A Full Guide to Student Life in Cardiff | The Best Things to Do, Amenities, and Where to Live in
Moving to a new city as a student can be disorienting. Your new environment can take some time to get used to, and discovering a new routine for balancing university work and social life can be challenging.
As the Welsh capital and largest city, Cardiff is home to thousands of students every year. With three universities (the University of Cardiff, Cardiff Metropolitan, and the University of South Wales), Cardiff has a strong student presence and vibrant atmosphere for all.
This guide will summarise everything you need to know about Cardiff student life, including the best things to do, student areas with the most amenities, and how to find the right Cardiff student accommodation based on your needs.
Does Cardiff Have a Good Nightlife for Students?
Yes – as the Welsh capital, Cardiff is known for its vibrant and social nightlife. Home to three university campuses and thousands of students, many pubs, bars, and nightclubs offer deals to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.
Cardiff city centre is the pulsating heart of the action, populated with a high concentration of lively bars, restaurants, and late-night clubs. Areas such as St Mary’s Street, Mill Lane and the Cardiff Bay area offer extremely popular nightlife spots - perfect for students to relax and socialise outside of university throughout the week.
Here are some of our top picks for nightlife in Cardiff as a student:
● Clwb Ifor Bach: the cornerstone of Cardiff’s music scene and seen as a rite of passage for Cardiff students.
● Ten Mill Lane: perfect for 2-for-1 cocktails and late-night dancing.
● The Live Lounge: in the heart of St Mary Street, packed with great live music, student deals, and a lively dance floor.
● Tiger Tiger: a multi-room clubbing experience for students, no matter their music preferences.
● The Taf: the social heart of the University of Cardiff’s Student Union.
There are many pros and cons of living near nightlife in Cardiff. For many students, it can be extremely convenient and create a vibrant atmosphere for meeting new friends – perfect for those new to the Welsh city. On the other hand, expect loud noise levels, especially at night or at weekends, which may impact studies and sleep.
For more information, read our full guide to the best nightlife in Cardiff as a student here.
Based between the popular student areas of Cathays and Roath, our Cardiff student accommodation (City Heights) is in a prime location for exploring the city’s best nightlife, whilst avoiding loud noise levels. St Mary Street is a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride away.
Or, if you fancy a night in, there are plenty of modern, communal spaces to socialise with friends and flatmates, including a games room and roof terrace.
Interested? Arrange a viewing with Mansion Student today to see City Heights for yourself.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Cardiff as a Student?
There is an abundance of things to do in Cardiff as a student, boasting numerous cultural attractions to explore outside of studying.
Here are our top picks for the best things to do in Cardiff as a student
● Landmarks: Cardiff Castle, Principality Stadium, Llandaff Cathedral
● Food and Drink: Cardiff Market, Cardiff Bay, Student Union Pubs (The Taf)
● Culture: National Museum Cardiff, Senedd (Welsh Parliament Building)
● Art, Music, and Film: Wales Millennium Centre, Chapter Arts Centre, Tramshed
Some places are free to enter as a student (such as Cardiff Castle, the Senedd, and the National Museum). Other places offer student-discounted admission and event access, like the Principality Stadium (which offers discounted tours for students) and the Wales Millennium Centre.
Many food and drink places in Cardiff also provide student discounts and offers – so make sure to bring your student ID when visiting places like Cardiff Bay, and check social media for any deals.
For more information, read our full guide to the best things to do as a student in Cardiff here.
Which Cardiff Student Area Has the Best Amenities?
To make your time in Cardiff as a student as convenient as possible, it’s important to choose the best student accommodation. Consider the location and proximity to the university campus and resources, as well as local amenities, such as supermarkets, gyms, transport links, and health facilities.
Here are some of the most popular student neighbourhoods in Cardiff, and the amenities they offer.
For more information, compare the different Cardiff student areas and the amenities they offer with our complete guide here.
Choosing Where to Live in Cardiff as a Student
Finding the right place to live is a detrimental part of student life and can heavily impact your university experience. When moving to Cardiff as a student, consider weighing up the factors that are most important to you, such as distance to university, local amenities, and student accommodation type.
So, where is the best place to live as a Cardiff student? There’s no right answer, as the choice is completely yours and may be determined by your budget and preferences.
For more advice, browse and compare the best student accommodation locations in Cardiff.
At Mansion Student, our City Heights property is conveniently located on City Road - just a short walk from Cardiff city centre and the University campus.
Our Cardiff student accommodation offers a diverse range of studios, varying in size and features. Enjoy spacious rooms ranging from the standard Club Studio to the Superior size featuring 37–38m² of lounge space.
Key features of City Heights:
● Secure fob entry & CCTV
● All bills included (+ Wifi & Contents insurance)
● On-site maintenance & hospitality team
● Studios and apartments
● Games room
● Gym
● Roof terrace
● Study area
● Laundry facilities
● Lockable bedrooms
Browse our various rooms at City Heights to find your perfect accommodation in Cardiff here.
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