When arriving in Cardiff as a fresher, you’ll soon hear people talk about Cathays as if it’s a mythical legend. Often described as the land of rats, cheap pints, Mama’s kebabs and ‘Misfits Monday’, Cathays is Cardiff’s unofficial heart of student living and the ideal place to call home in second year.
But, before rushing to sign on the first house you view, there are a few important things to consider such as, location, housemates, rent and what you want to prioritise.
Lively or Peaceful Home?
Location is one of the most important considerations when choosing a house, and it mostly comes down to what type of person you are.
If you love a night out, a funny side character on your doorstep, or a hearty takeaway at 2 AM, Salisbury Road or Miskin street could be perfect for you.
With Misfits and Yolo nearby, and The Woodville as your local pub, a night out is as accessible as it gets.
Plus, you’re only a five-minute walk from uni to make your hungover Thursday lectures slightly less traumatic.
If you’re looking for something close to the action but with a little more peace Harriet and Richard Street offer a happy medium.
Still within a ten-minute walk of campus, close to all the clubs and takeaways, and with the Mackintosh as your local pub, this area allows you to enjoy student life without hearing it all from your bedroom window.
For those who prefer their beauty sleep, housing around Cathays Cemetery and Cathays Terrace offer a more peaceful atmosphere whilst still being close to campus with access to Roath Park.
Best Friends or Future Enemies?
Deciding who you want to spend your next year with is another big decision.
You’ve probably already heard the horror stories about the second-year housemate curse, but these tensions can be avoided with some thought.
Firstly, consider what kind of household you actually want to live in; is a house of twelve people going to overwhelm you or do you thrive in a busy environment?
Next, perhaps conduct some subtle investigation of your potential housemates’ habits.
Do they leave their dishes to produce mould? Have you got an aspiring DJ on your hands? Or are they a future Rugby social sec?
Ultimately, what you want to weigh up is your tolerances and decide where you draw the line. The best person to go on a night out with perhaps is not who you want to share your bathroom with, or maybe they are?
The Boring Stuff…
The admin of signing a house can seem both daunting and tedious. Suddenly, you’re expected to understand contracts, deposits and tenancy agreements.
So here are some quick tricks to save you some stress — and hopefully save your mum an earache down the phone.
Most students go through letting agencies such as Cardiff Student Letting or CPS Homes who show you a variety of properties and deal with landlord hassle.
When viewing houses, you may have to look past the current tenants’ mounds of dishes and lingering LYNX Africa. However, try to not let these temporary distractions deter you away from more permanent problems.
Keep an eye out for mould, single glazed windows and shower pressure that resembles a sprinkler. Take lots of photos and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Moving from university halls into a house is such an exciting step with a lot to look forward to.
Choosing your perfect house is largely about deciding what you are willing to compromise on so choose your battles wisely and you will have an amazing second year.