Student Accommodations in Cardiff

Cardiff offers a wide range of student accommodation options designed to meet different needs and budgets. Whether you prefer privacy or a social setup, there’s something for everyone within. Here’s a quick guide to the most common room types:

1. Ensuite Rooms - Ensuite apartments in Cardiff come with a private bedroom and attached bathroom, giving students personal space while living in shared housing.
Privacy: A private bathroom ensures comfort and convenience.
Shared Living Areas: Kitchen and lounge are shared, encouraging interaction.
Ideal For: Students wanting privacy with the option to socialise.

2. Non-Ensuite Rooms - Non-ensuite rooms provide a private bedroom with a shared bathroom, making them budget-friendly and one of the best student residence Cardiff.
Privacy: Bedroom remains personal, bathroom is shared with others.
Shared Living Areas: Kitchens and common areas are communal.
Ideal For: Students looking for affordable housing with community living.

3. Shared Apartments
Shared apartments offer individual bedrooms while residents share bathrooms, kitchens, and lounges.
Privacy: Bedrooms are private; other areas are communal.
Shared Living Areas: Strong focus on social living and group activities.
Ideal For: Students who enjoy community living and making friends.

4. Private Rooms
Private apartments provide a full flat with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen solely for one person.
Privacy: Full privacy with no shared areas.
Shared Living Areas: None, the entire space belongs to the resident.
Ideal For: Students who want full independence and maximum comfort.

5. Studios - Studio apartments in Cardiff are self-contained spaces with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette in one unit.
Privacy: Complete independence with private facilities.
Shared Living Areas: No shared spaces inside the unit.
Ideal For: Students who prefer independence and quiet study environments.

6. 1-Bed Apartments - 1-bedroom flats provide a separate bedroom along with a private kitchen, bathroom, and living space.
Privacy: Full privacy with a separate bedroom and facilities.
Shared Living Areas: The entire space is private to the resident.
Ideal For: Students who want a home-like setting with more space.

Living in Cardiff can be quite affordable, especially when compared to other big UK cities. Cardiff was recently voted the most cost-effective University city in the UK. However, it’s still important to know what to expect for budgeting year-round. On average, students can expect to spend between £1,200 and £1,800 per month, with student lettings in Cardiff taking up the biggest chunk of their monthly expenses. All in all, proper budgeting can help students manage their expenses well in the city. This guide should help you plan and make the most of student life in Cardiff without breaking the bank!

1. Off-campus accommodation: £650 - £900 per month

2. Transportation: £50 - £60 per month

3. Food: £300 - £350 per month

4. Entertainment: £24 - £45 per month

5. Groceries: £70 - £80 per month

6. Clothes: £25 - £75 per month

When studying in the city and looking for convenient student homes in Cardiff, ease of travel is a key consideration. Cardiff's transport network meets the needs of students by offering affordable and easy transit options. Whether you’re rushing to class, exploring the city, or meeting friends, there’s something for every kind of commuter. Cardiff makes student travel easy and cheap, which is perfect for enjoying the vibrant nightlife. You can explore freely and stick to your budget. Here’s a quick breakdown of the travel options in Cardiff:

1. Bus: Cardiff’s bus network is very reliable. It has frequent services that connect universities, student hotspots like Cathays, and the city centre. The average bus fare costs around £15–£20 per week. Opt for a student travel card to save on fares and enjoy unlimited rides within the city.
2. Trains: Perfect for quick trips around Cardiff or nearby towns like Barry or Newport. The average train fare is £10–£25 per week. The city’s train network is compact but efficient, and students can snag discounts with a 16-25 Railcard. There are 20 railway stations in Cardiff, with Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central being the main hubs. Regular trains run from Cardiff's Queen Street station to various city stops.
3. Cycling: Cardiff is bike-friendly, with plenty of rental options, costing around £2/hour or £5/day. Cardiff is flat, compact, and easy to get around on a bike. It’s a healthy, budget-friendly way to explore the city’s beautiful parks and neighbourhoods.
4. Rideshare: For those late-night trips or when you’re running late for class, rideshare options like Uber and Bolt are lifesavers. They’re widely available across Cardiff, offering convenient door-to-door services. It can cost around £5–£15/trip. Plus, Cardiff’s compact size ensures rides are quick and relatively affordable, even on a budget.
5. Walking: Large parts of Cardiff's city centre are pedestrianised, making walking easy. Cardiff University is approximately 0.9 miles from some city accommodations, making it a 17-minute walk.

Nearest Properties to Cardiff University:

1. Glendower House: 7-minute walk away
2. Adam Street Gardens: 5-minute drive away
3. Livin: 6-minute drive away

Cardiff offers an exceptional student lifestyle, blending academic excellence with lively city living. Cardiff is alive with student energy and innovation. It's home to top schools like Cardiff University, and students enjoy a social scene with access to popular hangouts such as St. Mary Street. It is famous for its cafés, pubs, and student-friendly bars. Uncommon Ground Coffee Roastery is one of the best cafes in Cardiff, which students can explore. Cardiff is known for its lively nightlife, with a range of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants catering to students. Flight Club Cardiff is one of the most popular pubs in Cardiff that residents can visit. Most activities and attractions in Cardiff are within walking distance of the city centre. Cardiff hosts a vibrant art scene featuring many art galleries, theatre productions, and concerts.

The Cardiff Bay area adds to the creative pulse of the city, known for its waterfront charm, independent shops, and relaxed atmosphere. Affordable living, a close-knit community, and plenty of green spaces like Bute Park and Roath Park create a balanced student life. Cardiff is packed with iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. History buffs can explore Cardiff Castle, a stunning medieval fortress in Wales. Art lovers can visit the National Museum or the Chapter Arts Centre, the art exhibitions and the Millennium Centre. The Principality Stadium buzzes with energy during events.

It perfectly mixes sport and culture. For panoramic city views, the Gorsedd Gardens and Cardiff Bay Barrage are must-visit spots for residents. Most students and visitors enjoy day trips to nearby coastal spots like Barry Island, or try the street food. They also explore Brecon Beacons National Park, which is perfect for hiking and adventure. Cardiff offers a rich blend of academic opportunities and cultural experiences, making it a top pick for students and tourists alike.

Cardiff provides academic excellence with a lively student experience, making it a top choice for students worldwide. With its blend of prestigious institutions and lively atmosphere, it's easy to see why students flock here to study.

1. Cardiff Metropolitan University: It stands out with its top-notch programs in Design, Media, and Art. It's great for anyone wanting to explore creative fields.
2. University of South Wales: Students have a variety of Film, Media, and Engineering programs. These programs combine hands-on learning with tech innovation. It's ideal for those wanting to break into the entertainment or engineering sectors.
3. Cardiff University: This is one of the top universities in the world. It's well-known for its strong Law, Medicine, and Engineering programs. This makes it a great choice for future doctors, lawyers, and engineers.