Student Accommodation in Cardiff

Cardiff is famous for being the largest city and the capital of Wales, but you may not know that it is also one of the most cost-effective cities in the UK for students to live in, from monthly income, accommodation, activities, and item costs. The cost of living in Cardiff is 38% lower, and student accommodation in Cardiff is 55.6% lower than in London (Numbeo). The city is home to over 40,000 students, attracted by prime institutions like Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the University of South Wales Cardiff Campus. For incoming students, once you've settled in your Cardiff accommodation provided by uhomes.com, you'll be able to soak up excellent education, historical attractions, buzzing nightlife, world-class sports, shopping, and culture.

For students who are into sports, Cardiff will be a wonderful place to study. As the European Capital of Sport in 2014, Cardiff has attracted major international events like the 2012 Olympics, the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and the 2018 Volvo Ocean Race. The Millennium Stadium- Principality Stadium is one of the largest indoor arenas in the world, and there is also Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff City Stadium, Sophia Gardens, International Sports Village, and the Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre, offering various sports events and activities throughout the year.

Cardiff is also a popular tourist destination, hosting a plethora of attractions, shopping centres, restaurants and bars. Travel to Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, Bute Park, and the coastline to appreciate the history, culture, and breathtaking scenery of the city. The Cardiff Quay enjoys a stunning waterfront location in Cardiff Bay and boats over 30 restaurants, cafes, and bars. For shopping, St David's Dewi Sant is home to 150 shops, and the Whittard of Chelsea is a relaxing shopping park where you will enjoy a world-class range of tea, coffee and cocoa. Whether you're planning a trip or studying in Cardiff, the city has everything to offer.

Plenty of choices can be overwhelming when finding the best student accommodation in Cardiff, but proximity to the university campus always comes first when choosing student houses in Cardiff. uhomes.com provides Cardiff student letting with just a 5 to 25-minute walking distance to key institutions like Cardiff University, University of South Wales, and Cardiff Metropolitan University. Moreover, all-inclusive bills, furnished rooms, modern communal amenities like free WiFi, study and social areas, gym, courtyard, bike storage and parking, 24-hour CCTV and onsite security are provided at our student houses in Cardiff to ensure the best living experience. Don't know how to find the best Cardiff accommodation for yourself? Just filter, select, and book with our verified listings and detailed filters, or simply tell us what matters to you and let us do the hard work. You will also benefit from flexible leases, exclusive listings, and price guarantees designed by us to take all stress out of your student life.

Explore our best student accommodation in Cardiff:

• Crown Place Cardiff 

This Cardiff accommodation is a 5-minute walk to Cardiff University Cathay campus and a 15-minute walk to the University of South Wales. Boasting various room types, from en-suites to studios and 1-bedroom apartments.

• Vita Student Park Place 

Popular apartments for rent in Cardiff Wales with all studio rooms and located within an 8-minute walking distance to Cardiff University Cathay Park campus and a close to the buzzing city centre.

• Eclipse, Cardiff

This Cardiff accom is famous for its top-notch amenities like grab & go breakfast, a nightclub, karaoke room, state-of-the-art security, and 40-inch television in your bedroom.

• Cambrian Point

No.1 private student accommodation in Cardiff by Student Crowd. Offering affordable homes for rent from £174/week with all en-suite rooms. It is surrounded by large areas of Blackweir Fields, allowing residents to experience the beautiful natural scenes.

• West Wing 

Cheap accommodation in Cardiff for students from £155/week. Right in the middle of Cardiff University (22 min walk) and the University of South Wales (10 min walk), and a 20-minute walk to City Centre.

• Adam Street Gardens

No.2 Cardiff student letting by Student Crowd within walking distance to the University of South Wales (4 min) and Cardiff University (21 min), as well as Cardiff City Centre (15 min).

• Windsor House 

Cardiff Wales apartments for rent that offer en-suites and studios close to Cardiff University (11 min walk) and the University of South Wales (11 min walk).

