How to Find and Choose the Best Student Accommodation in Cardiff
Cardiff is an incredibly lively student city home to three universities: the University of Cardiff, Cardiff Metropolitan, and the University of South Wales (USW). Choosing where to live can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options. So, it’s important to compare viable options to find the best Cardiff student accommodation for your specific needs and lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about choosing the best student accommodation in Cardiff, including area, key features, and the importance of arranging a viewing before booking.
Choosing the Right Area: Where Should Students Live in Cardiff?
Cardiff has a vast array of student accommodation options throughout the city, including halls of residence managed by one of the Cardiff universities, shared houses or flats, and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
With so many different neighbourhoods and accommodation options, you may want to consider your specific circumstances and lifestyle preferences when choosing the right area in Cardiff.
First years and those looking for the “classic student experience” may prefer to live closer to Cardiff city centre, in areas such as Cathays and Roath. At the same time, older students (such as mature or postgraduate students) may choose to live in quieter neighbourhoods away from the bustle of the city, such as Penylan and Heath.
Here are some of the popular student areas in Cardiff, and which students would thrive in the surrounding accommodation:
Cathays
The heart of the student community; Cathays is an incredibly vibrant and student-dense area, close to the University of Cardiff, the USW Cardiff Campus (ATRiuM) and the city centre.
Best for: First-year students, those prioritising convenience, Cardiff University and USW students, and those who want a classic “student experience”.
Roath
Bordering Cathays, Roath is also home to many students and offers a more relaxed and diverse student atmosphere. Expect leafy streets, the picturesque Roath Park, and a mix of shops and restaurants down the central City Road. For Cardiff Metropolitan students, there are plenty of transport links to both the Llandaff and Cyncoed campuses.
Best for: Second- and third-year students seeking a more comfortable accommodation setup, as well as those looking for a combination of affordability, convenience, and community.
Heath
With local amenities and a strong student community, Heath is further from the city centre and close to the University of Cardiff’s Heath Park campus, home to healthcare-related courses, and the University Hospital of Wales (one of the largest hospitals in the UK).
Best for: Medical, nursing, and healthcare students, Cardiff University postgraduate students looking for quieter surroundings, and those who value peace over a busy nightlife.
Cardiff Bay
Settled along the waterfront, Cardiff Bay is becoming a built-up, popular area in the Welsh city for tourists, locals, and students. Although student accommodation options are limited, Cardiff Bay is home to some premium student housing and PBSA properties.
Best for: Postgraduate and mature students who prefer a modern lifestyle, and USW students looking for a calmer setting.
Llandaff
Further afield from Cardiff city centre, Llandaff offers leafy streets and a calming atmosphere for focused students. Within walking distance to Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff is best for students looking for a strong community and local amenities.
Best for: Cardiff Met students who are studying at the Llandaff Campus (for art, design, technology, business, and healthcare degrees), as well as those looking for a quieter, suburban lifestyle.
For more information, read our guide to the most popular student areas in Cardiff here.
Guarantee your student satisfaction by viewing your Cardiff student accommodation options and the surrounding area before booking. By visiting the city, you can not only assess the quality and amenities of the property, but also, whether the neighbourhood will meet your preferences, such as distance from the university campus, supermarkets/shops, things to do in Cardiff, and student events.
Based between popular student areas Cathay and Roath, our private Cardiff student accommodation offers stylish and modern ensuites in varying sizes, including studio and one-bedroom apartment options. With a spacious double bed and a private bathroom, City Heights combines luxury with independence and useful amenities – best for students who want great value in a social setting.
Key Features to Look for in Cardiff Student Housing
Once you decide on an area and type of Cardiff student accommodation, such as university halls or private options, it’s time to look at the details. The right features can transform a property into the ultimate student experience.
Consider not just the cost of Cardiff student accommodation , but also what is included, such as the room’s quality, amenities, and the property's condition.
Keep an eye out for the following:
Essential Amenities for Comfort and Convenience
When comparing properties, consider a blend of both practical and fun features. Dedicated study rooms or spaces are essential for revising throughout the year; however, you should also try to balance your studying with your social life.
Facilities such as a games room, a pool table, gym access, and communal spaces are perfect for creating a strong bond with housemates and unwinding with friends.
To find the best Cardiff student accommodation for your needs, look for properties with key amenities like:
● Dedicated study spaces
● WiFi-speed WiFi
● On-site laundry facilities
● Modern communal areas
● Gym access and activities
● Bike storage
● Welsh-speaking or learning facilities
Security and Safety Features
Feeling safe in your home is a non-negotiable, especially in a new city, and for many students, the first time away from family and friends.
