The Complete Guide to Student Accommodation in Cardiff (2026)
Cardiff doesn't get enough love in the student housing conversation.
Everyone talks about Manchester, Leeds, London. But Cardiff? It's quietly one of the best student cities in the UK - great nightlife, affordable rent, a proper Welsh vibe, and you're 2 hours from London.
I analyzed every student property in Cardiff. Here's what the data actually shows.
Cardiff by the Numbers
Let's start with the facts:
- 18 properties in our database
- Cheapest room: £141/week at Ty Pont Haearn
- Average rent: £163/week
- Most expensive: £315/week (Bridge Street Exchange studios)
| How Cardiff Compares | Avg Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| Sheffield | £104 |
| Liverpool | £137 |
| Cardiff | £163 |
| Bristol | £189 |
| London | £347 |
Cardiff sits right in the sweet spot - cheaper than Bristol (which is just across the Severn Bridge), but with similar vibes and way better student nightlife.
The Best Value Properties in Cardiff
1. Ty Pont Haearn - £141/week
The cheapest option. Unite Students (2.7★ Trustpilot). 2-minute walk to University of South Wales.
What I like: Unbeatable location if you're at USW. Modern building, bills included.
What I don't: Unite's reviews are hit-or-miss. Document everything at check-in.
2. Cambrian Point - £142/week
Also Unite Students. 3-minute walk to Cardiff University's Wales Management Centre.
Best for: Cardiff Uni students who want the cheapest option close to campus.
3. Clodien House - £145/week
Unite again (they dominate Cardiff). Slightly further out - 13 minute walk to city centre.
The trade-off: You save money but lose some convenience. Worth it if you cycle.
4. The Fitzalan - £160/week
Prestige Student Living (3.4★ Trustpilot) - That's a full star higher than Unite.
3-minute walk to Cardiff Met. Better reviews, slightly higher price.
My take: The extra £19/week over Unite is worth it for the better service. That's less than £1000/year for significantly fewer headaches.
Cardiff University vs Cardiff Met: Where Should You Live?
This matters because the two main unis are in different parts of the city.
Cardiff University:
- Main campus around Cathays Park
- Medical school at Heath Park (further out)
- Best areas: Cathays, City Centre, Roath
Cardiff Metropolitan University:
- Main campus at Cyncoed (north of city centre)
- Also has Llandaff campus (west)
- Best areas: Cathays (central), Cyncoed area
What Reddit Says About Cardiff
I dug through r/Cardiff and student forums:
"Cathays is THE student area. Cheap takeaways, pubs everywhere, 10 min walk to uni. A bit rough around the edges but that's student life."
"Cardiff Bay is gorgeous but further out. Only live there if you don't mind a 20 min cycle to campus."
"The nightlife is underrated. Chippy Lane at 3am after a night out is a Welsh institution."
"Welsh people are genuinely friendly. Made more friends in freshers week than I did all of sixth form."
Safety in Cardiff
Cardiff's crime rates are moderate by UK standards. Here's what the data shows:
- City centre: Higher crime (as with any city centre)
- Cathays: Medium crime - typical student area
- Roath: Lower crime - more residential
The areas around the universities are generally safe. Use common sense: don't walk alone at 4am, lock your bike properly, keep valuables hidden.
The Welsh Bonus
Here's something England doesn't have: Welsh Government tuition fee support.
If you're Welsh and studying in Wales, you get extra maintenance grants. Check with Student Finance Wales - it's legitimately more generous than the English system.
Hidden Gems: Why Cardiff is Underrated
-
Castle Quarter: You have an actual castle in the city centre. It's ridiculous and amazing.
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Bute Park: Massive green space right by the uni. Perfect for studying outside (when it's not raining, so... occasionally).
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Cardiff Bay: Completely transformed area. Great restaurants, Senedd (Welsh Parliament), and the Doctor Who Experience.
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Music scene: Cardiff has a proper indie music scene. Clwb Ifor Bach is legendary.
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Sports: The Principality Stadium is in the city centre. Six Nations rugby atmosphere is unmatched.
My Verdict on Cardiff
If I were choosing between Cardiff and Bristol right now, I'd pick Cardiff.
Here's why:
- £26/week cheaper on average
- Better student nightlife (sorry Bristol)
- Friendlier locals (Welsh hospitality is real)
- Same distance to London by train
The only downside? Weather. It rains a lot. Pack accordingly.
Quick Action Plan
- Browse all Cardiff properties
- Filter by your university
- Check Trustpilot ratings (aim for 3.0★+)
- Book by February for best selection
Prices verified January 2026. Data from provider websites.
Disclaimer: These are personal opinions based on research. Not affiliated with any provider. Always verify prices on the provider's website before booking.