Heading to the Welsh capital for your studies? Great choice: Cardiff is one of the UK’s most student-friendly cities, offering a wealth of things for young people to do and boasting several top universities.

Whether you’re looking to share a student flat with friends or live in your own studio apartment in this exciting and modern city, you can find it here. Give us a call or drop us a message in the live chat if you have any questions – our booking consultants are always happy to help!

Browse our range of student accommodation in Cardiff at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about student life in the city... 

Universities in Cardiff

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to universities in Cardiff. Whether you’re looking for a major university or prefer the feel of a smaller institution, the city has something for every student.

Cardiff University

Cardiff University, a member of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group, is an excellent university that consistently ranks among the top 200 in the world. It’s widely considered the best university in Wales and places among the top 25 in the UK.

The university has two main campuses – one based at Cathays Park and the other slightly further north at Heath Park. Subject rankings are strong across the board, but the university particularly excels in arts and humanities, medicine and architecture.

Heading to Cardiff’s top university and need somewhere to stay? Check out our Cardiff University accommodation!

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Formerly known as the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff Metropolitan University (Cardiff Met) is a global university with students from over 140 countries worldwide. It’s regularly ranked among the best universities in Wales and has a strong focus on careers.

The university’s two main campuses – Llandaff and Cyncoed – are both based a short bus ride from the city centre, putting students within easy reach of the city’s top attractions. Top subjects include sports science and art and design.

Secured your place at the university? Explore our dedicated range of Cardiff Met accommodation! 

University of South Wales

Formed in 2013 from a merger between the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport, the University of South Wales (USW) is a multi-campus university with a strong regional presence across South Wales.

The Cardiff campus is based in the city centre and hosts a range of creative programmes spanning fashion, film, animation, journalism, drama and photography – so definitely worth considering if you want to go into the creative field!

Going to be studying at the Cardiff campus? Browse our selection of USW accommodation! 

Things for students to do in Cardiff

A big-city attitude mixed with the benefits of a small city makes the capital of Wales one of the best places for students to spend their university years. From pulsating nightlife to outdoor adventure, there’s always something to do.  

Nightlife

Whether you want to dance the night away to the latest pop hits, catch an unsigned band at an intimate gig, enjoy cocktails in a trendy cafe with live music or just watch sports on a big screen with a cheap meal and a drink, this is a city that caters to many tastes.

Roath and Cathays are traditional student areas that host a long list of pubs, cafes, bars and shops, some of which host weekly student nights and drinks offers. The ‘Cafe Quarter’ on Mill Lane is popular for its stylish late-night bar and restaurant scene.

Music

Cardiff has a thriving music scene. The award-winning multi-venue music festival Sŵn Festival takes place every October, while the Motorpoint Arena and Millennium Stadium host several big-name tours.

For a more intimate music experience, music lovers can check out smaller independent venues like Clwb Ifor Bach and the Cardiff University Students’ Union bars.

Outdoors

With over 330 parks and gardens, Cardiff is said to have more green space per person than any other UK core city. If you’re a beach bum, you can enjoy surfing, sailing or sunbathing at world-class beaches on Wales’ coastline, which is within an hour’s drive from the city.

The Brecon Beacons are stunning areas for mountain biking, hiking or horse riding and are fairly close to the city. Indoor climbing centres, white water rafting and ice skating are also possible in the city.

Best student areas in Cardiff

Cardiff packs all the benefits of a major cosmopolitan destination into a friendly, affordable and easy-to-navigate city. And when it comes to accommodation, there are a few key hotspots that most students look to target. 

Cathays

Cathays is Cardiff’s main student hub. It’s based just a short walk north of the city centre, right on the doorstep of Cardiff University, while Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales are also within easy reach.

The area has lots of pubs, bars and restaurants lined up along Salisbury Road, with accommodation mostly made up of terraced homes that have been converted into student flats.

Roath

Based slightly further away from the city centre – but still easily accessible to all three universities – Roath is another popular student area with a quieter, more residential feel than Cathays.

There’s a lot of surrounding green space and a good supply of affordable student housing. It’s also home to Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Cyncoed Campus – so ideally placed if you’re going to be based here!

Heath

Located around three miles north of the city centre, Heath is a popular choice for students studying at Cardiff University’s Heath Park Campus. Like Roath, it has a relaxed, residential vibe, making it a lovely place to live.

While you can walk to the city centre, it’s quicker to hop on the train, which takes around 10 minutes. In terms of affordability, rents for student accommodation are comparable to Cathays and Roath. 

Student cost of living in Cardiff

Cardiff is considered one of the more affordable cities in the UK. Its affordability makes it a lot easier for students to enjoy leisure activities such as eating out, social events and exploring attractions.  

Free things to do in Cardiff

A limited budget won’t necessarily limit your fun as there are many free attractions you can visit and enjoy in Cardiff, ranging from museums and galleries to fantastic architecture, historical monuments, parks and walking trails.

Student discounts in Cardiff

Several pubs and bars in Cardiff offer dedicated deals to students for savings on food and drink. You can also unlock discounts at dozens of retailers throughout the city by registering with platforms like TOTUM and Student Beans. 

Public transport in Cardiff

Benefiting from excellent road, rail and air connections, Cardiff ranks as one of the UK’s most transport-friendly cities. And with various student discounts available, it’s also very fairly priced!

Bus

Cardiff has a large fleet of buses running throughout the day, connecting the key student areas to university campuses and the city centre. Our top tip is to download the Cardiff Bus app, which allows you to track buses in real time! 

Train

Trains are another option for travelling in and around Cardiff, with solid connections from Heath to the city centre. If you want to explore further, London is a mere two hours away with the high-speed train service.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardiff a safe place for students to live?

Cardiff is widely considered a safe city for students, with crime rates comparatively lower than other major UK cities. It’s still wise to exercise basic safety precautions, but in general, you have little to worry about as a student living in the city. 

Is there a high demand for student accommodation in Cardiff?

Cardiff’s large student population equates to a high demand for accommodation. The most desirable properties in popular areas like Cathays are often booked as early as January and February for September occupation, so it’s best to start your search early. 

How much does student accommodation in Cardiff cost?

Student accommodation in Cardiff is generally considered affordable, but costs vary depending on the area and type of housing. The student properties we list in the city typically range from £130–£200 per week.

Where are the best areas for students in Cardiff?

Cathays is the main student area in Cardiff, offering a short walk to Cardiff University’s main campus and a wealth of nearby shops, bars and restaurants. Elsewhere, Roath and Heath have a slightly more residential feel with a mix of locals and students. 

Do I need a visa to study abroad in Cardiff?

If you’re planning on studying in Cardiff and currently live outside the UK or Ireland, you’ll need to apply for a student visa. Cardiff’s major universities have dedicated international offices which can support you with this. You can also learn more about the process here. 

What if I didn’t get an answer to my question here?

For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!