Key Summary
FAQs
What are the best student halls in Cardiff?
The best student halls in Cardiff include Adam Street Gardens, Howard Gardens, Bridge Street Exchange, Glendower House, The Neighbourhood, Senghennydd Court, Colum Hall, Aberdare Hall and Plas Gwyn. The right choice depends on whether you want university-managed halls, private facilities, lower rent, an en-suite room or the easiest route to campus.
How much do student halls in Cardiff cost?
Cardiff student halls usually range from lower-cost university rooms to higher-priced private studios. For 2026/27, Cardiff University lists Senghennydd Court from £143.64 per week and Cardiff Met lists Plas Gwyn from £156 per week. Private halls can change by room type, tenancy length and booking offer, so check the provider before applying.
Which Cardiff halls are best for Cardiff University students?
Senghennydd Court, Colum Hall and Aberdare Hall are strong Cardiff University options because they are university-managed and close to Cathays Park teaching buildings. Private halls such as Adam Street Gardens and Bridge Street Exchange suit students who want more shared facilities, city access and a private provider setup.
Which Cardiff halls are best for Cardiff Met students?
Plas Gwyn is the clearest Cardiff Met option if you want university-managed accommodation linked to the Llandaff campus. It offers self-catered en-suite rooms across a 42-week contract. Students who want to be nearer the city centre may prefer private halls, but should compare bus routes, commute times and total contract costs first.
Should I choose private halls or university halls in Cardiff?
Choose university halls in Cardiff if you want a first-year setup tied closely to your university, clearer application routes and a campus community. Choose private halls if you want facilities such as gyms, cinema rooms, studios or more central locations. Always compare the weekly rent with the contract length, as a cheaper weekly price is not always the cheapest total rent.
Are bills included in Cardiff student halls?
Most Cardiff student halls include core bills such as utilities and Wi-Fi, but the exact package varies by provider. University halls usually explain what is included on their accommodation pages, while private halls may add extras like contents insurance, social events or on-site gyms. Check whether laundry, parking and bedding cost extra before booking.
Can you get en-suite rooms or studios in Cardiff student halls?
Yes, Cardiff has plenty of en-suite rooms and studios, especially in private halls and some university-managed accommodation. Studios are best if you want your own kitchen and more independence, while en-suite cluster flats are usually more social because you share a kitchen with flatmates while keeping a private bathroom.
When should I apply for student accommodation in Cardiff?
Apply for Cardiff student accommodation once your university place and accommodation application route are open. University halls often work around offer deadlines, while private halls can open bookings much earlier. If you want a specific building, en-suite room or studio, it is safer to compare options early and avoid leaving it until late summer.
How do I choose the right student hall in Cardiff?
Choose your Cardiff hall by comparing distance to campus, weekly rent, total contract cost, room type, included bills and the style of living you want. A central private hall can be great for nightlife and amenities, while a university hall may be better for meeting coursemates and settling into first year quickly.
Finding the right student accommodation can make or break your first year at university. It’s important to get it right. So, these are the best student halls in Cardiff revealed.
Are you looking for student halls that are affordable or perhaps your criteria is to find somewhere with a nice view or a big shower? If you’re thinking of coming to Cardiff to study, then this list should help!
Here’s our ranking of the top student halls at Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of Cardiff for freshers.
Private halls in Cardiff
Adam Street Gardens
Less than 20 minutes from the city centre, Adam Street Gardens offers students from both universities in Cardiff happy homes. With 540 rooms in the middle of the gorgeous bayside city, you can choose from one of their studios with everything you need to live alone, or you can opt for an ensuite room with a private bathroom and shared kitchen. There are also cosy communal areas to unwind and an on-site gym.
Howard Gardens
Howard Gardens is one of Cardiff’s highest-rated student accommodation buildings, offering en suite rooms with free-to-use washer dryers in every flat—something no other residence in the city provides. The building features a free on-site gym, a TV lounge, a games room, and quiet study areas for focused work. A private dining kitchen with bi-fold doors opening onto a courtyard provides the perfect space for social gatherings. For added fun, there’s even an in-house disco dancefloor.
Bridge Street Exchange
Bridge Street’s central location makes it a great place to stay whilst studying in Cardiff. This student hall has rooms overlooking the harbour and famous landmarks and is close to all of the universities in the city. There’s a choice of en-suite rooms, apartments or en-suite studios, all of which have access to social spaces such as the gym, TV lounge, dining area, and karaoke room.
Glendower House
With ultrafast WiFi, all-inclusive bills, a cinema room, ease of access, and a central location – The Glendower House student halls have everything you could want for student accommodation in Cardiff. Add in a gym, communal areas, and a low cost of only £159 per week, and you can see why Glendower is ranked as one of the best student halls in Cardiff.
The Neighbourhood
The Neighbourhood has award-winning studios available for students with air conditioning, mega-fast broadband, social areas, gyms, a cinema, karaoke, games room, courtyard and coffee bar as well as free bikes and a conveniently central location.
Cardiff University
Senghennydd Court
With on-site laundry, options for self or part-catered, en-suites, WiFi, shared kitchens, bike sheds and no alcohol options, Senghennydd also has the choice for Welsh-speaking and learners’ flats. Prices start at £114 per week for the coming academic year.
Colum Hall
These self-catered student halls are opposite the Cardiff Business School and have plenty of flats with 8 en-suite rooms and a shared kitchen. The flats have specialised rooms for those with disabilities and hearing impairments, such as disabled access and rooms equipped with a flashing alarm and vibrating pillows. Prices start at £132 per week.
Aberdare Hall
Aberdare is the only all-female hall of residence at Cardiff University. There are options for self-catered or part-catered with evening meals served during the week in the latter. The flats have a shared bathroom and kitchen, as well as a strong network connection, WiFi and TV lounge, gardens, a music library and a common room. Prices start at £114 per week.
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Plas Gwyn Campus
Plas Gwyn is located in the pleasant city of Llandagg and is only two miles from the city centre. It is serviced by Cardiff Bus which transports students to the city centre in 10 minutes. The halls have 393 single-study bedrooms which are self-catered and have en-suites. The rooms are grouped into flats of 8 with communal kitchens and have on-set games arenas, data rooms and a communal TV room. Prices start at £121 per week.
Cyncoed Campus
With 277 catered en-suite rooms, 209 self-catered en-suite rooms and mixed catering standard rooms, the Cyncoed campus is located just 2 miles from Cardiff city centre. The student halls are equipped with free sporting facilities, 24-hour PC labs, onsite laundry and numerous cafes. Prices start at £122 per week.
Looking for student accommodation can be very difficult and stressful, but hopefully, this list of the best student halls in Cardiff will help you figure out where is the best place for you.