Most purpose-built student housing includes multiple layers of security, including a secure fob entry system that ensures only residents and authorised guests can enter. On-site hospitality and maintenance teams add an extra layer of protection, ensuring someone is always available to address issues (both property-related and personal).
Look for these key safety features to ensure your new home is secure:
● Secure entry systems
● Lockable bedrooms
● 24/7 CCTV
● On-site maintenance
● Well-lit entrances
● Hospitality teams and mental health support
Utilities and Bills Included
One of the biggest advantages of choosing purpose-built Cardiff student accommodation is that utilities are often included in your rent. This "bills included" approach simplifies budgeting immensely, as you pay one fixed amount each month without worrying about fluctuating costs for electricity, water, or internet.
While most properties cover the essentials, it's always wise to confirm exactly what's included. Here’s a typical breakdown:
| Typically Included | May Be Extra |
|---|---|
| WiFi/Broadband | TV License |
| Electricity | On-site Parking |
| Water | Laundry |
| Gas/Heating | Contents Insurance |
How to Choose the Best Student Accommodation in Cardiff for Your Needs
The best student accommodation in Cardiff for you all depends on your priorities and lifestyle. Everyone's different, and an accommodation type that meets your needs as a first-year student may change throughout your university journey.
Consider the following tips in finding the best accommodation to help your overall student experience:
Tip 1) Determine Your Budget
It's important to set realistic weekly and monthly budgets whilst at university. Consider your incomings (student loan, part-time work) against your outgoings (rent, food shop, social life).
It can be beneficial to choose student accommodation with all-inclusive bills, such as electricity, heating, WiFi, and contents insurance, which is common in purpose-built student accommodation. Accommodation with added amenities, such as gym access and leisure spaces (pool or games rooms), can also save money without sacrificing a good social life with new friends and flatmates.
Tip 2) Decide Your Living Style
Think about what kind of living environment would suit you best. Do you prefer the social buzz of a large building and city centre location, or the quiet of a smaller house or studio/private apartment?
There are many different room types near Cardiff universities to consider, varying in their privacy and independence. Consider how social you want to be and how a lively atmosphere will impact your studies. Dedicated study spaces in accommodation are a great way to prioritise your university work, without sacrificing social spaces like communal games rooms.
Tip 3) Check Your Commute to Campus and Other Amenities
Make sure your chosen student accommodation is within easy access to your university campus and amenities, such as libraries, lecture halls, Student Union buildings, and labs.
Check whether it is a short walk or if you will need to rely on public transport; if so, assess the local bus routes and how regular they are throughout the week.
Tip 4) Consider Course Requirements
Certain degrees at Cardiff universities may require early starts or late finishes, such as medicine, nursing or film production. Living close to campus may be more practical for these students who need easy access to the campus.
Check the distance to specialist buildings or training facilities (if you are studying sports) for added convenience as well.
Tip 5) Read Reviews and Speak to Past Cardiff Students
Reading reviews from current and former tenants is one of the best ways to get an honest insight into what it's really like to live in that particular building. Reviews can highlight both the good and the bad, helping you identify a popular choice and avoid potential problems.
At Mansion Student, we stay in touch with our past tenants, making sure they got exactly what they wanted and needed during their tenancy.
Should You View Cardiff Student Accommodation Before Booking?
Viewing Cardiff student accommodation, whether through in-person visits or virtual tours, is essential to get a true sense of the space, the building, and the surrounding area. In-person visits have the clear advantage of letting you experience the space firsthand, as you can walk through the rooms, get a feel for the neighbourhood's noise levels and atmosphere, and ask helpful questions.
However, virtual tours have become an incredibly useful and convenient alternative, especially for international students and those who cannot travel to Wales.
While an in-person visit is often the best way to assess the property's quality and condition, a thorough virtual tour is a powerful tool to help you decide whether it's the right place for you.
During your viewing, make sure to check the following:
● Condition: Look for any signs of damp, damage, or wear and tear.
● Storage: Is there enough wardrobe and desk space?
● Facilities: Test the shower, taps, and any included appliances.
● Security: Check the locks on doors and windows.
● Noise Levels: Try to gauge how quiet or noisy the building and surrounding area are.
Arrange a viewing at Mansion Students' Cardiff student accommodation to get the complete picture!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start looking for student accommodation in Cardiff?
It’s best to start your search as early as possible. First-year students should start searching from September to finalise their choice and book between November and February.
For more information, read our full guide on when to start looking for student accommodation and book your preferred choice here.
Is it better to live in private student accommodation or a shared student house in Cardiff?
Both options have advantages. Private student accommodation usually offers modern rooms, on-site facilities, all-inclusive bills, and strong security — great for students who want convenience and support. Shared houses, common in areas like Cathays and Roath, can be cheaper and more social but often vary in quality.
The best choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and the level of independence you want.
