Where Do Students Live in Cardiff? | Comparing Cardiff Student Accommodation Locations
As one of Europe's youngest and most vibrant capital cities, Cardiff is an incredible place to spend your university years. With a student population making up 20% of the city, you'll feel right at home and a part of a thriving, welcoming community. It's important to choose the right place to live, ensuring all your needs are met and the required amenities are nearby.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Cardiff student accommodation locations to help you decide where you should live for the ultimate student experience.
Choosing Where to Live as a Student: What Should I Consider?
Finding the right place to live is a huge aspect of becoming a student and can heavily impact your life at university. When moving to Cardiff as a student, consider weighing up the factors that are most important to you. Think about your budget, your lifestyle, and balancing your studies with socialising at some of the best nightlife in Cardiff.
Here are some features to look for when finding student accommodation in Cardiff:
Distance to university
With three main universities spread across the city, Cardiff is deemed a good student city.
It can be beneficial for students to live close to university resources, such as campuses, libraries, labs, and student unions. Living within a short walk or a quick bus ride of your university campus can save you time, money, and stress, as well as increase social opportunities with classmates, friends, or new flatmates.
Many students aim for accommodation within walking distance of their primary campus, such as the University of Cardiff (which is based in Cathays and Heath Park), Cardiff Metropolitan University (the Llandaff Campus near the city centre), or the University of South Wales.
To save money, some students may choose to live further away from their Cardiff University campus. In this case, look for student accommodation with strong public transport links, such as bus routes
Even if you choose to live a bit further out, Cardiff has excellent public transport links. Look for accommodation near reliable bus routes that connect directly to your campus and other things to do in Cardiff.
Proximity to Cardiff nightlife
Living close to Cardiff's vibrant nightlife is a huge draw for many students. Many of the best Cardiff student accommodation locations, such as those in Cathays or Roath, offer just a short walk from the best student pubs, bars, and clubs, providing a buzzing social scene and helping make memories throughout your time at university.
Conveniently located student accommodation in Cardiff is a perfect way to promote a safe return after a night out.
Green spaces and quieter areas
Neighbourhoods like Roath and Heath offer access to beautiful green spaces, such as Roath Park and Bute Park, which are ideal for studying outdoors or meeting new friends. These quieter areas provide a retreat from the bustling city and offer a great mix of student accommodation options.
Local amenities
Convenience is a cornerstone of student life in Cardiff, influencing choices such as accommodation types and locations. Areas such as Cathays and Roath are particularly favoured amongst students, boasting an array of nearby grocery stores, cafes, and vibrant local shops.
Students appreciate having their essentials just a short walk away, which contributes to a positive student experience. Establishing connections with local amenities strengthens community ties, paving the way for new friendships and a fulfilling university experience.
For more information, read our full guide on which student area in Cardiff has the best amenities here.
Security facilities
When choosing where to live, especially if you're moving to a new city, the security facilities of your accommodation should be a top consideration for your peace of mind.
Purpose-built properties are chosen specifically for their locality and prioritise the safety of tenants with secure facilities. Look for properties that have CCTV and secure fob entry systems in place to ensure only residents and their guests can access the building, creating a safe and secure environment for everyone.
Mansion Student provides all-inclusive Cardiff student accommodation with secure facilities throughout. Our City Heights property includes secure entry systems, CCTV, and on-site maintenance teams, offering peace of mind for students new to Cardiff.
Arrange a viewing at City Heights today and speak with a member of the hospitality team for more!
What Are the Benefits of Living in Cathays as a Cardiff Student?
Based in the centre of Cardiff, Cathays is a popular place for students, and is the location of most of Cardiff University's teaching buildings and the University Hospital of Wales. Throughout the suburban area, there are many houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs), let by private landlords to the large student population.
Living in Cathays offers Cardiff students a vibrant community with easy access to local amenities, green spaces, and proximity to nightlife. It is perfect for those looking to engage in a lively atmosphere with students at the centre. However, students looking for a quieter area, such as postgraduates or mature students, may struggle in the noisy and bustling area.
