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Writer's pictureCardiff University ACS
Sep 24, 20204 min read

Welfare Pack

Hey freshers! We hope that settling into Cardiff has been going well for you!


We’ve put together a welfare pack to help smoothen your transition into uni life including:


  • Where to get your food!

  • Where to get your fresh trims/braids/cornrows/ the whole lot done! - and following on from that where to get your hair products

  • And most importantly we’ve compiled some useful support services and links for you. We know that the transition to university can be scary and lonely for some and we want to ensure you that there is help available - we want you to feel safe and supported!

From your welfare officers,

Laura, Lisah and Vera x


  • Food:

So hopefully by now you will have done some food shopping for your daily meals, but we recommend these shops to really keep your spending low:


  • Lidl - very cheap and affordable prices - it will definitely save you a lot of money! (“also the bakery slaps” - certified by Lisah )


  • For those of you in Tally, the big Tesco has literally everything you need and is open 24 hours for those midnight snacks!


  • In addition, Aldi by Taly is also very affordable!

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So what about your afro-caribbean food?


Xquisite Africa

Location: 148 CITY ROAD, CF24 3DR - you’ll come to realise that this road is where you’ll want to go for both hair and food products (recommend using Google maps to get there!)


This is also one of the shops which actually sells both Afro-caribbean food and hair products! - ←You’ll find: “ authentic Africa Food produce; i.e. REAL fanta (the glass bottle kind), Egusi Stock Fish, Pepper Soup, Fufu Flour, Yellow and Green Plantain, Yam, Okra, ‘hupfu’ for sadza, Fresh Hot pepper, Paw Paw Ogbono Smoked and frozen Fish, Pound’ol Iyan, Palm Oil, Indomie Maggi, to mention only a few.”

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In terms of restaurants, here are a few to try out at some point!:


  • Irie Shack: there are two in Cardiff - one in Cardiff Bay and one on Woodville Road, Cathays

  • “They serve traditional Caribbean cuisine including jerk chicken, authentic curries, classic gourmet burgers, salads and wraps and they have a Fully-licensed bar with a wide variety of imported rum, spirits, liqueurs and cocktails. Plus beers, ciders and soft drinks available until late.”

  • “The dumplings are peng” - certified by Vera


  • Turtle Bay: There is one in the city centre on St Mary’s street where you will also find lots of other restaurants

  • “Mouth-watering hot sauces, spice rubs, fragrant marinades and cool chutneys feature in our beach food, to fresh hand-tossed salads, spice wood jerk grills and exotically spiced one pots, perfect for sharing with friends in true Caribbean Limin’ style.”


  • Rockin chair: another Caribbean restaurant/takeaway shop on Lower Cathedral Road, not too far from the Principality stadium serving authentic food

  • Hair and more:

BOYS

So it’s a few weeks into uni and you’re starting to think who is going to replace your trusted barber from home, not to worry there are a few options - here are recommendations from ACS boys -


CITY ROAD:

  • Afro Barbers

  • BBS Barbers

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GIRLS

Girls, do not think you’re missing out on cheap prices from an aunty back home on hair!

  • ACS members : Don’t hesitate to pop a message in the ACS Facebook or WhatsApp group, there will definitely be other people who can or know someone who can do cornrows, braids, wigs etc.!

  • Eyelashes: Eni Lashes specialises in luxury, cruelty-free, strip eyelashes. Our natural, dramatic and long styles are perfect for daily use or occasion-wear and can be worn with or without makeup.

10% Discount code for ACS members: CARDIFFACS

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In terms of getting hair products, again there’s a few shops to go to!


  • Beauty Queen Cosmetics - City Road


  • Jabs Hair & cosmetics - Albany Road (close to City road)


  • Beauty Lounge - in Queens Arcade, St David’s Centre, opposite Argos in town ; it is also a nail salon!

“Fairly priced X-pression extensions!” - certified by Vera



Useful Support Services and Links


  • Cardiff University Student Support and Wellbeing

Telephone: +44 (0)29 2251 8888



  • Cardiff University International Student Support

Telephone:+44 (0)29 2251 8888



  • Cardiff University Wellbeing and Counselling service

Telephone:+44 (0)29 2087 4844



  • Cardiff Nightline (Late night listening and instant messaging service)

Telephone: 02920 870555




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  • Papyrus HOPELINEUK (ACS Charity of the year)

  • Provide information and support for anyone under 35 who is struggling with suicidal feelings, or anyone concerned about a young person who might be struggling.

Opening times: weekdays 10am–10pm, weekends 2pm–10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm

Telephone: 0800 068 4141 / 07786 209 697

  • Switchboard

  • LGBT+ helpline. Provides listening services, information and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Opening times:10am–10pm every day

Telephone:0300 330 0630

  • Samaritans - branch in Cardiff on Cowbridge Road West

Telephone: 116 123


  • Mind - branch in Cardiff on Newport Road

Email: admin@cardiffmind.org

Telephone: 02920402040


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Your first year of uni is going to be an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. There will definitely be some amazing highs but also some lows (“trust me”- Lisah), but we hope that our ACS community can be a safe space for you to grow, socialise and develop.

But don’t just take it from us, here are a few general tips & guidance from some our committee members:

Laura - President


Tega - Vice President

“I think people should try as many new societies as possible!”

Adnan - Publicity Officer

“Explore Cardiff! There are so many things to do here like paintballing, trampoline parks etc…”

Oluchi - Secretary 1

“Put yourself out there if you want to make new friends! If you’re looking for black friends make sure you attend ACS events :)”

Eldad - Sports Officer

“First year of uni is exciting and possibly daunting because it is completely new to you; use it as an opportunity to try new things!”

Maxwell - Social Secretary

“If you're having financial problems, especially with student finance, definitely contact the finance team at the student union, they’re such a big help!”

Samkeliso - Social Secretary

Don’t be scared to try a new sport or funky society because it’ll definitely help make some new friends and be open to all the new experiences awaiting you”

Seajomi - Union and Charity Officer


Amaka - Treasurer

“Be yourself and work hard but don’t forget to enjoy your independence!”

Jessica - Event Coordinator

“Don’t be afraid to socialise and meet people because everyone’s in the same boat as you so just make the most of the year before the real work begins!”



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We hope that you find this pack useful and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or just want someone to chat to! We are here for you - our details are below:


  • Laura- Snapchat lauraadriannax

  • Lisah - Insta/Snapchat: itslisahxx

  • Vera - FB: Vera O Onongaya / Snap: Vera_hemsworth

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