Your Moving to Uni Guide
Moving to university is exciting, but can feel a bit overwhelming. Whether that's finding your way around somewhere new, how to access local services, and figuring out what’s happening on campus. To help you get settled, we’ve put together a handy list of websites where you can discover everything from essential services, local hotspots, student services, and more. Dive in and start making your new location feel like home!
Things To Bring To Uni
This list outlines some of the key things you may want to bring with you to uni - obviously, this may vary depending where you are moving to, and what is (and is not) provided for you.
For Your Bedroom
- Duvet, bedding, pillows
- Laptop AND its charger
- Decorations, photos and posters
- Important documents - like your ID or passport, and your bank cards
- Stationery and books
- Backpack, bags, suitcase
- Clothes, shoes, and coat hangers
- A clothes airer and laundry basket
For Your Bathroom
- Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand soap
- Toilet cleaner, bleach, toilet brush
- Towels and hand towels
- Toilet rolls
- A wash bag
- A robe and sliders/slippers if you're sharing a bathroom
For Your Kitchen
- A few mugs and glasses
- A couple of saucepans
- Cutlery, knives, utensils, chopping board, and baking trays
- Plates and bowls
- Bin bags, sandwich bags, foil, and cling film
- Tea towels
- Tupperware for storing any leftovers
Healthcare
When moving somewhere new, it's important you know about your local health services and register with a local GP. NHS Wales and NHS England have great online resources to help you find services near you; from dentists to GPs, pharmacies to sexual health clinics, to hospitals and social care.
Wales: www.111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices
England: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/services-near-you
Remember, you can get free condoms, hygiene, and sanitary products from our on-campus pick 'n' mixes.
Transport
We've put together a list of really useful websites to help you find your way around, no matter how you choose to travel.
Transport information from Birmingham City Council
Transport information from Cardiff Council
Visit Swansea Bay Transport Information
Things To Do
After a week of lectures, it’s time to kick back and relax! Below are some spots to shop, grab a bite, and hang out with friends.
Cardiff
Check out Visit Cardiff for a list of places to shop and eat, and things to do in Cardiff.
Our Recommendation: Cardiff's Queen Street is filled with unique shops and places to grab a bite to eat during your lunch break or an end-of-day hangout with your friends!
And not far from Queen Street is the iconic Cardiff Castle. Located in the middle of the city centre, you can visit one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance.
Carmarthen
Carmarthen Council has compiled a list of things you need to know about living in Carmarthen here, including places to shop, eat, and things to do - www.discovercarmarthenshire.com/things-to-do
Our Recommendation: Visit a local landmark - Carmarthen Castle can be found in the heart of the town! Many shops and places also surround it, allowing you to grab food while you visit. St. Catherine’s Walk Shopping Centre is also not far from Carmarthen Castle. You can watch the newest films at Vue Cinema, and there are also restaurants and shops you can visit.
Swansea
Swansea's Board of Tourism has a website where you can find places to shop, eat, and see what's happening around Swansea - www.visitswanseabay.com/things-to-do
Our Recommendation: Swansea is a bustling city with new experiences lurking around the corner. Take a stroll through the city centre and discover Swansea Market - the largest indoor market in Wales! You can find many local businesses and eateries inside. And not far from the city centre is Swansea Beach and Marina, the perfect place to take a stroll and take in the view of Mumbles (another great weekend adventure location) from the beach.
Birmingham
The Tourism Board of Birmingham has compiled a list of places to shop, eat, and explore in Birmingham and West Midlands - www.visitbirmingham.com
Our Recommendation: The Bullring & Grand Central are at the heart of Birmingham city centre. Here you can find many shops and restaurants to explore and discover. And nearby the Birmingham campus, you can visit the iconic National SEA Life Centre and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre & LEGO Store! Perfect locations for you to unwind and enjoy yourself with your friends and family!
London
London's Board of Tourism has a website where you can find places to shop, eat, and see what's happening around the City of London - www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do
Our Recommendation: Near the London Campus is Canary Wharf's Cabot Square, where you can find tons of restaurants as well as stores to shop in, as well as an indoor Go-Kart Track. And around the corner from the campus is Promenade Canary Wharf, where you will come across restaurants as you walk up and down the River Thames while getting some amazing views of Central London!
Student Discount
Make sure you make the most of your student discounts by downloading apps like TOTUM, UniDays and Student Beans to see what's on offer for you!
Your Students' Union
Offices and Desks
Our offices and on-campus desks are open 09:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday. Here are their addresses and locations on What Three Words.
- Birmingham
Quay Place
Louisa House
Birmingham
B1 2RA
///terms.frosted.quarrel - Cardiff
Haywood House North
Dumfries Place
Cardiff
CF10 3GA
///bounty.clubs.status - Carmarthen
UWTSD
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP
///inches.fields.tribe - London
1 Westferry Circus
London
E14 4HA
///luck.other.cloud - Swansea
Dylan Thomas Centre
Somerset Place
Swansea
SA1 1RR
///lucky.pots.modest
Our Venues
- Y Llofft Social Space and Y Llofft Student Bar are located on the first floor in our building in Carmarthen. The social space is open 09:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday, and the Student Bar is open 20:00 - 23:30, Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
- Y Clwb is located on the ground floor and is open for events only.
Questions & Suggestions
Have we missed something, got a question or a suggestion? Let us know at union@uwtsd.ac.uk.
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UWTSD Students' Union is a charity here to help UWTSD students make the most of their time at university through advice, representation, and opportunities and events.
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UWTSD Students' Union is affiliated with the National Union of Students (NUS), NUS Charity, British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), and AdviceUK. Learn more on our affiliations webpage.