• The Fitzalan

A good option for students looking for apartments in Cardiff Wales with spacious rooms with studios and 2-bedroon apartments. Walking distance to both the University of South Wales (10 min) and Cardiff University (16 min).

• Bridge Street Exchange

Well-known for its good views and its 25 high-rise buildings next to Cardiff city centre. Less than 10 minutes on foot to the University of South Wales and Cardiff University.

• Zenith

Also a popular accommodation in Cardiff among students for its proximity to the University of South Wales (8 min walk) and various on-site facilities, including sports centre, sky lounge, karaoke and cinema room, roof terrace, study spaces, and on-site security.

If you're looking for cheap student accommodation in Cardiff, uhomes.com offers the best options starting from £132/week, as well as exclusive listings, exclusive offers, and various discounts. Your utility bills like water, electricity, gas, heat, and Internet are all included in the rent, so there are no extra expenses. For couples or friends, some Cardiff student flats with free double occupancy will help to save a lot of budget. Many of our cheap accommodation in Cardiff Wales for students also comes with all the essentials like furnished rooms, modern amenities, safety measures, and prime locations without burning your wallet.

These are recommendations for cheap student accommodation in Cardiff:

• West Wing

From £155/week. This student accommodation Cardiff offers en-suites, studios, and 1b flats, and is a 10-minute walk to University of South Wales. On-site amenities like lounge, game and study rooms, free gym and laundry facilities.

• Howard Gardens

From £158/week with all en-suite rooms. Featuring free on-site gym, washer dryers in every flat, TV lounge, games room, study spaces, private dining kitchen, and courtyard. It is a 9-minute walk to University of South Wales and a 6-minute to School of Engineering.

• Alwyn Court

From £170/week. Cardiff student accommodation features fully furnished studios and shared apartments. Less than a 5-minute walk from the Cardiff Student Union and the main humanities campus.

• Cambrian Point

From £175/week and up to 150 cashback with en-suite rooms. Located a 10-minute walk away from Cardiff University and on the edge of the popular Cathays neighbourhood, also near The River Taff, Blackweir Fields and Bute Park.

• Adam Street Gardens

From £175/week for en-suites and studios. Less than a 20-minute walk from the city centre, Cardiff University and the University of South Wales. Features a gym, study space, bike storage, laundry, outdoor social space, ultrafast WiFi, onsite team and 24/7 assistance.

• Bridge Street Exchange

From £181/week with en-suites and studios. Offering top amenities like courtyard, private dining room, karaoke room, a gym, and study spaces. This Cardiff student housing also provides easy access to the University of South Wales (6 min on foot), Cardiff University (8 min by bike).

• The Fitzalan

From £182/week. Offering both stylish studios and two-bedroom apartments for you to share with friends. You will benefit from a central location and luxury amenities, including free WiFi, separate study spaces, an on-site gym, cinema room, games room, common room, communal kitchen, 24-hour reception, on-site maintenance team and secure fob entry access.

• Cown Place Cardiff

From £184/week with en-suites, studios, and 1B flats. This Cardiff accommodation is only a 5-minute walk from Cardiff University Cathay campus and features two cinema rooms, a fitness suite, a games room and bike storage.

When it comes to where to live and choosing your Cardiff student letting, there are many lovely neighbourhoods with their own charm and a unique personality. For student accommodation Cardiff, the City Centre, Cathays, Roath, and Heath are the most popular areas. Here is a detailed list to look at the best areas for Cardiff student accommodation:

1. Cardiff City Centre

The Cardiff city centre is the first choice for many students attending the University of South Wales, Cardiff Campus (about 5-10 minutes on foot). Choosing accommodation in Cardiff city centre will bring students both within walking distance of daily commuting to school and easy access to the thriving city life. The famous Cardiff Castle, National Museum, The Museum of Cardiff, and Bute Park are all located in this area, waiting for students to explore after class.

