Which Student Area Has the Best Amenities in Cardiff
As the Welsh capital, Cardiff blends rich history with modernity, making it perfect for students new to the city. To make your new life as convenient as possible, consider living in a Cardiff student area with ample amenities, good transport links, and an environment that suits your personal style.
In this guide, we’ll explore which student area has the best amenities in Cardiff, and how to find the right student accommodation for your needs.
Key Amenities in Cardiff to Consider When Looking for Student Accommodation
It’s important to consider which amenities will be most beneficial to your university experience. Third-year or postgraduate students may prefer quieter areas, such as Heath or Penylan, for more focused studying and less distraction. Whereas students new to the area may prefer being closer to the city centre and within walking distance to university resources, supermarkets, and other key amenities in Cardiff.
When comparing Cardiff student accommodation options, consider the following amenities:
● Proximity to Cardiff University & Resources: Look at which campus your course will mainly be located – both for University of Cardiff and Metropolitan students. Consider nearby libraries, lecture halls, and labs.
● Supermarkets & Shops: Not just your local supermarket —consider student accommodation near convenience stores, post offices, and vintage and repair shops.
● Food, Drink & Nightlife: If visiting Cardiff’s nightlife is an important aspect of your student experience, look for student accommodation near busy strips or student-friendly pubs and bars.
● Health & Wellbeing: Look for nearby gyms, GP surgeries, pharmacies, and other health-related places.
● Transport Links: Look at local bus routes, how frequently they run, and whether they are near the essentials (for example, university campus, city centre). Consider the walking distance to your nearest train station to make travelling home much easier – especially if you have a load of washing.
● Security & Safety: Make sure to view the area itself (preferably at night if possible). Check for street lighting, CCTV and proximity to police services. At the Cardiff student accommodation, look out for secure amenities, such as fob entry and lockable bedrooms, for extra peace of mind.
Read our guide comparing the best student locations in Cardiff to find the best accommodation for your requirements.
What Amenities Are There in Central Cardiff for Students?
Like other major university cities, Cardiff city centre is a hotspot for student-focused amenities and desirable attractions. With the University of Cardiff’s campus spread across the centre, the surrounding neighbourhoods in the heart of Cardiff are packed full of supermarkets, eateries, things to do as a student, and transport links for excellent connectivity to the rest of the Welsh city.
Here are some of the most popular central neighbourhoods for students, and the amenities they offer:
Cathays
Often a first choice for many Cardiff students, Cathays offers a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of social opportunities. Situated within walking distance of the University of Cardiff, student accommodation based in Cathays allows tenants easy access to various amenities, both university-focused and for socialising, making it a place rich in community and years of history.
The Cathays area features busy, diverse streets. “The Strip” (Salisbury Road) is home to a cluster of bars, restaurants, and a strong nightlife presence. For quieter nights of revision, there is also the Carnegie Library, a Grade II listed building perfect for students to meet and study together.
● Supermarkets: Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, Lidl on Maindy Road
● Shops: Independent cafes, takeaways, “The Strip”
● University access: Walking distance to most Cardiff University buildings, including Cathays Park campus. 20-30 minute bus to Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Llandaff or Cyncoed campuses
● Transport links: Cathays train station and Cardiff Central Station nearby; regular Cardiff Bus routes into the city centre
● Green Spaces: Alexandra Gardens, Bute Park and Gorsedd Gardens all within walking distance
Roath
Known for its vibrant and creative spirit, Roath attracts a diverse mix of students, artists, and young professionals. Popular with international students, expect various independent shops and authentic cuisine from around the world along the lively City Road.
Unwind at Roath Park – one of the standout amenities of the area. Enjoy picturesque views of green fields, botanic gardens, or rent a rowboat on its lake.
● Supermarkets: Aldi on Newport Road, Sainsbury’s Local, Tesco Express on City Road
● Shops: Vintage stores, international food markets, cafés and bakeries
● University access: Around a 20-minute walk to the University of Cardiff or a 20-minute bus to Cardiff Metropolitan’s Cyncoed campus
● Train Station: Nearest stations are Cathays or Queen Street (both within easy reach)
Penylan
Compared to its neighbours, Penylan offers a slightly more peaceful stay, known for its leafy streets and charming character. For students who prioritise quieter amenities in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, Penylan provides the perfect place to study, with a strong community feel and excellent transport links.
