Cardiff is regarded as one of the most student-friendly cities in the UK, where the historical culture is mixed with a modern lively atmosphere. It is also known as the “City of Arcades” where there is a great combination of the Victorian era, nightlife that is full of activity, and lovely parks. If you are a newcomer to the university lifestyle or a postgraduate seeking a quiet residence, you can find the right student housing in Cardiff that will definitely make a difference.
Cardiff has a friendly community, good transport connections, and different types of neighborhoods, so it is no wonder that it is the number one location with student housing options that are favorable in terms of price, comfort, and convenience. For any student accommodation in Cardiff, here is a guide highlighting the best places, each having its own character, atmosphere, and benefits.
1. Cathays - The Heart of Student Life
One aspect that really embodies the whole student life in Cardiff is Cathays. This area is often referred to as the “student capital” of Cardiff and has all the students from the three major universities, namely Cardiff University, the University of South Wales, and Cardiff Metropolitan University, settled there.
Right from your dorm, you are surrounded by all the lively streets with cafés, bars, restaurants, and student houses making it very easy for all the students to be met at the doorstep. And the very main advantage of living here is that you can easily walk within minutes to lectures, the city centre, or your favourite hangout spots.
The atmosphere is young, vibrant, and sociable which is great for those who always want to be in the thick of things. On the other hand, it does get a bit noisy sometimes and this also affects the rent price which is higher compared to other areas; nonetheless, the proximity and lifestyle turn out to be worth it.
Rental Range: £800-£1,200/month for studios
Commute: Cardiff University is a short walk away; 5-10 minutes biking to the city centre.
2. Roath - Lively and Affordable
Roath is a district that offers a perfect combination of vigor and calmness just next to Cathays. Students living there have the advantage of the student community and the vibrant social life as well as the quiet surroundings.
In Roath, students will be offered the option of cheap rooms, shared flats, suites, and studios as their living accommodations. The area’s artistic vibe, international restaurants, and vintage shops are especially attractive to foreign students and the like.
If you are a person who prefers living in a friendly and laid-back environment with nature right outside your door, then Roath is the place for you.
Rental Range: £700-£1,000/month for studios
Commute: 15-20 minutes to Cardiff University by bus; 10-15 minutes by bike.
3. Adamsdown - Budget-Friendly and Convenient
Adamsdown is a scarcely apparent location for students, who consider price first and location second. Simply, it is perfect for the ones going to the University of South Wales Cardiff Campus as it is situated just east of the city center.
The whole area is going through a process of regeneration, which is making the whole place more attractive to landlords and at the same time keeping the rent lower than in Cathays or the city center. It is a very well-connected area, close to public transport, local shops, and supermarkets, which makes the day-to-day life of the residents very simple and convenient.
The combination of students and young professionals in Adamsdown contributes to the creation of a community that is very well balanced in terms of demography and has a friendly, social atmosphere.
Rental Range: £700-£1,000/month for studios
Commute: 10-15 minutes by bike to Cardiff University; easy access by bus.
4. Canton & Pontcanna - Trendy and Modern
If you're after a lifestyle that is more fashionable and modern, Canton and Pontcanna should be your first considerations. These two adjacent neighborhoods radiate a creative and energetic vibe, with plenty of cafes, shops, and places for art creation.
Canton is a melting pot of different cultures and provides a very vibrant atmosphere while Pontcanna is more relaxed and offers a countryside-like environment together with a lot of parks. They thus set the perfect stage for a night out and a day indoors, very suitable for the students who cannot decide between these two options.
The rents are a bit on the higher side yet the beauty of the area, the buzzy arts scene, and the friendliness of the locals all contribute to making it a hotspot for upper-year students and postgraduates.
Rental Range: £900-£1,400/month for studios
Commute: About 15-20 minutes by bus or 10-15 minutes by bike to Cardiff University.
5. Riverside - Scenic and Peaceful
Riverside is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods of Cardiff, providing a mix of old world charm and contemporary housing. It is located next to the Taff River and it is a quiet yet easily accessible place.
Students living in Riverside benefit from a quiet neighbourhood and nice views along with the city centre and universities proximity. It is a perfect spot for students who wish to be in a less noisy area but still close enough to the lively places of Cardiff.
The riverside area of houses in the style of Victorian and modern-day apartments is the combination of the young and the old that sets the perfect spot for students and young professionals.
Rental Range: About £800-£1,200/month for studios.
Commute: 15-20 minutes by bus to Cardiff University; cycling is also a popular option.
6. Penylan - Green and Community-Focused
In case you are looking for a quiet place to live with a community atmosphere, Penylan could be just what you need. It's a six-minute car ride east of the city center, and it is characterized by its beautiful Edwardian architecture, lush parks, and warm-hearted inhabitants.
The nearby Roath Park Lake is a perfect place for studying, jogging, or enjoying picnics. The neighborhood has bigger houses and less noisy streets, which are very much recommended for postgraduates or students who like to live in a peaceful and cozy environment.
Rental Range: £700-£1,100/month for studios
Commute: About 15 minutes by bus or 10 minutes by car to the city center.
7. Llandaff - Historical and Tranquil
Llandaff is a picturesque suburb situated around ten to fifteen minutes from the city center, primarily recognized for its ancient buildings and soothing atmosphere. This area, where the Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Llandaff Campus is located, is ideally suited for students enrolled there.
The neighborhood, although enriched with stunning attractions like Llandaff Cathedral and parks like Llandaff Fields, still maintains a peaceful atmosphere similar to that of a village rather than a student's active area. It’s an excellent place for mature students or anyone wanting a quiet spot for study.
Rental Range: £750-£1,100/month for studios
Commute: 10-15 minutes by car or public transport to the city center.
8. Cardiff Bay - Modern Waterfront Living
Students who are fond of the noise and atmosphere of the city and at the same time could enjoy beautiful views in Cardiff Bay, an unbeatable combo. The area is famous for its entertainment land, restaurants, and cultural icons like the Wales Millennium Centre, which is both lively and motivating.
Student accommodation in Cardiff Bay is a bit pricey but it gives a high-end lifestyle with great amenities and convenient transport to the universities by bus or train.
Rental range: studios £900-£1,500/month
Commute: 15-20 minutes by public transport to the main university campuses.
Final Thoughts
The variety in Cardiff means that every kind of student has a suitable area, be it the buzzing atmosphere of Cathays, the easy-going attractiveness of Roath, or the tranquil beauty of Riverside.
When selecting a place to stay as a student in Cardiff, think about your finances, transportation, and way of life. The situation is made easy by Cardiff in that it has so many friendly neighborhoods where one can find a home that genuinely matches the university experience.
The place you choose to live in will not matter, the experience of being a student in Cardiff will still be great, and it will be full of culture, community, and comfort.
