{"id":24014,"date":"2026-03-17T14:45:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T09:15:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/?p=24014"},"modified":"2026-03-31T15:13:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T09:43:42","slug":"best-areas-to-live-in-cardiff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/accommodation\/best-areas-to-live-in-cardiff\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the Best Areas to Live in Cardiff for Students in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2026, students are picking areas according to how life actually feels\u00a0there.\u00a0It includes\u00a0factors like how fast you\u00a0can\u00a0get to lectures, where you can easily unwind after classes, and whether the area matches your energy level or not.\u00a0And when it comes to Cardiff, it quietly nails this balance. It is affordable, compact, and packed with student-friendly areas. From buzzing streets to scenic corners by the water, the city offers something for every kind of student.\u00a0Let\u2019s\u00a0break down the best and most affordable\u00a0<strong>student areas in Cardiff<\/strong>.\u00a0Let\u2019s\u00a0get started!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cathays\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cathays is one of the<strong>\u00a0best student\u00a0neighbourhoods\u00a0in Cardiff<\/strong>, with it being right next to\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cardiff.ac.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" title=\"Cardiff University\">Cardiff University<\/a><\/strong>. This makes it super easy for you to walk to your classes in just a few minutes.\u00a0Here, the streets are always full of life, with students arriving from\u00a0all across\u00a0the globe.\u00a0Plus, it is super easy for you to find cheap food and plenty of places to hang out here.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Home to local spots such as\u00a0Gassy\u2019s\u00a0and The Flora.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Salisbury Road offers more than 20\u00a0different types\u00a0of food.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One can also watch professional plays such as Sherman Theatre for only \u00a38.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Top properties in Cathays include:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/summit-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Summit House,\">Summit House,<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/canvas-lime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Canvas Cardiff The Parade,\">Canvas Cardiff The Parade,<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/cambrian-point\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"and Cambrian Point\">and Cambrian Point<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shared\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/place\/cathays\" title=\"student housing in Cathays\">student housing in Cathays<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>ranges from \u00a3120-\u00a3180\/week. Whereas\u00a0studios\u00a0rooms\u00a0can cost \u00a3800-\u00a31,350\/month.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Roath\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Roath\u00a0is especially made for those who like to have more laid-back energy, away from the noise of the city.\u00a0It is known for having a bohemian vibe and is filled with independent\u00a0parks\u00a0and coffee shops.\u00a0Ideal for PG students who like to have space while being close to university action. The area is well known for\u00a0Roath\u00a0Park Lake.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The green area is known to cover\u00a0130 acres\u00a0of land, fitting approximately 70 football pitches.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ranked as one of the top 10 coolest\u00a0neighbourhoods\u00a0in the UK for foodies.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wellfield Road and Albany Road are packed with local boutiques and second-hand bookshops.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shared\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/place\/roath\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"student accommodation in\u00a0Roath\">student accommodation in\u00a0Roath<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>costs \u00a3110-\u00a3160\/week,\u00a0whereas\u00a0studios range from \u00a3700-\u00a31,000\/month.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Top properties in\u00a0Roath\u00a0include:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/clodien-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Clodien House,\">Clodien House,<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/crown-place-cardiff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Crown Place,\">Crown Place,<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/city-heights-cardiff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"and City Heights\">and City Heights<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Heath\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heath is a primary hub for those who are dedicated to studying medicine.\u00a0It is very close to Cardiff University School of Medicine.\u00a0Plus, you will be directly\u00a0adjacent to\u00a0the University Hospital of Wales, making it easy for students to commute from the city\u00a0centre. This\u00a0neighbourhood\u00a0provides both a calm and residential atmosphere.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Heath Park campus is under 10 minutes\u2019 walk from here.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The University Hospital of Wales here employs and trains over 6,000 staff and students.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The park features a model railway that is run by the Cardiff Model Engineering Society.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Student accommodation in Heath ranges from \u00a3135-\u00a3255\/week, making it one of the\u00a0<strong>most affordable student areas in Cardiff.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some of the top properties here include:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/alwyn-court\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Alwyn Court,\">Alwyn Court,<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/park-place\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Vita Student Park Place,\">Vita Student Park Place,<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/windsor-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"and Windsor House\">and Windsor House<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Canton\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Canton provides a trendy and artsy alternative to\u00a0traditional\u00a0student hubs. It is\u00a0centred\u00a0around Chapter Arts Centre; this area is a perfect spot for PG students who like a high-quality lifestyle, balancing both culture and comfort. You will be surrounded by cinemas,\u00a0theatres\u00a0and bustling cafes.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is home to Landsdowne Pub and the world-famous Victoria Park.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Every month, 60+ creative events such as workshops and film screenings take place.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apart from this, this area is ranked as one of the <strong>top 5\u00a0best\u00a0neighbourhoods\u00a0in Cardiff.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Student housing in Canton costs between \u00a3135 and \u00a3255\/week.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/place\/canton\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Top student accommodation in Canton\">Top student accommodation in Canton<\/a><\/strong> is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/bridge-street-exchange\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Bridge Street Exchange,\"><strong>Bridge Street Exchange<\/strong>,<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/zenith\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Zenith,\">Zenith,<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/ty-pont-haearn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Ty Pont Haearn\">Ty Pont Haearn<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cardiff Bay\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cardiff Bay mixes history with futuristic sci-fi vibes. While other students are\u00a0squeezed\u00a0into busy libraries, you can easily finish your essay on\u00a0the waterfront. It provides students with a quiet and high-end escape that feels more like a holiday resort. Thus, making it a dream place for those who like peace and great views.