We can’t wait to welcome you to the International Study Centre. We expect to see you on the first day of term for the start of your induction programme, allowing you to meet your fellow classmates and teachers and find out what to expect from your first weeks at the centre.
Your programme start date is stated on your offer letter or can be found here.
Please note that you need to ensure you apply for your Student visa in plenty of time so you can then book your travel to the UK. You can find the latest deadlines to apply for your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) through the below link.
The International Study Centre is located within Deri House on Park Grove and is in a prime location at the centre of Cathays Park campus. Just a five-minute walk from the Students Union ensures easy access to all the resources and facilities that Cardiff University has to offer, giving the ideal setting for students to thrive academically.
On the first day of your programme, you should report to the International Study Centre to begin Welcome Week and receive your timetable.
Download: Welcome Week Guide
By becoming an Ambassador, you join a network of international students studying at International Study Centres/Colleges around the world.
With regular training sessions, catch-ups and creative activities to get involved in, the role is perfect for those of you interested in sharing your experience with others, developing your professional skills and boosting your CV.
It's a really exciting programme to be a part of, with a variety of tasks and activities to get involved in from blog writing, social media takeovers, attending events and taking part in focus groups.
Complete the application form below to apply now.
International Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities, Law & Social Sciences
International Foundation Year in Architecture
International Foundation Year in Health, Medical and Life Sciences
We have asked our Global Student Ambassadors for some tips to help you settle in when you arrive to begin your studies.
ISC will host induction seminars talking about different things. It will be about your admission, tutors that will be teaching you and ISC policies that aim to protect you and your classmates. It will also answer students’ questions, for example, how to take sick leave? If you can, please go to the ISC induction week, it is filled with everything you need to know before you start your course in ISC. Going to ISC induction week also allows you to meet new friends. You will see everyone in the lecture hall who you will bump into everyday in the ISC.
Going to societies and sports fairs during induction week is a MUST!!! You will meet committee members and make new friends by connecting and speaking with them. Also, you might see some societies that you do not know of, which you might be interested in joining. Some societies give students a tester session or give it a go events, where you should join and check it out before joining the society. Mostly these events are free or pay a small fee to join, but it is a good idea to see if you like society and the vibe before becoming a member of the society.
Go and explore the city. You will be spending your next 4 years in the city, you should explore and go around the city to check out different spots, especially those tourist attractions as your parents might ask you for photos. For the first few weeks, your studies should not be busy, it is a chance to hop on the bus or train and explore nearby cities and town for a day trip with your new friends.
I am sure not many people talk about loneliness in university, especially leaving your home to study aboard. The time difference between home and university is hard to talk to your family and you might be getting homesick because you are so far away from home. My solution is really to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. There is no cost to meet new people, you can really be best friends with some of them. Surrounding yourself with friends will make you feel less homesick and lonely.
There is nothing to worry or scared about studying in the ISC. Professors and tutors are not scary people. You will be making friends with your groupmates as you will see that in class for a year. It is also a chance to make some friends before progressing to the undergraduate degree. Just relax and enjoy your time studying in the ISC. Do something you always love to do, travelling, cooking, watching netflix... Pick something that relax you and have fun while studying in ISC.
written by Jason from Hong Kong
After securing a room in University or off-campus accommodation, it is then essential to confirm the move in date with the school. So to ensure the room is ready and reserved on the move in day.
Since many students would probably move in during the welcoming week. To smoothen the unloading process, it is suggested to research the key collection spot and parking spot in advance.
Once the room keys are collected from the reception and entered the room. Do not get too excited to start unpacking the boxes. To prevent disputes over damages and security deposit afterwards, it is advised to fill in a move-in checklist and take a picture to inform school for any major damage. When all checks are completed, start setting up the room
Moving away from home and studying abroad is daunting for most people. To ease homesickness, it is suggested to decorate your own room to feel as much as home. Apart from attending seminars on campus, students would probably stay in their rooms for most of the time. So the key is to decorate the room as comfortably as possible. Do not be embarrassed by anything you would like to put in your room. It is your room, so just make it your own.
written by Joan from Hong Kong
Get to know some of our teaching staff and support team members who you will meet on campus soon.
Find out what to expect by asking our students about life on campus and their experiences while studying here.
Chat nowBy becoming an Ambassador, you join a network of international students studying at International Study Centres/Colleges around the world.
Apply now
