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New to Cardiff

Newydd i Gaerdydd

Croeso i Gaerdydd! Welcome to Cardiff — Wales' vibrant capital. Whether you've moved for work, university, or a fresh start, this guide will help you settle in and feel at home.

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Your First Week Checklist

Moving somewhere new can feel overwhelming, but don't worry — here's a simple checklist to get you sorted in your first week. Take it one step at a time.

Essential Steps

Register for Council Tax — You need to register as soon as you move in. You can do this online at cardiff.gov.uk. Students may be exempt — check if you qualify.
Register with a GP — Don't wait until you're unwell. Find your nearest GP surgery at nhs.uk or call the Cardiff & Vale University Health Board.
Register to vote — It only takes a few minutes at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Check your bin collection day — Cardiff has specific days for general waste, recycling, and food waste. Get your schedule online or ask a neighbour!
Get free recycling bags — Pick up your green bags and food caddies from any Cardiff Hub or library. They're completely free.
Apply for a library card — Also free! Cardiff's libraries (called Hubs) offer far more than books — including free Wi-Fi, printing, events, and community support.
Set up utilities — Water is provided by Welsh Water (Dwr Cymru). You'll also want to sort gas, electricity, and broadband.
Explore your local Hub — Pop into your nearest Hub to discover what's available in your area. The staff are friendly and incredibly helpful.

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Healthcare

Healthcare in Wales is provided free through the NHS. Cardiff is covered by the Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, which manages GPs, hospitals, and community health services.

Finding a GP

To register with a GP, search for surgeries near your postcode. You don't need proof of address or immigration status to register — everyone is entitled to a GP.

Need Medical Advice?

Call NHS 111 Wales for free, 24/7 health advice if you're unsure whether you need to see a doctor. They can also help you find an out-of-hours pharmacy or dentist.

Cardiff & Vale Health Board Find a GP near you

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Schools

Cardiff has over 120 schools covering primary, secondary, and sixth-form education. One of the great things about Cardiff is the choice between Welsh-medium and English-medium schools — both offer excellent education.

Welsh-Medium Schools

Welsh-medium schools teach through the Welsh language. Even if your family doesn't speak Welsh, children adapt quickly and become fully bilingual — a fantastic skill for life in Wales.

How to Apply

School admissions are managed by Cardiff Council. You can apply online, and the council provides guidance on catchment areas to help you understand which schools are nearest to you.

School admissions at cardiff.gov.uk

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Getting Around

Cardiff is a compact city and easy to get around. You've got plenty of options whether you prefer public transport, cycling, or walking.

Your Options

Cardiff Bus — The main bus network covering the city and suburbs. Download their app for live tracking and mobile tickets.
Trains (Transport for Wales) — Great for reaching the valleys, Barry, Penarth, and beyond. Cardiff Central and Queen Street are the main stations.
Nextbike (OVO Bikes) — Public bike hire with docking stations across the city. Affordable and convenient for short trips.
Taff Trail — A beautiful traffic-free path for walking and cycling that runs from Cardiff Bay all the way to the Brecon Beacons.

Full transport guide

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Community & Social

Cardiff is a wonderfully friendly and diverse city. Here are some brilliant ways to meet people, explore, and feel part of the community.

Free & Low-Cost Things to Do

Parkrun — Free 5K runs every Saturday morning at Bute Park, Grangemoor Park, and Heath Park. All abilities welcome, including walkers. A brilliant way to meet locals.
National Museum Cardiff — Completely FREE. Home to stunning art collections and natural history exhibits.
St Fagans National Museum of History — Also FREE. An open-air museum with historic buildings from across Wales — one of Cardiff's hidden gems.
Cardiff Castle — Right in the heart of the city. Even from the outside, it's stunning. Entry tickets give you access to the Norman Keep and castle grounds.
Cardiff Bay — The waterfront area with the Wales Millennium Centre, Senedd, restaurants, and lovely walks along the barrage.

Arts & Culture

Chapter Arts Centre — Independent cinema, theatre, exhibitions, and a great cafe. A cultural hub in Canton.
Community Centres — Found in nearly every neighbourhood. They host events, classes, and social groups — a great way to meet your neighbours.

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Council Hubs

Cardiff's Hubs are much more than libraries. They're community centres where you can get face-to-face help with council services, benefits, housing, digital skills, and more — all for free.

Hub Locations

Central Library Hub — The Hayes, CF10 1FL (the big one in the city centre)
Ely & Caerau Hub — Cowbridge Road West
Llanishen Hub — Heol Hir
St Mellons Hub — Crickhowell Road
Butetown Hub — Loudoun Square
Rumney Hub — Llanstephan Road
Grangetown Hub — Havelock Place
Fairwater Hub — Plasmawr Road

Tip: If you're not sure where to start with anything on this page, just walk into your nearest Hub. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and can point you in the right direction for almost anything.

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Welsh Language

Cardiff is a bilingual city — you'll see Welsh on road signs, public buildings, and hear it spoken around the city. You absolutely don't need Welsh to live here, but learning a few words will earn you smiles and show respect for the culture.

Handy Welsh Phrases

Bore da — Good morning
Diolch — Thank you
Croeso — Welcome / You're welcome
Sut mae? — How are you?

Learn Welsh for Free

The Learn Welsh programme offers courses at all levels — from complete beginners to fluent speakers — many of them free or heavily subsidised. There are evening classes, online courses, and intensive options.

Learn Welsh (learnwelsh.cymru)

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