Everything You Need to Know About Booking Cardiff Student Accommodation
Cardiff is an incredibly popular city in the UK with students – the largest city and capital of Wales. As a student, choosing where to live in Cardiff is vital for the best experience throughout their time at university. From living near the two main universities (the University of Cardiff and Cardiff Metropolitan) to comparing the costs and room types, it’s important to consider certain factors to find the best Cardiff student accommodation for their different needs.
In this guide, we’ll summarise everything you need to know about Cardiff student accommodation, including options near the different universities, private student accommodation, and how to choose the best housing for your needs.
Should You Live in Student Accommodation Near the University of Cardiff?
Part of the prestigious Russell Group, the University of Cardiff enrols around 33,000 students each year, including 24,000 undergraduates and 8,000 international students (non-UK).
The University of Cardiff offers various student accommodation options near its main campus (Cathays Park), varying in modernity, location, facilities, and rent costs.
University halls of residence are often the first choice for undergraduates starting their studies, and a great opportunity to make new friends, offering an instant “campus-feel”. Cardiff University also provides specific accommodation to meet the needs of LGBT+ students and for Welsh-language speakers.
Also, in the surrounding area and within walking distance of the University of Cardiff’s campus, there are various private options for students; a popular alternative to halls of residence for second- and third-year students and postgraduates. These often include more modern facilities, larger room types, and stylish communal spaces.
Popular student accommodation areas near the University of Cardiff include:
● Cathays – beating heart of Cardiff’s student community (5 to 10 minutes walking distance from campus)
● Roath – close to Cathays with leafy streets and local amenities (15 to 20 minutes)
● Heath Park – close to Cardiff University’s medical, dental, and healthcare centre (25 to 30 minutes, or a short bus ride)
For more information, read our full guide to choosing student accommodation near the University of Cardiff, including comparing the pros and cons of the University accommodation vs private options.
At Mansion Student, we thoughtfully select conveniently situated properties to deliver our modern PBSA offering. In some of the UK’s best student cities, including Leeds, Edinburgh, and Cardiff, our properties are designed and managed with students in mind.
Just a short walk from the Cathays Park campus (16 minutes), our Cardiff student accommodation, City Heights, features inclusive and premium facilities for the ultimate student living experience.
Featuring a range of studio and apartment options, City Heights offers the perfect balance of independence and social life, with communal spaces including a games room and a roof terrace.
Key Features of City Heights:
● Secure facilities (CCTV, electronic fob entry, lockable bedrooms)
● On-site hospitality office and maintenance
● All bills included (plus WiFi and contents insurance)
● Communal games room and outdoor area
● Laundry room
● Spacious rooms
Living in Student Accommodation Near Cardiff Metropolitan University
With a strong employability rate and supportive reputation, Cardiff Metropolitan University is considered a good university that offers a close-knit community for its students. There are two main campuses: Llandaff (home to The Cardiff School of Art & Design) and Cyncoed (home to the Cardiff School of Education & Social Policy).
For Cardiff Metropolitan students, the choice between living near the university campus and closer to the city centre can affect their student life throughout the university year. Both of their campuses are accessible by local bus routes from the centre, but may be too far to walk and may add to commuting expenses.
Popular areas for student accommodation near Cardiff Metropolitan include:
● Llandaff – best for Metropolitan students studying Sport & Health Sciences, Management, Technologies, or Art & Design.
● Cyncoed – best for Metropolitan students studying Education & Social Policy.
● Cathays – best for students who want central living near the best Cardiff amenities and nightlife.
● Roath – best for students seeking affordable rent and a diverse community.
For more information, read our guide to the best student accommodation near Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Choosing the Best Student Accommodation in Cardiff for Your Needs
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).
When finding the best student accommodation in Cardiff for your needs, consider the following:
● Where You Want to Live – First-year students may prefer a “classic student experience” of city centre living (such as Cathays and Roath). Whereas mature or postgraduate students may want a quieter neighbourhood (like Penylan or Heath). Consider the most popular student areas in Cardiff and their distance from the university campus, facilities, and city centre amenities.
● Determine Your Budget – Consider all-inclusive bills to help with budgeting.
● Decide your Living Style - Think about which kind of living environment suits you best. How social do you want to be? Look for accommodation with dedicated quiet or study spaces to prioritise work, without sacrificing socialising.
● Check the Distance from Your Campus – Make sure you know the typical commute to your lectures, whether this is walking, cycling or a short bus, and that you can easily access university resources.
● Consider Course Requirements - Certain degrees at Cardiff universities may require early starts or late finishes, such as medicine, nursing or film production.
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.
Arrange a viewing at Mansion Students' Cardiff student accommodation to get the complete picture!
Deciding Whether to Live in Cardiff Private Student Accommodation
Throughout Cardiff, there are many student accommodation options outside of university management:
● Student Houses & Flats: often attract tenants looking for a ”traditional student experience” - sharing a place (and bills) with fellow housemates. While weekly rent is typically lower than for other accommodation options, some tenants may struggle with the added responsibility of bill sharing.
● Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): tend to attract mature, international, and second- and third-year students who are looking for a quieter place to live and study – a great combination of the independence of shared houses with all-inclusive bills and convenient amenities (though often at a higher price point).
One of the biggest differences between PBSA and a traditional shared house is the range of amenities on offer:
| Feature | PBSA | Shared Houses |
|---|---|---|
| Bills | Usually all-inclusive (water, gas, electricity, WiFi) | Separately managed by tenants |
| Amenities | Gym, cinema, study rooms, games areas, and on-site laundry | Basic living spaces (kitchen, living room) |
| Security | On-site staff, secure entry, CCTV | Standard door locks |
| Maintenance | On-site team handles repairs and requests | Tenants report issues to a landlord or agency |
How Much Does Cardiff Student Accommodation Cost?
According to NatWest's key findings, Cardiff is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students. Factors that may impact the cost of Cardiff student accommodation include the location, proximity to the university, accommodation type, room size and type, and contract length.
Browse the various types of student accommodation in Cardiff and their average rent costs below:
● University Halls of Residence – the University of Cardiff’s weekly rents start from £137, and Cardiff Metropolitan’s start from £150.
● Shared Houses & Flats – average weekly rents range between £120 and £150.
● PBSA – in Cardiff, expect private student accommodation from £130 to over £300 per week, depending on the property, room size and location.
At our Cardiff property, City Heights, your rent includes all utility bills, high-speed WiFi, contents insurance, security features, access to modern communal spaces, and support from an on-site hospitality and maintenance team.
Our all-inclusive Cardiff student accommodation
Interested? Contact the Mansion Student team to discuss your options today.
Comparing Room Types Near Cardiff Universities
Amongst the Cardiff student accommodation options, purpose-built student accommodation often has the most variety regarding room types.
Offering amenities such as study rooms, gym access, and social spaces, private student accommodation caters to diverse needs, ensuring comfort and convenience with all-inclusive bills:
● Ensuite Rooms in Cluster Flats
● Studios
● Premium and Deluxe Studios
● One-bedroom Apartments
● Dual Occupancy
City Heights, our Cardiff student accommodation, has a range of studios and apartments, ranging in facilities and size.
Browse all room types available at City Heights here.
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