Student Accommodations near Cardiff University

Cardiff is a major hub for higher education and is home to two world-renowned universities, including Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University. Cardiff University is one of the most preferred choices for students in the city and welcomes thousands of students every year to pursue some of the most in-demand courses in the country.

A major challenge that these students face is finding suitable student accommodation in Cardiff. The city is home to over 370,000 residents, and therefore, finding the right property can be a daunting task for most students. The rent for student accommodation near Cardiff University typically ranges between £144 and £261 per week. This is where University Living comes to the rescue of students! With over 10+ years of experience in the industry, we've helped more than 2 million students find their home away from home. Students can also avail additional services such as visa assistance, flight tickets, international money transfer, etc., through ULInfinity!

Student housing near Cardiff University come in various types, namely: Student Halls, Student Housing (PBSAs), and Private Apartments. These property types are standard for all student accommodation in UK. Cardiff University's student halls are accommodations provided by the university but are quite limited in number and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. In off-campus accommodation, students can choose from a range of room types, namely: En-Suite & Non-En-Suite, shared apartments, and Studio apartments in Cardiff.

Cardiff University is a public research university founded in 1883 and was granted royal charter status in 1883. It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, which represents the top leading research-intensive universities in the UK. With a global ranking of top 200 universities worldwide, the university is particularly renowned for its research excellence, ranking 5th among UK universities for research power and 2nd for research environment. The university has a diverse student population of approximately 33,000 to 35,000 students, with a strong international presence, and welcomes students from over 130 countries worldwide. The university operates across several campuses, including:

• Cathays Park

• Heath Park

Some of Cardiff's key strengths lie in its research-led teaching and commitment to real-world impact. With a student-to-staff ratio of 15:1, students benefit from learning alongside world-leading researchers across disciplines such as journalism, architecture, psychology, and engineering. The university is particularly famous for its School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC), which is widely regarded as one of the top journalism schools in Europe. Cardiff has an outstanding graduate reputation: 91% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months, with 78% entering highly skilled work. The university has an award-winning Careers Service and strong industry links, with graduates securing positions at organisations including the BBC, Airbus, PwC, the United Nations, and Rolls-Royce, as well as numerous alumni featured in BAFTA, Emmy, and Oscar-winning productions.

Some of the top student accommodation near Cardiff University include Summit House, Crown Place, Alwyn Court, and Glendower House. These properties are not only the closest to the university but also very popular among students. While there are countless housing choices available, not everyone is ideal for Cardiff University students. That’s why it’s essential to look for properties that fit your budget and are conveniently located near the university. The average cost of student housing in this area falls between £149 and £261. A quick overview of the top properties is provided in the table below:

1. Summit House

• Address: 9-10 Windsor Place, Cardiff CF10 3BX, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 5 minutes from The Cardiff University

• Property highlights: A fully equipped gym, with great on-site management, a bicycle storage, a cinema room, and a lounge area

• Best for: Students who are looking for a good, cost-efficient student accommodation at a close proximity to the university

• Nearby attractions: Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, Queen Street & The Arcades, National Museum Cardiff, and Principality Stadium

2. Crown Place

• Address: 1-6 St Andrew’s Place, Cardiff CF10 3BE, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 3 minutes from The Cardiff University

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a coffee-breakfast bar, a fitness room, an outdoor courtyard, a laundry room, and a dedicated dining room!

• Best for: Students who are looking for great amenities at a lower cost, while still staying close to the university!

• Nearby attractions: Bute Park, National Museum of Cardiff, Victorian Arcades, Cardiff Bay, and Cardiff Castle.

3. Alwyn Court

• Address: 20 Sailsbury Road, Cardiff CF24 4AF, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 4 minutes from Cardiff University

• Property highlights: A games room, a cinema room, a dedicated study room, extra storage space, and swift on-site maintenance!

• Best for: Students looking for affordable student accommodation near Cardiff University!

• Nearby attractions: Cardiff Castle, Alexandra Gardens, Gorsedd Gardens, and Cardiff Castle Museum.

4. Glendower House

• Address: St. Andrew’s Lane, Cardiff CF10 3DJ, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 5 minutes from The Cardiff University

• Property highlights: A noticeboard, a social space, dedicated cycle storage, a communal area, a study room, and a comfortable lounge.

• Best for: Students looking for accommodation with lots of social spaces and regular events, while staying close to the university!

• Nearby attractions: Cardiff Bay Barrage, Roald Dahl Plass, Gorsedd Gardens, Techniquest, and Ianto's Shrine.

5. City Heights

• Address: 199-209 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3JR, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 6 minutes from Cardiff University

• Property highlights: Students get a garden area, a rooftop terrace, a pool table, a games room, a vending machine, and a private dining area!

• Best for: Students looking for good en-suite and studio apartments Cardiff.

• Nearby attractions: Old Bishop's Palace, Thompson's Park, National Trust - Dyffryn Gardens, and Canal Quarter.

