{"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 there. It includes factors like how fast you can get to lectures, where you can easily unwind after classes, and whether the area matches your energy level or not. And 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. Let\u2019s break down the best and most affordable <strong>student areas in Cardiff<\/strong>. Let\u2019s get started! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cathays <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cathays is one of the<strong> best student neighbourhoods in Cardiff<\/strong>, with it being right next to <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. Here, the streets are always full of life, with students arriving from all across the globe. Plus, it is super easy for you to find cheap food and plenty of places to hang out here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Home to local spots such as Gassy\u2019s and The Flora. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Salisbury Road offers more than 20 different types of food. <\/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. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Top properties in Cathays include: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/summit-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Summit House,\">Summit House,<\/a> <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> <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> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shared <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/place\/cathays\" title=\"student housing in Cathays\">student housing in Cathays<\/a> <\/strong>ranges from \u00a3120-\u00a3180\/week. Whereas studios rooms can cost \u00a3800-\u00a31,350\/month. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Roath <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Roath is especially made for those who like to have more laid-back energy, away from the noise of the city. It is known for having a bohemian vibe and is filled with independent parks and coffee shops. Ideal for PG students who like to have space while being close to university action. The area is well known for Roath Park Lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The green area is known to cover 130 acres of land, fitting approximately 70 football pitches. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ranked as one of the top 10 coolest neighbourhoods in the UK for foodies. <\/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. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shared <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/place\/roath\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"student accommodation in Roath\">student accommodation in Roath<\/a> <\/strong>costs \u00a3110-\u00a3160\/week, whereas studios range from \u00a3700-\u00a31,000\/month. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Top properties in Roath include: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/clodien-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Clodien House,\">Clodien House,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/crown-place-cardiff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Crown Place,\">Crown Place,<\/a> <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>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Heath <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heath is a primary hub for those who are dedicated to studying medicine. It is very close to Cardiff University School of Medicine. Plus, you will be directly adjacent to the University Hospital of Wales, making it easy for students to commute from the city centre. This neighbourhood provides both a calm and residential atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Heath Park campus is under 10 minutes\u2019 walk from here. <\/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. <\/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. <\/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 <strong>most affordable student areas in Cardiff.<\/strong> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some of the top properties here include: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/alwyn-court\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Alwyn Court,\">Alwyn Court,<\/a> <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> <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>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Canton <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Canton provides a trendy and artsy alternative to traditional student hubs. It is centred around 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, theatres and bustling cafes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is home to Landsdowne Pub and the world-famous Victoria Park. <\/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. <\/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 best neighbourhoods in Cardiff.<\/strong> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Student housing in Canton costs between \u00a3135 and \u00a3255\/week. <\/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 <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> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/zenith\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Zenith,\">Zenith,<\/a> <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> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cardiff Bay <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cardiff Bay mixes history with futuristic sci-fi vibes. While other students are squeezed into busy libraries, you can easily finish your essay on the 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. <\/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. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One can easily escape traffic and take the Aquabus water taxi from your <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> <\/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. <\/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. <\/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> include: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/the-fitzalan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"The Fitzalan,\">The Fitzalan,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/cardiff\/property\/eclipse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Eclipse\">Eclipse<\/a> and <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>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Student Accommodation Cardiff Market Summary (2026) <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing the right<strong> student housing in Cardiff <\/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 centres or local markets, these flexible options are specifically designed for a modern lifestyle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following are the student accommodation Cardiff market summary: <\/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> <\/td><td><strong>Weekly Rent (Est. 2026)<\/strong> <\/td><td><strong>Best For<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shared House (HMO) <\/td><td>\u00a3110- \u00a3150 <\/td><td>Socializing and saving money in Cathays\/Roath. <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>PBSA (En-suite) <\/td><td>\u00a3145 \u2013 \u00a3229 <\/td><td>All-inclusive bills, on-site gyms, and total convenience. <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Studio Apartment <\/td><td>\u00a3200 \u2013 \u00a3350 <\/td><td>Maximum privacy and a quiet, focused study environment. <\/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. So, it is advised for you to search early. In order to simplify your research, check out <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"University Living\">University Living<\/a><\/strong> to compare latest deals on student rooms in Cardiff. Find a place that hits the sweet spot between comfort and cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Living in Cardiff as a student isn\u2019t about settling; it\u2019s about fitting in fast. The city gives you neighbourhoods that adapt to your routine, not the other way around. Whether you\u2019re chasing late-night food in Cathays, quiet walks in Roath, focused mornings in Heath, creative weekends in Canton, or calm sunsets at Cardiff Bay, there\u2019s a spot that clicks. And the best part? You don\u2019t have to sacrifice affordability to get quality. Pick the area that matches how you study, socialise, and recharge. Do that right, and Cardiff doesn\u2019t just support your degree, it 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 students living near Cardiff University?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Cathays is the top choice for students studying at Cardiff University. It\u2019s right next to campus, packed with affordable food spots, and has the highest concentration of student housing 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 student area in Cardiff in 2026?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Roath and Cathays are among the most budget-friendly areas for students. Shared housing here usually costs less than other neighbourhoods while 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 neighbourhood is best for quiet and focused living?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Heath is ideal for students who prefer a calm, residential environment. It\u2019s especially popular with medical and postgraduate students due to its proximity to hospitals and study-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 students to live?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, Cardiff Bay suits students who want a quieter lifestyle with scenic views. It offers modern student housing, waterfront study spots, and good transport links to universities and the city centre.<\/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 students start looking for accommodation in Cardiff?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Students should ideally start searching between January and March for September intake. Early bookings offer better prices, more room choices, and access to the most popular student neighbourhoods.<\/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 there. It includes factors like how fast you can get to lectures, where you can easily unwind after classes, and whether the area matches your energy level or not. And when it comes to Cardiff, it quietly nails this balance. It is affordable, [&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}]}}