The number one question I got before and during my exchange is :
 "Why did you pick Cardiff out of anywhere you could have traveled?" 
 Honestly, I don't really have an answer to that question.  Not a solid one anyway.  Having never traveled to Cardiff (and being unable to go before selecting my exchange destination) I could only choose a city based on what I found online.

Through my research I discovered that Cardiff University's Journalism / New Media program is rated one of the best in Europe. Many people who have graduated have gone on to work for a variety of UK (and international) news outlets like the BBC.  To me having that sort of legacy behind an education is promising and does its best to assure me that I may actually have a job after I'm done with my degree.  

The second deciding factor for choosing Cardiff was that it actually garentees a residence placement for international / exchange / Erasmus students.  This was huge for me because, at the time, I didn't want to travel half way around the world and then end up dealing with finding an apartment.  
Although that was a benefit I shouldn't have really worried too much.  Cardiff is a major university town and because of that accommodations for students are very easy to come across.  To any students looking to study here I can assure you that you don't have to worry about finding a place to stay.   

But, one of the biggest things that I wasn't expecting here was that Cardiff is an amazingly LGBTQ+ friendly city.  Not going to lie, coming into Cardiff I got Grindr (mom don't look that up) and the first guy I talked to was an exec with the Cardiff University Pride Society.  Un like Grindr we didn't end up sleeping together (sorry mom) but we actually kind of sparked off an immediate friendship.  He basically just assimilated me into his existing friend group, so basically every gay in Cardiff.  
Which, for a gay socialite like myself, is awesome.
I've lived in several different cities and experienced many examples of gay culture.  It wasn't until I came here that I finally understand what is meant by gay community. Honestly I was too young and in a relationship to fully appreciate Montreals gay scene and Vancouver is a bit ... judgemental.  If not judgemental maybe just, like a lot of things in Vancouver, a bit full of itself.  RuPaul once said that you are able to choose your family and that's kind of what Cardiff's gay scene is like.  I wouldn't go as far as to say they are my family because I've only been here a few weeks but the people here do have a very familial vibe.  This, more than anything has made the transition between schools and cultures the easiest.  
Within 48 hours of getting to the city I managed to find my niche.  

So, in summary, if you are looking for a place to travel (or study) in the future I would suggest Cardiff if you like : 
a) A student focused city
b) Having everything you need to live life within a walking distance (because honestly everything in Cardiff is walking distance.)
c) If you are LGBTQ+ Cardiff offers a gay community that is in fact a community.  

Then Cardiff is the city for you. 

Look over on my YouTube channel for a new video too :)
 (it'll be up within a few hours of this being posted) 
Or if you're interested in reading more of my writing go over to
www.28daystogetthisdone.wordpress.com to follow a blog I'm doing for one of my classes.

Oh also follow me on social media @ACollegeGay
OKURRR BYEEE

Till next week
xoxo
G-