Cardiff halls of residence on these pages cost from £143.64 to about £289 a week, with most Cardiff University rooms on 40-week contracts for 2026/27. Senghennydd Court is our all-round pick because it is 10 minutes from the Main Building and offers self-catered and part-catered rooms. Students from Wales get more support than English students, so check the loan note before comparing costs.
Our picks for student halls in Cardiff
These are Unifresher's editorial picks, based on the prices, contracts and locations listed below. No hall paid to be here.
It is 10 minutes from the Main Building from £143.64 a week, with a choice of self-catered or part-catered rooms.
Small en-suites at £143.64 cost the same as shared-bathroom rooms elsewhere at Cardiff University.
The university lists a three-minute walk to the Main Building, though it is women only; Colum Hall is the closest mixed en-suite we list.
With 673 students, a pool table lounge and outdoor courts, it gives you many chances to meet people.
Studios reach £289 a week, with a gym, roof terrace and rooms with city views.
Cardiff halls compared on price
The weekly figure is only half the story, because contract lengths differ. The table below multiplies each rent by its charged weeks so you can compare what a year really costs.
Lowest listed weekly rent. Prices are for the latest year each provider has published, so compare the years shown. Your room type and contract may cost more.
| Hall | Type | From/week | Weeks | Contract total | Food | Bills in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senghennydd Court | University | £143.642026/27 | 40 | £5,746 | Optional | Yes |
| Aberdare Hall | University | £143.642026/27 | 40 | £5,746 | Optional | Yes |
| University Hall | University | £143.642026/27 | 40 | £5,746 | Self-catered | Yes |
| Talybont North | University | £143.642026/27 | 40 | £5,746 | Self-catered | Yes |
| Plas Gwyn | University | £1562026/27 | 42 | £6,552 | Self-catered | Yes |
| Cyncoed Halls | University | £1562026/27 | 42 | £6,552 | Optional | Yes |
| Colum Hall | University | £167.372026/27 | 40 | £6,695 | Self-catered | Yes |
| Howard Gardens | Private | £1682027/28 | 51 | £8,568 | Self-catered | Yes |
| Bridge Street Exchange | Private | £175 | Check | Check | Self-catered | Yes |
| Adam Street Gardens | Private | £1822027/28 | Check | Check | Self-catered | Yes |
| Glendower House | Private | £226 | Check | Check | Self-catered | Yes |
The best student halls in Cardiff
Jump to a hall
Senghennydd Court
A large hall of 610 students, Senghennydd Court is close to the Students' Union and the city centre, and handy for Maths, Engineering, Physics and Computer Science. You can choose self-catered or part-catered shared-bathroom rooms in flats of five, which keeps groups small even though the hall is big. Part-catered rooms add a hot weekday meal at a University restaurant.
Worth knowing: Undergraduate rooms here share bathrooms, as en-suite plus is postgraduate-only.
Key facts
Popular with: Cardiff University
Where: Close to Cathays Park and the city centre
Getting in: 10 minutes' walk to the Main Building and 35 minutes to Heath Park.
Best for: Central living with a part-catered option
Colum Hall
Colum Hall is small at 112 students, all in en-suite rooms in flats of eight, so it is a good choice if you would rather know the people around you. You are opposite the Business School and a short walk from Cardiff Law School, which makes it a natural fit for those courses. There is one rent, £6,694.80 for 40 weeks.
Worth knowing: Laundry is at Aberconway Hall, pay as you go, and there is no parking.
Key facts
Popular with: Cardiff University
Where: Opposite Cardiff Business School
Getting in: 10 minutes' walk to the Main Building and 25 minutes to Heath Park.
Best for: Business and Law students wanting en-suites
Aberdare Hall
Cardiff University's only all-woman residence dates from 1893 and keeps period features, with 132 students and a walk of about three minutes to the Main Building. Part-catered rooms include a hot weekday meal, and kitchens are shared on floors of nine to 28, so you are likely to meet plenty of people. Men may visit and stay overnight, and staff include men.
Worth knowing: Women only, no en-suites, and kitchens can serve up to 28 students.
Key facts
Popular with: Cardiff University
Where: Next to Cathays Park
Getting in: Three minutes' walk to the Main Building and 30 minutes to Heath Park.
Best for: Women wanting a historic hall by campus
University Hall
Healthcare students should look here first, as University Hall sits between the two campuses and offers extended contracts for Heath Park courses. A free weekday bus helps, and the site has an outdoor games area and a lounge with a pool table. With 673 students across flats and floors of up to 18, there are plenty of people to meet.
Worth knowing: A 35-minute walk to Cathays, so you rely on the set-time bus.
Key facts
Popular with: Cardiff University
Where: Penylan
Getting in: 35 minutes' walk to the Main Building and 25 minutes to Heath Park. A free University bus runs weekdays to both campuses.
Best for: Heath Park students and social living
Talybont North
Part of the university's largest complex, Talybont North gives you an en-suite at the same £143.64 others charge for a shared bathroom, which is why it is our budget pick. The room is small at that price, but the site has parkland around it and excellent sports facilities nearby. With 972 students, you are unlikely to be short of company.