The monthly cost of living for students near Cardiff University ranges between £1,150 and £2,150, and since Cardiff is among the priciest cities in the UK, everyday expenses here tend to be steep. However, with careful budgeting and resisting the urge to splurge on everything the city has to offer, students can comfortably keep their monthly cost of living in Cardiff below £1,150. One of the biggest expenses for students is the rent for their Cardiff University student accommodation. The table below highlights some of the key expenses students are likely to incur while studying in the city:

Students must keep in mind that these figures are estimates and may vary depending on their actual spending and lifestyle. For a more accurate picture of the cost of living near Cardiff University, students can use University Living’s dedicated Cost of Living Calculator.

Another significant cost for students in the city is the tuition fees at Cardiff University. Domestic students pay a maximum of £9,790 per year, while international students’ fees differ by course; further details are outlined below.

Some of the best areas near Cardiff University for students include Cathays, Roath, City Centre, and Heath. These areas are highly sought-after by students in Cardiff and are conveniently located just a stone's throw from the university. What makes them truly stand out is their well-established student community, so newcomers are strongly encouraged to settle in these spots, where they can easily connect with peers for support during any challenges or emergencies. A brief overview of each neighbourhood is provided below:

Cathays

One of the best neighbourhoods for student accommodation near Cardiff University is Cathays, and it is located a short 5-minute walk from the neighbourhood! Cathays is considered the primary student neighbourhood in Cardiff due to its proximity to Cardiff University, and has the highest density of students in the city! Situated just north of the city center, this neighbourhood reduces travel costs for students and is characterised by old Victorian-style houses! The strong student community atmosphere in the neighbourhood is balanced by independent cafes, takeaways, pubs, and convenience stores lining the residential streets. One of the most important locations in the neighbourhood is the Cathays Train Station, which provides quick connections to other parts of Cardiff and other major British cities! Cathays also houses one of the best pubs in the city, The Flora, which is a popular student pub on Cathays Terrace, and is known for its beer garden and pizzas. One of the most beautiful places in the neighbourhood is Cathays Park, the most beautiful civic center, which houses green gardens, Cardiff City Hall, and the National Museum. If you are ever craving a midnight snack or a late-night dinner, the Senghennydd Road Takeaways is your best place to be, as this is lined with affordable food spots that are just perfect for late-night student meals. The average rent for student properties in the Cathays ranges between £800 and £1000 per month!

Roath

Located a short 10-minute walk from the university, another one of the top neighbourhoods for student accommodation near Cardiff University is Roath! This neighbourhood offers a slightly more vibrant and younger atmosphere than other neighbourhoods in the city! Roath is located towards the east of Cathays, and is known for the Roath Park and its beautiful lake, independent shops, and excellent restaurants along Wellfield Road and Albany Road. The neighbourhood is home to students and working professionals, and hence, reduces the transient feel which is sometimes associated with neighbourhoods with a high student population! For postgraduates or students who want a quieter experience than Cathays, Roath is an excellent choice. One of the best places to visit in the neighbourhoods is Roath Park, which is a beautiful lake park with a lighthouse, conservatory, and boating facilities. This place is just perfect for weekend picnics! Another one of the best neighbourhoods for student accommodation in Roath is the Wellfield Road, which is lined with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, and is a local favorite for Sunday brunch. The neighbourhood houses some of the best pubs and bars, and some of the top ones include The Albany, which is a historic pub on Albany Road with live music, pool tables, and a lively student crowd, and the Casanova, which is a popular cocktail bar on Albany Road with a hidden speakeasy vibe. The average rent for student accommodation in Roath ranges between £750 and £1000 per month!

City Centre

Undoubtedly, one of the most convenient neighborhoods for student accommodation near Cardiff University is the city center, and is just a short 10-minute walk from the university! The city center is filled with PBSAs and everything from stationery to clothing to food, everything can be found within a stone’s throw away from the neighbourhood! Living centrally offers maximum convenience and a vibrant urban lifestyle! One of the best places to visit in the city is Cardiff Castle, which is a stunning Roman-era castle right in the city center with grounds open to the public. The neighbourhood is also home to some of the best bars and pubs in the city, and the Brewery Quarter is the main nightlife hub with bars, clubs, and restaurants including Walkabout and Revolution. One of the UKs biggest shopping centers, the St David's Shopping Centre is also located in the neighbourhood and features over 150 stores of some of the fanciest brands in the world! The Cardiff Market is also based in the city center, and is a historic Victorian indoor market with food stalls, cafes, and independent traders. The average rent for student accommodation in City Centre ranges between £700 and £900 per month!

Heath

Located north of Cathays, one of the best neighbourhoods for student accommodation near Cardiff University, is Heath, and is just a short 15-minute walk from the University! This is a residential neighborhood that offers quieter surroundings and larger properties than central Cathays! Students in medical and healthcare courses often choose Heath for its proximity to clinical placements, and the Heath railway station provides quick connections to the city center and the rest of the UK! This area is less party-focused and more suited to students with demanding academic schedules! The most important location in the neighbourhood is the University Hospital of Wales, which is the main teaching hospital where medical students do clinical placements. For some recreation, Heath Park is the best place to be, and is a large green space adjacent to the hospital. This is the ideal space in the neighbourhood for study breaks. If you ever wish to go on a shopping spree, the Birchgrove Road Shops is the best place to be at, and includes several local shops, cafes, and takeaways serving the residential community of Heath. The average rent for student accommodation in Heath ranges between £600 and £800 per month!