By Ellie Philpotts

Uni is good for lots of things. Independence, meeting new people, experiencing city life, making the most of the last dregs of limited responsibilities. Oh, and that day at the end of it all when you actually have a degree and pose in front of City Hall before going off to start that frequently-discussed adventure also known as the ÔÇÿreal world.ÔÇÖ However, itÔÇÖs not so good when the Freshers Flu which ends up dragging on for a whole lot longer than Freshers, does nothing to quench your cravings for some proper good grub.

So hereÔÇÖs where to head when the paradox strikes ÔÇô you need to inject your weary, hungover self with some comfort food that could almost rival home cooking, but somehow whipping it up yourself is just too much effort.

1. Pieminister – The lovely people at Pieminister know whatÔÇÖs up. Admittedly, itÔÇÖs probably also your cholesterol, but weÔÇÖre willing to shove that to one side. Having been serving up some great pies for 12 years, itÔÇÖs fair to say Pieminister proudly rule the pie scene, which they do here in Cardiff on St Mary Street, so you wonÔÇÖt have far to walk if youÔÇÖre doing the sensible thing and lining your stomach before a big night out. Whether youÔÇÖre after the classic Mothership, or think you can take on the Tower of Power, theyÔÇÖve got you covered. They even go as far as the ice-cream pie, in case you ever wondered what that actually is. (Image credit: twitter.com/pieministercdf)2. Seasons – Having a little gander round the Arcades is about as much of a Cardiff FresherÔÇÖs staple as arriving laden with baked beans, or commemorating your first sighting of Main Building over Instagram. However, the abundance of charming cafes found nestled here means youÔÇÖll keep pinging back in a manner similar to a boomerang. Castle ArcadeÔÇÖs Seasons is a stand-out ÔÇô think Welsh specialities like rarebit and oggie (no we hadnÔÇÖt heard of it either, but weÔÇÖre glad we have now). The name may be slightly ironic, as Cardiff only ever seems to have one season ÔÇô winter ÔÇô but it definitely is the perfect place to hide from the rain. (Image credit: twitter.com/seasonscardiff)

3. GiovanniÔÇÖs – While the climate is worlds away from anything youÔÇÖd encounter in the Med, at least CardiffÔÇÖs Italian food scene is here to soften the blow. WeÔÇÖre spoilt for choice, with other gems including Cafe Citta and Calabrisella, but, proving Italians donÔÇÖt have to begin with ÔÇÿCÔÇÖ to be good, GiovanniÔÇÖs is one to get acquainted with. Both the Hayes branch and Park Place closer to uni, combine authentic flavours with a lovely ambience and even the opportunity to brush up on your own cooking skills, because the learning process shouldnÔÇÖt be confined to the lecture theatre, right?! (Image credit: twitter.com/giovanniscdf)

4. The Deck – ItÔÇÖs fair to say youÔÇÖll venture to the Bay at least a few times during your time at uni, so you might as well get to know the best places to eat. Sometimes comfort food isnÔÇÖt all plates piled so high youÔÇÖd think The Supremes were singing about them. There are times when you need a sugar high, and The Deck definitely do it with more style than your flat energy drink in the ASSL. Not content with just being Cardiff Life Awards finalists and Certificate of Excellence winners, theyÔÇÖre even ÔÇÿCwtch-Approved VendorsÔÇÖ, which is about as Welsh as you can get. The Deck do impressive breakfasts and baguettes, but itÔÇÖs their cupcakes and coffee that are the talk of the Bay. (Image credit: twitter.com/_TheDeck)

5. Jalan Malaysia – You know the score. You want good food but you donÔÇÖt want to go far for it. Well sometimes your laziness can actually be a blessing, because without it you might not appreciate whatÔÇÖs right on your doorstep ÔÇô and here thatÔÇÖs in the form of Jalan Malaysia. Bang on student central Woodville Road, Jalan makes us question whether variety really is the spice of life ÔÇô or if that honour actually goes to cinnamon, ginger and chilli. Happy Eating! (Image credit: twitter.com/jalanmalaysiauk)