In the midst of the Six Nations, Cardiff is immersed in the rugby culture once again.
This means that the streets are filled with the coloured tops of different teams. The sea of red in support for Wales is of course evident and to expected in Cardiff.
This results in the urge to support the team where you are living at University too much to resist. Before you know it, you’ll be buying overpriced Welsh hats and scarfs to fully immerse yourself in the rugby culture.
Remember to book
If you are with a group of people and think you will be able to wander into a pub and grab a table for the game, sadly this is not the case.
Every pub will be booked out for weeks. So, apart from those which don’t take bookings, such as ‘spoons, make sure to book to secure your place.
If you do end up going to a walk-in pub, getting there early and making a day of it will be the best choice you can make.
Start with having a full English washed down by some cold pints, while enjoying the relaxed but exciting atmosphere as rival team supporters start to scatter around the pub.
Spoons is the cheapest place where you will get the most for your money, and you’ll be able to watch the game on the big screens.
However, this doesn’t mean other pubs and local students bars are not a good port of call. Some will have really good game-day deals. Make sure to watch out for these.
In Cardiff, there are many Wetherspoons to choose from. My favourite has to be The Prince of Wales, followed by the Central Bar. Just being in the city environment you will feel the buzz from the atmosphere. Rugby is celebrated on another level in Wales.
Set yourself a budget
Stick to a number that you will be happy with spending during this exciting day. If not, it’s very easy to run away with the excitement and end up accidentally spending money that was meant to go towards your rent.
Of course everyone’s financial situation is different. But whatever budget you are comfortable with, you will thank yourself the following morning. Parts of the day can become a tad blurry as the pints roll in.
Stay safe
With any sporting event, some people can end up getting slightly rowdy or drinking too much to drown their sorrows or celebrate their success.
It’s important to stay in a group. Also, try to keep away or report any activity that seems to be getting out of hand, whether this is in a club or a pub.
After all, it’s incidents like this that end up ruining things for everyone. Remember that, at the end of the day, this is just a sporting game to enjoy. People should have fun watching, regardless of the outcome.
Watching a rugby game in the capital of Wales can make you feel part of the community more than ever. I would definitely recommend this day, evening, or night out to any student. No matter if you’re a first year, fourth year or a worker, this experience brings everyone together in the city.