Student Accommodation Cardiff

At University Living, we offer a wide range of verified, fully furnished, and all-inclusive student accommodation in Cardiff designed to meet your needs. Whether you're looking for a private en-suite, shared apartment, or self-contained studio, each property includes high-speed Wi-Fi, study areas, laundry facilities, and 24/7 security. All utility bills—electricity, water, gas, and internet—are included in the rent for your convenience.

Our expert team is here to help you find a space that fits your lifestyle, university location, and budget.

You can find the best student housing in Cardiff in popular areas such as Cathays, Roath, City Centre, Plasnewydd, and Heath. These neighborhoods offer easy access to top institutions like Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the University of South Wales. With great transport links, green parks, lively cafes, and a strong student community, Cardiff is one of the most affordable and welcoming student cities in the UK.

Finding the perfect student home in Cardiff is all about balancing location, budget, facilities, and lifestyle. Whether you want to be in the heart of the student scene or prefer a quieter spot, Cardiff has plenty of options—all within easy reach of top universities. Here’s a breakdown of the best student housing choices in the city:

On Campus Student Accommodation: These accommodations are in the type of student dorms that are provided by the university the student is attending. By choosing on campus accommodation, students will live within the university premises.

Off- Campus Student Housing: Also called student housing, these are the accommodations built to cater to student needs. Students who wish to live near their university can rent one of these accommodation types, since the proximity makes it super easy to attend the early morning lectures. Moreover, these Cardiff student accommodations provide students with some world-class amenities, that make student life much easier. Students can choose from several types of student housing, such as Suites, Ensuites, Studio Rooms and Shared Apartment.

Private Apartment: If you wish to live alone in Cardiff, then renting a private apartment in Cardiff is an excellent choice. These are residential apartments that can be rented by anyone. Here, students can enjoy the utmost privacy and personal space, since they don’t need to share anything with a flat mate. Private Apartments are slightly more expensive than shared ones, but the benefits are just world-class.

Home Stays: This is an excellent way to get to know the local people of the city and the culture. By choosing Home Stays, students get the chance to live with a local family in their home. Students will get a personal bedroom and bathroom, thereby making sure their personal space is not jeopardized. Home Stays are an excellent choice if you are looking for affordable student accommodation in Cardiff, UK.

The student apartments in Cardiff, United Kingdom are designed to provide comfort to the students. Some of the best-recommended postgraduate accommodations in Cardiff are:

1. Windsor House

2. Vita Student Park Place

3. Summit House

4. Eclipse

5. Zenith

6. The Neighbourhood

7. Howard Gardens

8. The Bakery

9. Lumis Student Living

10. Livin Cardiff

Explore these top-rated accommodations and secure your ideal student home today!

Cardiff, the thriving capital of Wales, ranks among the UK’s top student cities – blending rich history, cutting-edge education, and unbeatable quality of life. Home to over 30,000 students from 130+ countries, this compact yet cosmopolitan city offers world-class universities alongside affordable living costs (30% lower than London!).

Why Students Love Cardiff

• Culture & Entertainment: From Cardiff Castle to the Wales Millennium Centre, the city pulses with arts and nightlife
• Student Budget Friendly: One of the UK’s most affordable capitals, with great shopping at St David’s Centre
• Green Spaces: 330+ parks including Bute Park – larger than London’s Hyde Park!
• Coastal Access: Stunning beaches like Barry Island just 20 minutes away

Cardiff’s Fascinating History

• Roman Roots (1st century AD): Began as a fort guarding against Celtic tribes
• Industrial Boom (19th century): Became the world’s largest coal exporter
• Modern Capital (1955): Officially named Wales’ capital, now a hub for government and innovation

Did You Know? 

• Cardiff Castle sits on original Roman walls – still visible today
• The Principality Stadium has a retractable roof that opens in 20 minutes
• Doctor Who, Sherlock and Sherlock Holmes all film in Cardiff Bay
• The city has more castles than any other UK city (3 within city limits!)
• Cardiff University ranks among the world’s top 150 universities
  
  

With its unbeatable mix of academic prestige, student-friendly costs and Welsh hospitality, Cardiff offers an unforgettable study experience. Ready to find your perfect student home in Cardiff? Explore handpicked accommodations near all major universities.

Choosing the right student home in Cardiff depends on your budget, lifestyle, and proximity to universities. Here are the top student-friendly areas, each offering unique advantages:

1. Cardiff City Centre – The Heart of the Action

• Best for: Students who love convenience, nightlife, and city buzz
• Steps away from Queen Street, St. Mary’s Street, and Hayes Street – Cardiff’s main shopping hubs
• Packed with cafes, bars, and entertainment venues
• Excellent transport links to all major universities
• Top Accommodation: True Student Cardiff (modern, all-inclusive living)

2. Cardiff Bay – Scenic & Stylish

• Best for: Students who prefer waterfront views and a cosmopolitan vibe
• Trendy restaurants, cultural spots like Wales Millennium Centre
• Diverse community with a mix of cultures
• Short commute to Cardiff Met and University of South Wales
• Top Accommodation: Liberty Living Cardiff Bay (luxury studios with stunning views)