2. Cathays

Cathays, situated northern side of the city centre, is where the main building of Cardiff University is located. Cardiff student accommodation in Cathays enables students to walk to school or ride a bike for just several minutes. It is one of the most popular areas for students and fosters a young community with vibrant nightlife. This area also boasts an array of restaurants, supermarkets, cafes, pubs, and high-quality Cardiff student lettings.

3. Roath

Roath lies in the northeast of Cardiff city centre and is a vibrant hub second only to the city centre itself. The Cardiff Metropolitan University - Cyncoed Campus is a 20-minute bus trip, closer than living in many other areas. This area is perfect for choosing your Cardiff student letting if you are seeking both an abundance of nature and great transport links. Explore the serene Roath Park for leisurely strolls or boating in the lake, where you might catch sight of a graceful swan. There is also a lively music scene at The Globe, which is full of enthusiasm.

4. Heath

Health is ideal for settling your Cardiff accommodation if you're going to study at Cardiff University Heath Park Campus (several minutes on foot) or Cardiff Metropolitan University (15 minutes by bus). Shared accommodation is popular here and also budget-friendly. With short commuting time to the university campus and plenty of local stores and student budget eateries, as well as Heath Park, this area will be worth considering for students.

Apart from location, deciding the room type you want to live in is also crucial when looking for student accommodation in Cardiff. In case you do not know how to choose from so many room types, we listed several major types to help you understand their differences.

1. En-suite

An en-suite room is a bedroom that includes a private bathroom attached to the room. It offers greater privacy and convenience. It is the perfect choice for balancing between budget and privacy. Some of the best options for cheap student accommodation in Cardiff with en-suites are Cambrian Point, Windsor House, and Eclipse, Cardiff.

2. Non en-suite

A non en-suite room is a bedroom without a private bathroom. Residents share a communal bathroom with others in the accommodation. This type of room is usually cheaper than en-suites and is ideal for students with a limited budget or enjoying living in a connected community. The Fitzalan, Livin - Cardiff, and Northgate House Apartments are good choices if you're considering renting a non en-suite.

3. Studio

Looking for a whole place for yourself? Then student studio apartments in Cardiff will be your best choice. A studio room is a self-contained living space that typically includes a bedroom, a kitchenette, and a private bathroom all in one room. It is designed for single occupancy with complete privacy and independence. Some studio rooms to rent in Cardiff also offer double occupancy for couples and friends to live together, such as Vita Student Park Place, West Wing, and Adam Street Gardens.

4. 1B

"1B" typically refers to a one-bedroom apartment in Cardiff. It includes a separate bedroom, a living area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The difference between 1B and studio is that 1B features a separate bedroom closed off from the living room and kitchen, while studio is a self-contained space with the bed, kitchen, and living area in one room. Crown Place Cardiff, City Heights - Cardiff, and Caerfelin Student Accommodation provide high-quality 1B rooms.

5. 2-5B

2-5 bedroom apartments are houses that have 2-5 separate bedrooms, one or more bathrooms, and a kitchen and a living room. 2 bed house to rent in Cardiff is also popular for two friends to live together, and 3-5b are usually for families or students looking for a house share.

Student houses in Cardiff are usually designed with fixed lease terms to cover the whole semester, but finding short stays is also easy with uhomes.com. Here are a detailed introduction and some popular accommodation options：

Long Term

The lease term of student houses in Cardiff is usually 44 weeks (September to the next July) or 51 weeks (September to the next September), designed to align with the academic calendar. Most of the purpose-built student accommodations provide only one or two fixed term and you will be committing to pay for the entire stay. Popular apartments like Crown Place Cardiff, West Wing, and Eclipse Cardiff all offer standard lease terms.

