As a third year, you’d think I’d be done with clubbing in Cardiff by now: same clubs, same music and same people. Despite this, I’m still going just as hard as I did in my first year, but now I’m older and wiser. I know when and where to go, and as a seasoned professional I thought I would give you freshers a crash course on my favourite clubs in the city that never get old. Third on my top three list would be the Students Union. I know this is a familiar favourite amongst freshers for its cheesy music and the cheapest VKs in town, but there are some things you definitely still need to know. Get there early! If you think it’s early, it isn’t nearly early enough. Even 20 minutes can make the difference between the night of your life and waiting in the cold for hours on end. Also, remember to book tickets for the big events, I’ve fallen victim to trying to get into a sold out event, and it never ends well, trust me. The best thing about the SU for me is that if I want to leave early I’ll have likely been there since 9.
Overall, if you want a good night that often starts and ends early with you tucked into bed (snug as a bug!) by 1am for your early lectures, the Students Union is definitely for you.
Second on my top three list would definitely be Misfits. Located in Cathays, it’s the best location if you can’t afford to splash out on an uber or extortionate entry fees when all your money is spent on textbooks (or more likely alcohol). Their eclectic mix of RnB, pop and classic indie songs means this place is guaranteed to have something for everyone and it’s never hard to convince my friends to abandon their responsibilities and waste a night here.
The Misfits classic deal of £1.50 jagerbombs can be beautifully dangerous, especially when you have a 9am on a thursday. It can be a mission to get in here, especially on a Wednesday, but it’s worth the wait, I promise. Finally, I will address what I believe to be the best and most underrated club in the city: Metros. This is definitely the least mainstream club on this list but hear me out: I know it’s not for everyone but something about that sweaty basement and test tube shaped shots, paired with alternative classics, keeps me coming back. Off the beaten track in central Cardiff, Metros makes a good afters location for when you’ve been drinking at the extensive collection of pubs in town, with the last entry being at 2am. There’s not much to say apart from that the friendliest bouncers, great staff, captivating crowd of regulars and incredible DJ speak for themselves. If you’re into emo, rock or metal, come along on a wednesday, friday or saturday for the best night of your first year.