Welcome to Cardiff

Thousands of talented students are set to enrol at the University in September after receiving their A-level results today.

Part of the Russell Group of research intensive universities, Cardiff remains one of the most popular places to study. The University's research-led teaching environment and multi-million pound state-of-the-art facilities attract students from the UK and overseas.

Dave Roylance, Head of Undergraduate Recruitment at the University said: "We congratulate all of those applicants who have achieved the grades required for admission, and look forward to welcoming this new intake of promising new undergraduates to the University in September."

New and returning students can look forward to an upgraded Students' Union building following a multi-million pound redevelopment that includes more social learning spaces, a new nightclub and food court, and refurbished reception and social areas. The Students' Union has also been ranked in the top 5 in the UK after climbing to 85% for student satisfaction in the recent NSS results.

Cardiff undergraduates can also expand their horizons with two new initiatives launched this year to enhance student experience and employability. The Languages for All programme gives every student the chance to study a modern foreign language, free of charge, alongside their degree; and the Global Opportunity Centre offers advice and information on working, studying or volunteering abroad.

Elliot Howells, President of the Students' Union, said: "This is a hugely exciting time of year for us and I can't wait to welcome the thousands of new students to Cardiff University. The best piece of advice I can give to new students would be to grab every opportunity! There's so much going on here so make sure you get involved from day one. All you need to know about #CardiffFreshers14 can be found at cardiffstudents.com/freshers. Here's a little congratulations video from us at the Students' Union!"

My university and me
Cari Davies

Cari Davies will begin a Master's course at the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies in September. Cari recalls her memories of A-level results day and talks about the many opportunities that shaped her university experience, leading her to become president of the Students' Union.

A-level results day didn't go exactly as I'd hoped, I didn't get the grades for the course I wanted to do at university and I remember feeling as though all my future plans were ruined. I cried, a lot, I made a number of desperate phone calls attempting to negotiate, I think I even begged at one point.

But I was lucky and got a place to study at Cardiff University and I'm so glad it worked out this way. After graduating with a 2:1 in European Politics and International Relations two years ago, I'm now about to begin my second degree at Cardiff; a Broadcast Journalism MA and I wouldn't consider going anywhere else.

The step-up to University from school can be a daunting one and moving away from home for the first time was certainly nerve-wracking, I had little to worry about though, there's so much to get involved with and I was soon swept up by the buzz on campus that makes Fresher's Fortnight so exciting.

There was a diverse range of modules to choose from on my course and I was able to make my selection taking assessment methods into account; I always prefer coursework to exams! There was also the ability to take a couple of modules from another subject, which was an unexpected bonus. I chose modules in journalism and absolutely loved them. I didn't realise it at the time but it was then that the seeds were sown for my future choice in a Master's degree.

One of the biggest factors contributing to my positive experience at Cardiff University was the Students' Union. I tried a whole host of sports clubs and societies. I even joined the custard wrestling society - though never got round to actually attending a 'wrestle'. I eventually committed to the rowing club and Xpress Radio (the student radio station). It's often said, but the friends I made through both of these are friends I'll have for life. I also attended my first political demo, was published in the student paper and had some of the best nights out, all because of the Students' Union.

The Union shaped so much of my time at University that I decided to stand for election to be one of the officers who run it. I was successfully elected Vice President for Sports in 2012 and the following year was elected President of the Union. I'm really proud that Cardiff Students' Union has just been voted in the top five of the best Students' Unions in the UK.

I'm now entering my sixth year at Cardiff University and am grateful for all the opportunities my time here has granted me. I'm slowly beginning to accept this will be my final year, although there's always a PhD, right?