Short Term

Compared with university halls of residence, private student accommodation in Cardiff offers more options, including modern purpose-built student accommodation and shared housing or flats. The length of stay in private student accommodation tends to be more flexible compared to university halls to cater to various needs. For a short stay for summer camps, language classes, and internships, uhomes.com have some best accommodations like Cambrian Point (5/6/7/8/9/12/15weeks), Adam Street Gardens (6/14weeks), and Vita Student Park Place (3 weeks).

Wondering how to choose from on-campus student halls and private accommodation? University dorms offer fewer options and shared living spaces but offer a convenient location in a student community, while private one offers a wide range of different rooms with diverse features that need you to filter and compare. Check the details before making your decision:

On-Campus Student Halls in Cardiff

Universities in Cardiff provide halls of residence on campus or close to campus, and these university dorms might be managed directly by universities or provided by third-party letting agencies. The price of dorms range from  £119.21 to £168.84 per week for Cardiff University students (studios, en-suites, and shared flats), and £148 to £224 per week for Cardiff Met University students (en-suites and shared rooms). Students need to apply within deadlines, and Cardiff Met only guarantees rooms to first-year, full-time students with a firm offer. On-campus student halls are usually more affordable and convenient and offer a strong sense of community, but they will be filled up soon.

Private student accommodation in Cardiff

Private student accommodation in Cardiff is another popular choice, with more options, better amenities, and affordable costs. You will find not only private houses, apartments, flats, and hotels but also a wide range of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) designed with proximity to campus, modern facilities, all-inclusive bills, furnished rooms, and safety measures. Whether you're after a house share to save budget or 1 bed flat to rent in Cardiff for luxury private living, uhomes.com has something to suit your needs. 

Book private student accommodation in Birmingham with uhomes.com to enjoy:

1. Your preferences are guaranteed with a wide range of options.

2. More room types to choose from based on your needs.

3. More modern amenities including high-speed WiFi, study and social areas, gym, game and cinema rooms, laundry facilities, courtyard, etc.

4. Services like all-inclusive bills, free weekday breakfast, on-site reception, 24-hour accommodation team, contents insurance, regular social events, cleaning services, etc.

5. Security measures such as CCTV, fob entry system, key card, on-site security, etc.

6. Easy cancellation policy. No Visa, no offer, no pay.

7. Flexible stays for summer camps, language classes, and internships.

8. Exclusive listings and offers on uhomes.com.

9. Free 24/7 assistant team on uhomes.com.

Student accommodations in Cardiff listed on uhomes.com come with furnished rooms and plenty of modern amenities, so students can live in with comfort and feel at home. The all-inclusive bills will cover your utility fees so there will be no extra costs. We also provide exclusive listings and offers that you will only enjoy with us.

Standard Room Features: Cosy bed, study area and desk, ample storage, wardrobe, mirror, etc.

Kitchen: hob, oven, microwave, sink, fridge freezer, etc.

Property Facilities: Lounge, study room, gym, laundry room, courtyard or terrace, games room, etc.

Security: CCTV, fob entry system, on-site security, key card, etc.

Services: On-site reception or accommodation team, super-fast WiFi, free weekday breakfast, housekeeping, free events, content insurance, bike storage, etc.

The cost of living in Cardiff is 38.3% lower than that in London and 9.3% lower than in Manchester. Cardiff provides a balanced lifestyle with big city amenities and affordable costs. The overall cost of living in Cardiff is around £1,000-15,00 per month but differs greatly from person to person. The primary cost lies in rentals, which signifies the importance of finding cost-effective student accommodation in Cardiff. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Cardiff:

Total: £1,000-£1,500 per month

1. Student Accommodation Cardiff: £480-£1,000/month

On-Campus Student Halls in Cardiff: £480-£880/month

Off-Campus Cardiff Student Accommodation: £550-£1,000/month

2. Food and Groceries: £200-£400/month

3. Utility Bills: £40-£80/month

4. Entertainment: £40-£120/month

5. Laundry: £20-£80/month

6. Clothing: £60-£80/month

7. Travel: £40-£80/month

As the capital city of Wales, Cardiff is easy to get around with a diverse range of public transport links, including buses, trains, bikes, walks, cars, and boats. Whether to get to Cardiff University for daily commuting, explore the city from your student accommodation Cardiff, or visit nearby cities, the comprehensive public transport network will bring students a lot of ease.