3. Cathays – The Student Hub

• Best for: Budget-conscious students who want a lively social scene
• #1 student area – packed with affordable housing
• Walking distance to Cardiff University
• Plenty of pubs, takeaways, and student deals
• Top Accommodation: Unite Students Crown Place (great value en-suite rooms)

4. Roath – Affordable & Trendy

• Best for: Students who love a local, artsy vibe
• Independent cafes, vintage shops, and Roath Park
• More spacious housing options than Cathays
• Still close to campus (10-15 min bus ride)
• Top Accommodation: Collegiate Roath Gardens (premium student apartments)

5. Pontcanna – Upscale & Green

• Best for: Students who prefer quieter, premium living
• Leafy streets with boutique cafes and yoga studios
• Near Bute Park – perfect for outdoor lovers
• Popular with postgraduate and international students
• Top Accommodation: Nido Cardiff (high-end studios with gym access)

Moving to a new city is often overwhelming and confusing. Whether it's the question of student accommodation or the budget, everyone always thinks twice before making a decision. If you are new to Cardiff, United Kingdom, and are wondering what is the Cost of living in Cardiff, then find it below.

1. Rent of International Student Accommodation in Cardiff: Starts From £520/ month onwards

2. Cost of Food and Groceries: £300 - £400/ month

3. Cost of Gas and Electricity Bill: 60- £100/ month

4. Cost of Internet & mobile phone: £60 - £80/ month

5. Cost of Laundry: £20- £40/ month

6. Cost of Clothing: £50-£100/ month

7. Cost of Travel (buses, trams, trains): £50-£80 / month

Budgeting Tips for Cardiff Students

Save on Food & Drinks

• £4 Meal Deals – Grab cheap lunches at Cardiff University’s Students’ Union
• Mackintosh Sports Café – Hearty £3.50 pasta pots & jacket potatoes
• Poundstretcher & Aldi – Budget-friendly grocery shopping in Cathays
• Student Nights – Tuesday at Live Lounge (2-4-1 cocktails) & Wednesday at Revolution (£2 drinks)

Smart Shopping

• Cardiff Central Market – Fresh produce for less (try the £1 fruit bowls!)
• Charity Shops – Hit Cowbridge Road East for cheap books, clothes & kitchenware
• Too Good To Go App – Score discounted meals from cafes before closing

Affordable Transport

• Student Bus Pass – £99/semester for unlimited Cardiff Bus rides
• Nextbike – Just £1/hour to cycle around the city
• Train Discounts – 1/3 off with a 16-25 Railcard (perfect for trips to Barry Island!)

Shared Living Hacks

• Splitwise App – Easily divide bills with housemates
• Cardiff Freecycle – Furnish your room for free
• Energy Switch – Save £100+/year by comparing suppliers via USwitch

Students have plenty to do in Cardiff with its vibrant city center. This thriving city is rich in culture, with Cardiff Castle, Castell Coch, Cardiff Bay, and the National Museum offers a wealth of treasures to discover. And the gastronomic scene and impressive shopping are also worth exploring.

Foodies will get their money's worth in Cardiff, where there is a huge selection of dishes to choose from. Wiwo was voted the best takeaway in Cardiff a few years ago and is ideal for a meal on a budget. As well as the usual venues such as Oceana and Revs, Cardiff is also home to a number of independent clubs and bars.

Cardiff’s compact layout and efficient transport network make navigating the city straightforward and budget-friendly. Here’s a comprehensive overview of student travel options:

Public Transport Options

1. Bus Services

• Cardiff Bus Student Semester Pass: £99 for unlimited travel across all routes
• Network Rider Day Ticket: £4.50 for full-day access to all bus services
• University Shuttle Buses: Complimentary services connecting Cardiff University campuses

2. Train Travel

• 16-25 Railcard: Provides a third off standard fares for £30 annually
• Valley Lines Services: Affordable connections to nearby destinations like Penarth and Barry Island

3. Cycling

• Nextbike Hire Scheme: Accessible from £1 per hour with student discounts
• Secure Bike Storage: Available across university campuses

Active Travel Alternatives

1. Walking

• Most student accommodation in Cathays, Roath, and the city centre is within a 15-20 minute walk of university buildings
• Pedestrian-friendly routes through Bute Park and along the Taff Trail

2. Cycling

• Dedicated cycle lanes throughout the city
• Free maintenance stations at key university locations

Additional Transport Solutions

• Taxi Services: Shared rides from £5-10 for shorter journeys
• Car Clubs: Flexible hourly rentals starting from £5 via providers like Enterprise Car Club

Practical Travel Advice

• Transport for Wales App: Real-time updates and mobile ticketing for buses and trains
• Night Bus Services: Routes 95 and 96 operate until 3am on weekends
• Student Discounts: Always carry university ID for potential savings

If you are a wanderer, or are coming to Cardiff for your further education, then you are in for a great surprise. This beautiful city has many worth-visiting places that one must explore when in Cardiff. Some of these famous tourist attractions include:

1. Cardiff Castle

2. Cardiff Bay

3. City Centre

4. Wales Millenium Centre

5. The Pierhead