meeting people who are now some of my closest friends, and just throwing myself into every opportunity that came my way. One of the biggest highlights has been joining the student newspaper. I somehow found myself becoming one of the Deputy Design Leads, and it’s genuinely been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done here so far. There’s something so exciting about seeing everyone’s ideas come together on the page, the late nights, the layouts, the creative chaos. It’s made me realise how much I love visual storytelling, not just writing. Plus, the team is incredible and have helped me a lot since starting.

I’ve also joined the English and Philosophy Course Netball Society, which has been such a fun way to meet people beyond my course. On Wednesday nights, I’m known as “Fresh” (as well as all of the other First Years), and socials are always guaranteed to bring a few stories to tell the next morning.

Outside of uni life, Cardiff itself has completely stolen my heart. Walking has become my new hobby, something I am incredibly glad I got back into. Bute Park is definitely one of my favourite spots, the colours of the trees this time of year are incredible, and it’s the kind of place that makes you pause and just breathe for a second. That said, walking 35 minutes to a 9am lecture in the rain isn’t quite as magical, especially when you’ve made the questionable decision to wear long trousers and UGGS. (Though, to cut me some slack, I did spray them with waterproof spray. It did absolutely nothing.)

Halloween was so much fun, it came and went way too quickly, as did Reading Week. I went back home for a few days, and it was weirdly comforting to see Cardiff from across the sea. I didn’t expect to miss it so soon, but I did. Being home again reminded me how much I’ve grown already in these first two months, but how lucky I am to have my supporting family and friends guiding me through it all.

Oh, and before I forget, you might have noticed that photo of the enlarged IQ image I included. My dad sent it to me a few weeks back, and for some reason, it really stuck with me. It said something along the lines of how “your IQ doesn’t define your worth”, and I think that’s so important to remember, especially when you’re surrounded by new people, new challenges, and constant comparison. It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough, or not smart enough, but that reminder really grounded me. I wanted to share it here in case anyone else needed to hear it too.

So, thank you to everyone who’s still here, reading, and supporting. I’ve missed sharing my little stories, and I’m so excited to get back into posting again. Cardiff is already feeling like home. My chaotic, rainy and beautiful temporary home.

I would also like to state that I have tried everything to get rid of the buttons bellow, as I have not set up those specific apps yet, but unfortunately nothing has worked. Please ignore, thank you!