1. On Foot

It is easy to get to most places on foot in this city, which has numerous walking paths. For students renting student housing in Cardiff at Cathays, Roath, or Heath, walking to campus takes only several minutes, saving both a lot of time and budget for daily commuting.

2. By Bike

Cardiff is filled with bike tracts and cycle paths like the Wales Coastal Path and Taff Trial. From the university campus, most areas can be reached by bike within less than 10 minutes. Students can enjoy the bike storage service in our Cardiff student accommodation to ensure the safety of your property.

3. By Bus

Cardiff has an extensive bus network, and it is the best way to travel around different areas of the city. Students can buy tickets on the bus or get a pass for a day (£3.80), a week (£14.50), or four weeks (£53) to save money. Some bus routes even run 24/7, making it easy to get around this wonderful city. Many of our Cardiff student lettings are located near bus stops, ensuring students an easy daily commute.

4. By Car

Cardiff is easy to explore by car or taxi, with several trunk roads connecting the neighbourhoods of the city closely, like the A48, A470, and A4232. Global vehicle rental giants like Enterprise Rent-Car, Hertz, and Europcar are accessible, and car parking is also available at some student homes in Cardiff.

5. By Taxi

After late classes or parties, you can get in a licensed black cab at any designated taxi rank or use rideshare options like Uber and Bolt. The basic charge for a taxi in Cardiff is £ 3.50, and the price per kilometre is £ 1.30.

6. By Train

Cardiff's main train stations include Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street, connecting nearby towns and cities with the wider UK, and there are 20 railway stations in Cardiff. It is a good choice for long distances or travels around the city, and it has easy access and affordable prices.

7. By Boat

Travelling by boat between City Centre and Cardiff Bay is something you must experience with a lot of fun. Waterbus stop can be found close to the West Gate entrance and the Holiday Inn hotel from Cardiff City Centre, as well as in front of Mermaid Quay and the Pierhead building from Cardiff Bay.

As the capital city and the biggest city in Wales, Cardiff boats a thriving and welcoming community. From history and art to academic resources and nightlife, there is always something for everyone to explore. With easy access to everything from the private student accommodation in Cardiff, students are bound to stay busy in this buzzing city.

Cardiff has many attractions to look forward to, combining history, culture and landmarks. The magnificent Cardiff Castle sits in the heart of the city centre, blending Roman and Norman history with fairy-tale Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. The nearby Museum of Cardiff shows visitors the city's past through fascinating exhibitions and interactive displays. For nature beauty, The Bute Park and Sophia Gardens are good places to spend a quiet afternoon.

Home to a wide array of cuisine, food lovers will find Cardiff a paradise in which to study and live. There are plenty of the best restaurants in Cardiff waiting for you to explore. For Italian food, try Mia Porto Due at Caroline Street, Diardini Di Sorrento at City Road, or Valentino's in the city centre. Chinese Food can also be found in Happy Gathering, Ji Fried Chicken, and Good World Chinese Restaurant. Of course, if you want to try something special, Cafe Castan and Las Lguanas are popular options.

If you're seeking vibrant nightlife, Rozy Lanes on Queen Street is a good place to go. You can find karaoke, shuffleboard, bowling, and plenty of food to enjoy with your friends. Also, the exciting Boom Battle Bar on Caroline Street is a good place where you can find a lot of activities, from electric darts and axe throwing to pool, karaoke, and cocktails. Besides, Bingo Lingo is where you can expect to see stage performers, lots of dancing, and on-stage battles.