The Penylan Library & Community Centre is a standout local amenity — offering free Wi-Fi, computer access, gym facilities and community events.
● Supermarkets: Co-op on Albany Road, Waitrose on Queen Street, smaller convenience stores nearby
● University access: Around a 25-minute walk or short bus journey to the University of Cardiff
● Train Station: Queen Street Station (10–15 minutes by bus)
If you’re searching for modern student accommodation near these amenities, Mansion Student Cardiff City Heights places you right in the heart of the city. Located close to Cathays and Roath, it offers easy access to shops, nightlife, and public transport, as well as Cardiff University buildings.
But, don’t take our word for it. Arrange a viewing at City Heights in Cardiff to see the property, amenities and local area today!
Living in Heath: Where Are the Best Amenities?
For students who prefer a slightly quieter residential area while staying well connected, Heath is an excellent option. Similar to Penylan, Heath has strong transport links to busier areas, as well as good local amenities with essential shops, and a short distance from Cardiff Arms Park (for rugby fans).
Consider living in Heath if you are a medical or healthcare student, as the area is close to the University Hospital of Wales and other related amenities.
● Supermarkets: Lidl and Tesco Express on North Road, Co-op on Whitchurch Road
● University access: Close to Cardiff University’s Heath Park campus (School of Medicine and Healthcare Sciences) and a 20-minute bus to Cardiff Metropolitan’s Llandaff campus
● Train Station: Heath Low Level and Heath High Level stations for quick connections into central Cardiff
● Green Spaces: Heath Park, Parc Ty Glas and nearby Maindy Centre with gym and swimming pool
Does Cardiff Bay Have the Best Amenities for Students?
For a unique, modern living area, Cardiff Bay offers beautiful waterfront views and access to some of the best student amenities in Cardiff. Perfect for a meal with your new university friends or flatmates, Mermaid Quay is home to over 30 restaurants and bars.
Although there are many amenities in Cardiff Bay, including the Wales Millennium Centre, supermarkets and nightlife spots, it is not as student-focused compared to Cathays and Roath.
● Supermarkets: Morrisons and Asda on Ferry Road
● Shops: Mermaid Quay retail units, cafés, and waterfront boutiques make for a great place to explore shopping options.
● University access: 10–15 minutes by train or bus to the main university campuses
● Train Station: Cardiff Bay Station connects directly to Cardiff Queen Street
● Green Spaces: Cardiff Bay Barrage walkway, Grangemoor Park and Hamadryad Park
Mansion Student's Cardiff Student Accommodation in Roath
Mansion Student offers top-quality accommodation designed to make your transition to life in Cardiff as smooth as possible. Our City Heights student accommodation is strategically located to put you in the heart of the action, sandwiched between Roath and Cathays, to ensure you’re never far from your university or the best amenities in Cardiff.
Our Cardiff student accommodation provides a safe, comfortable, and social environment where you can thrive. Within the property, enjoy modern communal spaces like a games room and a roof terrace to socialise with your new flatmates.
| Amenities nearby: | Features of City Heights: |
|---|---|
| ● Tesco, Iceland and Sainsbury’s are within walking distance | ● Studios and apartments |
| ● 15-minute walk to the University of Cardiff main campus | ● All-inclusive bills |
| ● Short bus to Cardiff Metropolitan campuses | ● Games room |
| ● 23-minute walk to the University of South Wales | ● Study area |
| ● Roath Park, Alexandra Gardens, and Bute Park | ● Roof terrace |
| ● Short bus to High Street and Castle Quarter (city of arcades) | ● Secure fob entry |
| ● Near Cathays Train Station and access to bus stops | ● On-site maintenance |
| ● Bike storage | |
| ● Laundry facilities |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Should Cardiff Metropolitan Students Live?
For Cardiff Metropolitan University students, areas like Llandaff are an excellent choice, offering a "village city" feel close to the Llandaff campus. It’s also just a short bus ride from the city centre, so you can easily enjoy central amenities in Cardiff.
