Field of study in Wageningen: Soil, Water, Atmosphere
Study period exchange: 23/01/2023 – 16/06/2023
Country (exchange): United Kingdom
City (exchange): Cardiff
University (exchange): Cardiff University
Faculty (exchange): Earth Sciences
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I wanted to experience how it is to live abroad for some months, I wanted to meet new people and I wanted to explore a new place I had never been before.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
I had never been to the UK before and I wanted to go there because the nature and culture seemed really nice to me. I chose Cardiff University mainly because of the courses they offered and because of the beautiful pictures I saw of the Welsh landscape.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
I went with the Flixbus to London and from there I took a bus to Cardiff. You could also take the train, but this is more expensive.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
The workload differs per course, but in general it is lower than in Wageningen. Most of the contact hours are used for lectures, but there were also practical sessions. The level of the courses also really differed.
What is the culture of the university?
The lectures are very approachable. During practical sessions you also work together with local students which is really nice.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
The Students Union has sport and other societies which you can join. When applying for accommodation you can mention if you want catering with your accommodation (which I did not have). Laundry could be done at the accommodation, but was expensive.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
There are university residences for which you can apply. When you apply you can indicate if you want a catered room of not. There are also a lot of private rooms. Most of them are offered on Facebook. The rent rates are a bit higher than in Wageningen.
What is the culture of the country like?
Similar to Dutch culture.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
It is a bit more expensive than Wageningen. Both groceries and rent are a bit more expensive, but the prices are low compared to other cities in the UK.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
From most residences you can walk to the university and otherwise you can buy or rent a bike. Bus tickets are cheap (7 pounds from London to Cardiff), but the train tickets are more expensive. However, if you stay in Wales the trains are also cheap.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire coast and the Brecon Beacons. You can travel by bus or by train.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
I liked Roath park in Cardiff. It is less known and smaller than Bute park, but just as beautiful.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
Join some trips with Give it a Go. They offer trips to places around Wales and England. I for example went to Oxford with Give it a Go.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
Being on your own, especially in the beginning, which can sometimes be lonely.
What was your best memory abroad?
Hard to mention a single moment, but if I have to chose I would go for the trip to Oxford.
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Rogier more questions about his exchange?
Send him a mail: rogier.sasse@wur.nl