Cardiff might not be the first place that pops up when people talk about studying in the UK. But honestly, it should be. It’s friendly, affordable, and has everything a student needs. Also, it doesn’t feel as overwhelming as some of the bigger cities. Whether you’re flying in for your undergrad or coming for your postgrad, finding a good place to stay is one of the first things you’ll need to figure out.
If this is your first time looking for accommodation abroad, things can get a bit confusing. This simple guide will help you find your place in Cardiff easily.
Why is Cardiff a Top Student City?
Let’s start with why people even choose Cardiff. Aside from being home to The University of Cardiff, which is one of the top universities in the UK, the city itself is just amazing! Not too big, not too small.
- It’s easy to get around—most things are walkable
- Loads of green spaces to relax or study outdoors
- Cheaper than cities like London or Edinburgh
- Friendly locals who won’t make you feel like an outsider
- Big student population (which means you won’t be alone)
If you’re not into big city chaos but still want access to good education and a bit of fun, Cardiff’s pretty perfect.
Where Do Students Usually Live in Cardiff?
Students are literally everywhere in this city, but some areas are more popular than others.
- Cathays – super close to campus, packed with student houses and cafes
- Roath – artsy, full of character, and a bit quieter than Cathays
- City Centre – great if you like being in the middle of everything (though rent might be higher)
- Heath – especially good if you’re in the med school
- Plasnewydd – a mix of cultures, affordable, and still central
Each area’s got its own feel. If you like the buzz, go for Cathays. If you want something a bit laid-back, maybe try Roath.
What Kind of Housing Can You Expect in Cardiff?
Cardiff’s got all the usual student options—nothing too fancy but good enough to live, study, and chill in peace.
- Shared houses – most common and cheapest. You get your own room and share everything else.
- Studios – more private, more expensive. Everything (kitchen, bed, bathroom) in one space.
- En-suites – your own bathroom, shared kitchen
- University halls – managed by the uni, good for first-years
- Student apartments – modern, often all-inclusive, sometimes with extra stuff like a gym or common room
Most are fully furnished, so you don’t need to carry a mattress across continents. Just check what’s included when booking.
How Much Does It All Cost?
Cardiff’s cheaper than a lot of UK cities, but it still depends on what you’re looking for.
- Shared house: around £100–£130 a week
- En-suite: £130–£160
- Studio: £170 and up
- Fancy student apartments: can go over £250/week
Some places include bills, others don’t. Always double-check. A place that seems cheap might not be if you have to pay for Wi-Fi, heating, water, etc., on top of rent.
How Do You Even Find a Place in Cardiff?
There are lots of ways, but not all of them are safe. Always use trusted platforms or go through the university if you’re unsure.
- University Living is a solid platform—it lists verified accommodations in Cardiff and even helps you with stuff like airport pickup and setting up your SIM card
- You can also check your university’s housing page or student forums
- Facebook groups sometimes have listings but be careful—scams are real
Book early. The best places go fast, especially for September intake. Aim for around March–May if you can.
What Should You Look Out For Before Booking?
There’s more to a room than just the rent price.
- How far is it from campus?
- Is it near a supermarket or bus stop?
- Does it include bills?
- What’s the Wi-Fi like?
- Is the area safe to walk around at night?
Tips If You’re Renting for the First Time
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Here’s what helped most students when they first arrived:
- Ask for a video tour if you can’t visit in person
- Get everything in writing
- Don’t send money to strangers on WhatsApp or random email links
- Try to have a backup place, just in case your move-in date changes
- If you’re unsure, talk to student support—they’ve helped hundreds of students like you
And yep, don’t expect everything to go perfectly. Some hiccups are part of the ride.
What’s It Like Living in a Student Apartment in Cardiff?
Pretty chill, to be honest. A lot of places have a good mix of local and international students, and you’ll meet people quickly. Whether you’re sharing a house or in a big residence, there’s usually someone to talk to or ask for help.
Living in a student apartment gives you space, privacy, and often extras like laundry rooms, study areas, and even games rooms. It’s a good step up from student halls if you want more independence.
Final Words
Finding student residence isn’t always fun. But once it’s done, everything else falls into place naturally. Whether you rent a cozy house with flatmates or a solo studio, what matters is feeling safe, comfortable, and settled.
Use trusted platforms like University Living, talk to people, ask questions, and don’t panic if it takes time. Cardiff’s a student city for a reason—it has space for everyone.