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Wales Millennium Centre has bright halls with free wi-fi for anyone wanting to sit and work together for hours.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One can easily escape traffic and take the\u00a0Aquabus\u00a0water taxi from your\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/city\/cardiff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"student accommodation Cardiff\">student accommodation Cardiff<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Every year, more than 7,000 shows and events take place in the Bay.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Student housing in Cardiff Bay costs between \u00a3135 and \u00a3255\/week.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/place\/cardiff-bay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Top student accommodations in Cardiff Bay\">Top student accommodations in Cardiff Bay<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0include:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/the-fitzalan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"The Fitzalan,\">The Fitzalan,<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/eclipse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Eclipse\">Eclipse<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/howard-gardens-residence-uninist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Howard Gardens Residence\">Howard Gardens Residence<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Student Accommodation Cardiff Market Summary (2026)\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing the right<strong>\u00a0student housing in Cardiff\u00a0<\/strong>is all about having something that matches both your vibe and budget. In 2026, the city stands out as one of the most affordable ones. Here you will find everything from shared apartments to ensuites, studios, and private apartments. Whether you are looking to be near the city\u00a0centres\u00a0or local markets, these flexible options are specifically designed for a modern lifestyle.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following are the student accommodation Cardiff market summary:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Accommodation Type<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td><strong>Weekly Rent (Est. 2026)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td><strong>Best For<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shared House (HMO)\u00a0<\/td><td>\u00a3110-\u00a0\u00a3150\u00a0<\/td><td>Socializing and saving money in Cathays\/Roath.\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>PBSA (En-suite)\u00a0<\/td><td>\u00a3145\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\u00a3229\u00a0<\/td><td>All-inclusive bills, on-site gyms, and total convenience.\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Studio Apartment\u00a0<\/td><td>\u00a3200\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\u00a3350\u00a0<\/td><td>Maximum privacy and a quiet, focused study environment.\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip: <\/strong>The best spots fill up fast.\u00a0So,\u00a0it is\u00a0advised\u00a0for you to search early.\u00a0In order to\u00a0simplify\u00a0your research, check out <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"University Living\">University Living<\/a><\/strong> to\u00a0compare\u00a0latest\u00a0deals on student rooms in Cardiff.\u00a0Find a place that hits the sweet spot between comfort and cost.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Living in Cardiff as a student\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0about\u00a0settling;\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0about fitting in fast. The city gives you\u00a0neighbourhoods\u00a0that adapt to your routine, not the other way around. Whether\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0chasing late-night food in Cathays, quiet walks in\u00a0Roath, focused mornings in Heath, creative weekends in Canton, or calm sunsets at Cardiff Bay,\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0a spot that clicks. And the best part? You\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0have to sacrifice\u00a0affordability\u00a0to get quality. Pick the area that matches how you study,\u00a0socialise, and recharge. Do that right, and Cardiff\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0just support your\u00a0degree,\u00a0it supports your day-to-day life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1773738680542\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Which area is best for\u00a0students living near Cardiff University?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Cathays is the top choice for\u00a0students\u00a0studying at Cardiff University.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0right next to campus, packed with affordable food spots, and has the highest concentration of\u00a0student\u00a0housing in the city.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1773738718665\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the most affordable\u00a0student\u00a0area in Cardiff in\u00a02026?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Roath\u00a0and Cathays are among the most budget-friendly areas for\u00a0students. Shared housing here usually costs less than other\u00a0neighbourhoods\u00a0while still offering great access to universities and daily essentials.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1773738736924\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Which Cardiff\u00a0neighbourhood\u00a0is best for quiet and focused living?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Heath is ideal for\u00a0students who prefer a calm, residential environment.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0especially popular with medical and postgraduate\u00a0students due to its proximity to hospitals and\u00a0study-focused campuses.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1773738758757\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is Cardiff Bay a good place for\u00a0students to live?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, Cardiff Bay suits\u00a0students who want a quieter lifestyle with scenic views. It offers modern\u00a0student\u00a0housing, waterfront\u00a0study spots, and good transport links to universities and the city\u00a0centre.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1773738766946\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">When should\u00a0students start looking for accommodation in Cardiff?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Students should ideally start searching between\u00a0January and March\u00a0for September intake. Early bookings offer better prices, more room choices, and access to the most popular\u00a0student\u00a0neighbourhoods.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 2026, students are picking areas according to how life actually feels\u00a0there.\u00a0It includes\u00a0factors like how fast you\u00a0can\u00a0get to lectures, where you can easily unwind after classes, and whether the area matches your energy level or not.\u00a0And when it comes to Cardiff, it quietly nails this balance. It is affordable, compact, and packed with student-friendly areas. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":24021,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[544],"tags":[229],"class_list":["post-24014","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-accommodation","tag-united-kingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24014","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24014"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24014\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24021"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24014"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24014"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24014"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}