Worth knowing: The walk to the Main Building is about 25 minutes.
Key facts
Popular with: Cardiff University
Where: North Road
Getting in: 25 minutes' walk to the Main Building and 30 minutes to Heath Park.
Best for: Cheapest en-suite at Cardiff University
Plas Gwyn
Plas Gwyn suits Cardiff Met students on Art and Design, Management, Health Sciences and Technologies courses, since it is close to Llandaff Campus. All 390 rooms are en-suite in flats of eight. The Premium rooms have been refurbished more recently, and we think the extra £19 a week over classic is worth a look if comfort matters.
Worth knowing: It is two miles from the city centre, so nights out need a bus.
Key facts
Popular with: Cardiff Metropolitan University
Where: Near Llandaff Campus
Getting in: Cardiff Met says it is conveniently located for Llandaff Campus but gives no walk time. The city centre is about two miles, or 10 minutes by bus.
Best for: Llandaff students who want an en-suite
Cyncoed Halls
If you want your meals sorted, this is the clearest choice in Cardiff: catered rooms include breakfast and dinner seven days a week in term time. It suits Sport, Education and Humanities students, who are based at Cyncoed. Self-catered en-suites cost the same as Plas Gwyn at £156, so the real decision is whether paying £67 a week more for a catered classic en-suite, at £223, is worth it to you.
Worth knowing: Catered rooms start at £196, and the campus is outside the city centre.
Key facts
Popular with: Cardiff Metropolitan University
Where: Cyncoed Campus
Getting in: On Cyncoed Campus. Cardiff Bus route 52 reaches Roath and Cathays within 10 minutes.
Best for: Full catering on a sports campus
Adam Street Gardens
With 540 rooms and a free gym, foosball table and study space, Adam Street Gardens works if you want private-hall extras with no deposit. It is well placed for matches and gigs at the Utilita Arena, but the walk to lectures is a good 20 minutes. Compare the total with Cardiff University's halls, since those are closer and often cheaper.
Worth knowing: No parking within 3km, and Cathays is a longer walk than from most university halls.
Key facts
Popular with: Cardiff University, University of South Wales
Where: Near Utilita Arena
Getting in: Under 20 minutes' walk from the city centre, Cardiff University and the University of South Wales.
Best for: Gym and social space, no deposit
Howard Gardens
A washing machine in every flat is the standout perk here, and it could save you real money over a year. Prestige also lists a gym, cinema lounge, private dining room and free coffee machine across its 391 beds. It suits USW students best, as the university's Cardiff campus is the closer of the two.
Worth knowing: Many room tiers make direct comparison harder, so check exactly what you are booking.
Key facts
Popular with: University of South Wales, Cardiff University
Where: Adamsdown
Getting in: Prestige says it is within easy walking distance of USW and Cardiff University.
Best for: USW students who want in-flat laundry
Bridge Street Exchange
This is the premium end of the market, a tower by the station with studios reaching £289 a week and high-floor rooms with city views. A gym, karaoke room, roof terrace and daily events are all part of the appeal. We would pick it for your own space rather than value, as you can find cheaper en-suites closer to Cathays.
Worth knowing: The dearest room here, and the listed prices do not state a year.
Key facts
Popular with: Cardiff University, University of South Wales, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Where: City centre
Getting in: About six minutes' walk to the train station. Now Students says Cardiff University and Cardiff Met are a short walk or bus ride away.
Best for: City-centre tower living with your own space
Glendower House
A small building of just 90 beds, Glendower House is almost entirely studios, so it suits students who value privacy over a big social scene. The location is the strength, with Cathays on your doorstep and USW a 10-minute walk. Older guides name CRM Students, whose site now redirects to Yugo, and there is still a gym and cinema room.
Worth knowing: No cheap rooms here, as prices start at £226 a week.
Key facts
Popular with: Cardiff University, University of South Wales
Where: St Andrews Lane, city centre
Getting in: Yugo says Cardiff University's Cathays campus is on the doorstep and the USW Cardiff campus is a 10-minute walk.
Best for: Your own studio right beside Cathays
Will the maintenance loan cover it?
The maximum loan for a student in England living away from home outside London is £10,830 for 2026/27. Most students get less, because it is means-tested. Here is how the cheapest and dearest contracts on this page compare with that maximum.
Senghennydd Court: £5,746 over 40 weeks leaves £5,084 for everything else.
Howard Gardens: £8,568 over 51 weeks leaves £2,262 for everything else.
For 2026/27, Student Finance Wales support for full-time undergraduates from Wales living away from home outside London reaches up to £12,590, including a grant of up to £8,260 at household income of £18,370 or below.
Where students live in Cardiff
Cathays
Cardiff University students who want to walk to teaching and the Students' Union. Senghennydd Court, Colum Hall and Aberdare Hall are all within 10 minutes of the Main Building.
Roath and Penylan
Students who want a neighbourhood feel near Wellfield Road. University Hall is here, with a University bus to both main campuses.