Pros of living in Cathays
Cons of living in Cathays
●Close to the main University of Cardiff campus
●Full of cafes, pubs, and supermarkets
●Strong student community
●Highly competitive for student accommodation
●High noise levels
●Varying housing quality
Should You Live in Roath as a Student?
Bordering Cathays, Roath offers a slightly more relaxed and diverse atmosphere. Famous for its Roath Park, which provides a beautiful green escape, Roath is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants and independent shops along City Road.
Roath generally offers good value for money; a popular choice for second and third-year students, as well as postgraduates who prefer a quieter environment. It strikes an excellent balance between residential calm and student convenience, with the city centre still easily accessible. For a first-year student wanting a mix of vibrancy and peace, Roath is an excellent choice.
Pros of living in Roath
Cons of living in Roath
●Leafy streets and access to Roath Park
●Lively, diverse community
●Often cheaper rents compared to Cathays
●Good balance between socialising and quieter spaces
●Certain student accommodations may be further to walk from university campuses
●Not as many nightlife spots as Cathays
Our Cardiff student accommodation is based on City Road, minutes away from Cardiff city centre and university campuses. Enjoy access to Roath Park and vibrant nightlife, as well as walking distance to various university resources.
Where is the Best Place to Live in Cardiff as a Student
So, where is the best place to live? There’s no right answer, as the choice is completely yours. While Cathays and Roath are popular choices for many, you may want to compare the other Cardiff student accommodation locations that may be a better fit for your specific needs and university.
Here are some alternative choices to consider and compare when searching for Cardiff student accommodation:
Heath
The Heath area is the go-to choice for many students at Cardiff Metropolitan University, particularly those studying at the Heath Park campus. While it's further from the city centre than Cathays, Heath has its own set of amenities and a strong student community. It's a quieter, more residential area, which can be ideal for those with demanding courses.
Cardiff Bay
Living near Cardiff Bay offers a unique blend of vibrant social opportunities and stunning waterfront views, providing easy access to popular attractions like the Wales Millennium Centre. Thanks to efficient public transport, reaching different university campuses is a breeze, creating an ideal balance between student life and tranquillity in your accommodation options.
Penylan
Located just east of Roath, Penylan is one of Cardiff's more affluent and peaceful residential areas. Characterised by its leafy streets and Edwardian houses, it offers a calm environment that’s perfect for postgraduate students or anyone seeking a break from the city's lively centre.
The area is valued for its abundant green spaces and strong sense of community, giving you peace of mind and a calm place to focus on your studies. While it feels a world away from the busy city centre, it’s still well-connected and has easy access to the amenities on Wellfield Road.
Comparing Cardiff Student Accommodation Locations
Choosing between Cardiff's fantastic neighbourhoods can be tough. Each area offers a different vibe, cost of living, and commute time, so it's important to see how they stack up against each other.
In the table below, compare the most popular Cardiff student accommodation locations:
How Mansion Student Can Help
If you are searching for Cardiff student accommodation, look no further! 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.
City Heights offers a diverse range of studios that vary in size and features. Enjoy spacious rooms ranging from the standard Club Studio to the Superior size featuring 37–38m² of lounge space.
Browse our various rooms at City Heights to find your perfect accommodation in Cardiff here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Choose All-Inclusive Cardiff Student Accommodation?
Yes, choosing all-inclusive student living is highly recommended. It offers incredible peace of mind, as all your bills (Wi-Fi, water, electricity, heating) are included in one simple payment. This makes budgeting much easier and provides good value, letting you focus on your studies and social life without stress.
Where is the Best Place to Live as a Cardiff Metropolitan Student?
For Cardiff Metropolitan University students, the Heath area is often the best student accommodation choice, especially for those at the Heath campus. However, with excellent bus links, choosing private student accommodation in areas like the city centre or Roath is also a convenient and popular option for accessing all university campuses.
