Freshers has officially arrived in Cardiff!
Whether you’re completely new to the city or heading back for another year, there’s plenty happening across Cardiff over the next couple of weeks – from shopping events and live music to bottomless brunches, student discounts and some seriously good food deals.
So, once you’ve survived your first lectures, here’s our guide to some of the events and offers worth adding to your Freshers calendar.
Get involved in Freshers events
Steve Madden at Cardiff Met – 24 September
Fashion fans, this one’s for you. Steve Madden’s Campus Edit will be at Cardiff Met on Thursday 24 September from 10am–4pm, giving students the chance to get involved and check out the brand on campus. As well as the chance to win a trip to New York!
Perfect for a little break between Freshers activities and an excuse to refresh the wardrobe.
St David’s Student Shopper Sweep – 1 October
Head into the city centre on Thursday 1 October for the St David’s Student Shopper Sweep.
Running from 11am–7pm, the event is part of Student Beans’ Freshers events taking place across the UK, with Cardiff’s edition taking over St David’s.
There’s also the chance to win a £100 shopping spree, so if you’re looking for an excuse to explore the shops, this could be it.
With more than 150 brands at St David’s, you’ll have plenty of places to spend your student loan… responsibly, of course.
Student discounts to know about
Freshers can be expensive, but thankfully Cardiff is packed with student offers to help make your money go a little further.
Here are some of the offers to look out for:
- 20% off at Wagamama – perfect for a post-shopping noodle stop.
- 15% off drinks at Knoops – because chocolate drinks are absolutely acceptable as a study break.
- 20% off at Barburrito – burrito bowls just got a little more budget-friendly.
- 30% off at Banana Tree – a great excuse to try something different for dinner.
- 25% off at YO! Sushi – grab your friends and head for a sushi date.
- 20% off at Bill’s – ideal for brunch, lunch or a catch-up over dinner.
You can also find a range of student discounts across Cardiff, including offers at restaurants, entertainment venues and more. Always check the individual offer terms and bring your student ID where required.
Fancy a bottomless brunch?
If your Freshers plans involve food, cocktails and a few hours of catching up with your new friends, Las Iguanas has a student bottomless brunch for £24.95.
With a Cardiff city-centre location on Mill Lane, it’s right in the middle of the action – making it an easy addition to a day of shopping, eating and exploring.
Live music at Live Lounge
Looking for somewhere to carry on the night?
Live Lounge is a Cardiff favourite for live music, drinks and late nights, and students can take advantage of free drinks and discounts during the Freshers period.
It’s a great option if you want something a little more lively than a standard night out – especially when you’re still getting to know the city.
£6 pizza + a chance to win your tuition fees
This one might be the Freshers deal to know about.
Franco Manca is offering students the chance to grab a pizza for just £6, with the promotion running from 14 September to 11 October. You’ll need valid student ID and the offer is for dine-in only.
And it gets even better…
Students who redeem their £6 pizza can enter a competition to win up to £9,790 towards one academic year of university tuition fees. One UK student will be selected at random, with proof of student status required.
There’s a Franco Manca right in the heart of Cardiff city centre on Church Street, just behind Cardiff Central Market, so it’s an easy one to fit into a day exploring the city.
Make the most of Cardiff
Freshers is about more than nights out. It’s the perfect time to explore your new city, find your favourite coffee spot, discover somewhere you’ve never eaten before and make plans with the people you’ve just met.
From shopping and food to live music and events, there’s loads happening across Cardiff over the next few weeks.
So grab your student ID, round up your new mates and get exploring. 🏙️