Cardiff is also the favourite for sports fans. It is home to the Principality Stadium, the national stadium of Wales, which hosts 74,500 seats. Watch a game at this Millennium Stadium and cheer for your favourite team! For future students, you will also be able to see the 2028 UEFA Euros in Cardiff. Not satisfied being a spectator? Explore your sports at Football Fiesta, stand-up paddleboarding, Sports Wales National Centre, Cyncoed Sports Campus, Cardiff Rowing Centre, etc.

Cardiff is home to several prime universities in the UK, attracting thousands of students in and outside the country from year to year. It is also the major reason for the wide range of options for student accommodation in Cardiff, specially designed to cater for the needs of various students.

1. Cardiff University

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group Universities in the UK and is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and vibrant student life. It is ranked in the top 2 of UK universities and in the top 1 of Wales. Popular subjects like agriculture, architecture, building & planning, arts, visual & performing, business, and computer science all enjoy top 3 ranking in the UK. Best Cardiff student lettings include Vita Student Park Place (6 min walk), Crown Place Cardiff (6 min walk), and Windsor House (10 min walk).

2. Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Metropolitan University strongly emphasizes the employability of its students after graduation. Popular for its excellent vocational programs, the University also stands out in art and design, business and management, education and public services. It also enjoys strong links with industry, ensuring students are equipped with the practical skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen careers. Since the university is a little bit far from the city's heart, quality Cardiff student houses, like Cambrian Point, Caerfelin Student Accommodation, and Northgate House Apartments, are all about a 30-minute bus trip.

3. University of South Wales, Cardiff Campus

The University of South Wales is the 2nd largest university in Wales for student numbers, and ranked 4th in Wales for academic excellence. It has five campuses across three locations, and the Cardiff Campus emphasises practical and work-simulation learning with a creative community from games and design to fashion and film. Adam Street Gardens (5 min walk), Zenith - Cardiff (7 min walk), and Eclipse, Cardiff (9 min walk) are recommended student homes in Cardiff near campus.

Cardiff is a city where history meets modernity, offering a variety of attractions that attract many visitors every year. From historical castles to magnificent museums and thriving music and arts, Cardiff offers something for everyone. Here are a top lost of best things to do in Cardiff, most are located conveniently near your Cardiff student accommodation. 

1. Cardiff Castle

2. National Museum Cardiff

3. St Fagans National Museum of History

4. Cardiff Bay

5. Principality Stadium

6. Bute Park

7. Roath Park

8. Alexandra Gardens

9. Roald Dahl Plass

10. Ianto's Shrine

Cardiff combines academic excellence, affordability, and a warm, cosmopolitan atmosphere—all set against a backdrop of rich culture and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for students to study and live.

1. World-class Universities: Cardiff University (Russell Group, top 150 globally); Cardiff Metropolitan University (known for sports science, art and design, strong industry links); University of South Wales (practical courses in film, computing, and business)

2. Affordable Living Costs: 30% cheaper than London; rent for Cardiff student accommodation averages £120–£200/week.

3. Vibrant Cultural Scene: Welsh culture (bilingual environment, historic landmarks); arts and festivals (BBC Cardiff Singer of the World,  Cardiff International Film Festival); sports hub (Millennium Stadium, rugby culture).

4. Compact & Student-Friendly City: Easy to navigate on foot or bike, with most campuses, shops, and nightlife (St Mary Street, Cathays) within walking distance.

5. Strong Employment Opportunities: Key industries (BBC Wales, S4C, University Hospital of Wales); graduate schemes with companies like Deloitte and HSBC; post-study work visa.

6. Stunning Natural Surroundings: Bute Park; proximity to Brecon Beacons National Park, Gower Peninsula, and Welsh coastline.

7. Welcoming International Community: Over 10,000 international students from 130+ countries; visa guidance, English language workshops, and cultural events like Global Week.

8. Safe Environment: Ranked one of the UK's safest cities, with low crime rates in student areas.

9. Excellent Transport Links: 2-hour train to London, 1 hour to Bristol; Cardiff Airport.