Worth knowing: It is a 35-minute walk to Cathays Park.
City centre and Adamsdown
USW and Cardiff University students who want shops, the station and the arena close by. Howard Gardens, Adam Street Gardens and Bridge Street Exchange sit around here.
Worth knowing: Rents tend to be higher, and check the walk to your school.
Llandaff
Cardiff Met students on courses at Llandaff Campus. Plas Gwyn is the university's hall nearby.
Worth knowing: The city centre is about two miles away.
Cyncoed
Cardiff Met students on Sport, Education or Humanities courses, and anyone who wants catered halls.
Worth knowing: You will rely on the 52 bus for Roath and Cathays.
When to apply for Cardiff halls
- February (2026 cycle)Cardiff University opened applications for firm and exchange applicants. USW also starts inviting applicants from February.
- 20 April (2026 cycle)Cardiff Met halls applications opened.
- 6 and 18 May (2026 cycle)USW's dates for firm acceptance and the accommodation application under its guarantee.
- 31 MayCardiff Met's Stage 1 deadline for first-time full-time students who want guaranteed accommodation.
- 24 July (2026 cycle)Cardiff University's deadline for firm applicants, who also needed an unconditional offer by 31 August 2026.
- May 2027Cardiff University says it will publish 2027/28 prices.
of the 500 UK students in our 2026 Student Experience Survey had hit at least one housing issue. Housemates (34%), the property itself (32%) and Wi-Fi (29%) came up most, so read the contract and ask about repairs and internet before you commit.
Keep planning your move to Cardiff
FAQs
What are the best halls for Cardiff University?
Senghennydd Court is our all-round pick, as it is 10 minutes from the Main Building from £143.64 a week, with self-catered or part-catered rooms. Colum Hall suits Business and Law students who want an en-suite at £167.37. University Hall is best for Heath Park healthcare students, with a free weekday bus to both campuses.
What are the cheapest student halls in Cardiff?
Among halls on this page, Senghennydd Court, Aberdare Hall, University Hall and Talybont North all start at £143.64 a week for 2026/27. Talybont North is the only one at that rent with an en-suite. Cardiff University's Student Houses go lower, at £131.81 for a small room, and Cardiff Met starts at £156 a week.
Are first years guaranteed a room in Cardiff halls?
Yes, if you meet each university's deadline. For 2026 entry, Cardiff University firm applicants had to apply by 24 July and hold an unconditional offer by 31 August. Cardiff Met required Stage 1 by 31 May, and USW required an application by 18 May. Later applicants were handled on a first-come, first-served basis or subject to availability.
Are there catered halls in Cardiff?
Yes. Cardiff Met's Cyncoed Halls are the fullest option, with breakfast and dinner seven days a week in term, from £196 a week. Cardiff University's Senghennydd Court, Senghennydd Hall and Aberdare Hall offer part-catered rooms, which include one hot weekday meal at a University restaurant. Part-catered rooms at Senghennydd Court and Aberdare Hall start at £174.86.
When should I apply for halls in Cardiff?
Apply straight after you accept your offer. For 2026 entry, Cardiff University opened firm applications in February, Cardiff Met on 20 April, and USW from February with an 18 May guarantee date. Dates for 2027 were not published when we checked, and Cardiff University says its 2027/28 prices will be available from May 2027.
How much does University Hall Cardiff cost?
University Hall starts at £143.64 a week for a shared-bathroom room in 2026/27, or £5,745.60 for 40 weeks. En-suites cost £6,694.80 and studios £7,644 for the same contract. Utilities and the university internet network are included, and laundry is pay as you go. Car parking is listed at £195 on the same contract.
How much is Adam Street Gardens?
Unite lists Adam Street Gardens from £182 a week for 2027/28, with studios seen at £185 to £190 and bills included. There is no deposit, though Unite says advance rent may apply. It has 540 rooms, a free gym and study space, and sits under 20 minutes' walk from Cardiff University, USW and the city centre.
Do Welsh students get extra help with halls costs?
Yes. For 2026/27, Welsh Government rates give full-time undergraduates from Wales living away from home outside London up to £12,590 in maintenance support. That includes a grant of up to £8,260 at household income of £18,370 or below, and the rest is a loan. Apply through Student Finance Wales, not Student Finance England.
Official resources
- University of South Wales accommodation Official halls information
- Cardiff University residences All 17 residences, sortable by price
- Cardiff University: apply for accommodation Guarantee deadlines and how to apply
- Cardiff Met accommodation Halls, partner halls and room types
- USW accommodation guarantee Who qualifies and by when
- Welsh Government student support rates 2026/27 Official Student Finance Wales maintenance figures
Run student accommodation in Cardiff?
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How we built this guide: prices, contract lengths and facilities come from university and operator websites where they publish them, and from named listing sites otherwise. We checked them in November 2026 and each price links to its source. Rent for the contract is our own sum of the lowest listed weekly rent multiplied by its charged weeks, before any deposit, booking fee or discount. Rooms sell out and prices change, so confirm with the provider before you book. How we compare student accommodation.