'We were sure we wouldn't bump into each other at uni'

Triplets who initially "wanted to split up" for their studies say they have found themselves closer than ever after graduating from the same university.

Rose, Maudie and Grace Orgill, 21, from Gloucestershire, received their degrees from Cardiff University, saying they had initially planned to go their separate ways for their studies.

They said they each fell in love with the university on an open day. "We were sure we wouldn't bump into each other all of the time," said Rose. However, they were placed in the same flat and went on to create a "home from home".

The trio now plan to travel, starting their trip in south-east Asia before deciding where to go next - possibly in separate directions.

Rose has earned a BSc in chemistry, Maudie a BA in history and Grace a BSc in biomedical sciences.

But going to university together was not always the plan for the sisters.

"It happened by chance," said Rose, the eldest of the triplets.

"Ideally, we wanted to split up, but we all fell in love with Cardiff on the offer-holder day, when the sun was out, something we later realised is pretty rare.

"We agreed Cardiff was big and, because we were all studying different subjects, we were sure we wouldn't bump into each other all of the time."

Things did not work out that way when the sisters were assigned to the same six-person flat.

"It was like moving home from home with them to be honest," Grace said.

"Our rooms are actually closer at university than at home. It's allowed us to make triple the friends, which is never a bad thing."

During their graduation, they wore ribbons and forget-me-not flowers on their gowns in honour of their grandfather, who passed away suddenly on the day of Rose's final chemistry exam.

Grace is now considering joining the RAF while Rose may move abroad for work. For Maudie, a return to Cardiff may be on the cards.

"I'm hoping to go into law and potentially do a conversion course at Cardiff," she said.

Their father, Phil Orgill, said: "We're excited to see what the future has in store for them, and if they'll all end up working in the same city too."

"But first we're looking forward to hearing all about their adventures when they head off travelling at the end of the year," Mr Orgill added.