Cardiff University is a leading Russell Group university with strengths across subjects like medicine, journalism, engineering and social sciences. Cardiff Metropolitan University and University of South Wales are also major unis based in Cardiff.
Cathays is the classic Cardiff student area, packed with shared houses, takeaways and pubs right by Cardiff University. Roath, Plasnewydd and the city centre are also popular for both Cardiff Uni and Cardiff Met students, while Cardiff Bay and Canton suit are quieter.
Cardiff’s nightlife is concentrated around St Mary Street, Greyfriars Road and the side streets off them, with everything from big clubs and student nights to live music venues and rugby day pub crawls. Expect busy Wednesday sports nights, match-day crowds and plenty of late openings.
Most students start out in university or private halls, then move into shared houses in Cathays or Roath from second year onwards. Rents are generally lower than in many English big cities, but properties close to campus and the city centre still get snapped up quickly.
Central Cardiff is compact enough to walk between campus, halls and the city centre. Lots of students also use buses for Cardiff Met and USW sites, as well as cheap train links to the Valleys, the Bay and nearby beaches for day trips.
Bute Park stretches from the castle up the river and feels like a huge back garden for students, especially in summer. Roath Park, its lake and surrounding streets, plus Cardiff Bay’s Barrage and coastal paths, give you plenty of places to walk, run or just sit with friends.
Cardiff is generally kinder on student budgets than places like London or Bristol, especially for rent and nights out. You can keep costs down by living in shared houses in Cathays or Roath, using student travel passes, and making the most of student deals on food and tickets.
Watch a match or concert at the Principality Stadium, wander through Bute Park to the castle, explore Cardiff Bay, and finish the night with food on Caroline Street after a big student night in town.
Russell Group teaching plus modern, career-focused campuses
Big student population in a compact, walkable city
Well connected across South Wales and the South West
Are the universities in Cardiff good?
Yes – Cardiff is one of the UK’s major university cities and has a strong reputation for teaching, research and student life. Cardiff University is a Russell Group institution with respected courses across subjects like medicine, journalism, engineering, law and the social sciences. Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales’ Cardiff campus add more choice with applied, professional and creative degrees. Together they give students a mix of academic and career-focused routes in a compact, lively city.
What are Cardiff University, Cardiff Met and USW Cardiff known for?
Cardiff University is best known for its research profile and broad subject mix, including medicine and healthcare, dentistry, journalism and media, business, engineering, law and the social sciences. Many courses have strong links to local hospitals, government, media and industry, and teaching is spread across city-centre buildings around Cathays Park and the surrounding streets.
Cardiff Metropolitan University is recognised for its applied, career-focused degrees and strong reputation in sport, health sciences, art and design, business, education and hospitality. Its Llandaff and Cyncoed campuses have specialist facilities, studios, labs and sports centres designed for hands-on learning and placements. The University of South Wales’ Cardiff campus focuses heavily on creative industries, performance, film, TV, games and media courses, with city-centre buildings close to key venues and production hubs.
Is Cardiff a good city for students?
Cardiff is a great choice if you want a capital city that still feels manageable. The centre is compact and easy to get around, with most student areas, campuses, shops and nightlife within walking distance. There’s plenty going on: big match days at the Principality Stadium, live music, clubs and bars around St Mary Street and Greyfriars Road, and a strong café and food scene in areas like Cathays, Roath and Cardiff Bay.
Green spaces like Bute Park and Roath Park, plus the Bay and nearby coast, give you space to escape when you need a break. While prices have risen in recent years, Cardiff is generally more affordable than many English big cities, especially for rent and nights out, which helps student budgets stretch a bit further.
How hard is it to get into Cardiff University, Cardiff Met and USW?
Cardiff University can be quite competitive, especially for subjects like medicine, dentistry, healthcare, journalism, law and some business and science courses. Typical offers often fall in the BBB–A*AA range depending on the course, with some programmes also asking for specific A-level subjects or equivalent. Personal statements, references and any required tests or interviews are also taken into account.
Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales generally offer a broader range of entry requirements, including standard A-level routes, BTECs, foundation years and other vocational qualifications. Some courses, especially in art, design and creative industries, may ask for a portfolio or audition, while professional courses can require work experience. Entry criteria change over time, so it’s always worth checking the latest details and any contextual offer schemes on each university’s official course pages.
Typical weekly and monthly student costs in Cardiff for 2026 entry. Switch between accommodation types to see how much you might spend.
Are you a Cardiff student? Become part of our student writer community and help other students by sharing your stories and insights.
Click on the icons on the map below to explore each of Cardiff’s top student areas to live in.
Explore different housing options and providers to find the right student accommodation in Cardiff for you.
iQ runs several Cardiff buildings, including Ty Pont Haearn and Century Wharf, offering en suite rooms and studios close to the city centre and Cardiff Bay. Good if you want modern rooms, on-site gyms and bills included within easy reach of Cardiff University, USW and Cardiff Met bus routes.
View iQ in Cardiff
One of the biggest student accommodation providers in Cardiff, with sites around Cathays, the city centre and close to main Cardiff University buildings. Bills-included en suites and studios make life simpler if you want to live near lectures, nightlife and Queen Street station.
Explore Unite Students
Collegiate’s Cardiff sites, such as Eclipse and Crown Place, offer high-end studios and en suite rooms with extras like gyms, cinema rooms and stylish study spaces. Best suited to students who want a more premium, self-contained base close to the centre and university buildings.
See Collegiate Cardiff
Fresh manages several Cardiff properties with en suites and studios, bills included and a strong events calendar. Great if you want modern halls-style living with a built-in student community, close to Cathays, the city centre and main bus routes.
View Fresh in Cardiff
One of Cardiff’s best-known student letting agents, with a big range of shared houses and flats across Cathays, Roath and near the Heath hospital. Ideal if you want classic student houses within walking distance of campus, the SU and the main nightlife strips.
See CPS student homes
Cardiff agent with student and young professional properties around the city centre, Cardiff Bay and popular residential areas. A good pick if you’re after shared houses or flats with easy access to both the Bay and central Cardiff.
Browse Keylet properties
Run by Cardiff University Students’ Union, this not-for-profit service offers student houses and flats mainly in Cathays and nearby areas. A solid option if you want an agency that understands student life and is aligned with the SU.
View SU student lettings
Sales and lettings agency with a mix of student and sharer properties in areas like Pontcanna, Roath and the city centre. Suits students and postgrads looking for slightly more “grown-up” flats or houses within reach of campus and town.
See James Douglas letsLocal student accommodation or letting agency? Reach out to Unifresher to be featured in this section.
Discover different student hotspots in the city by using the toggles and cards in our interactive explorer.
The classic Cardiff student hub packed with terrace houses, cheap eats and busy pubs. A short walk to the main university buildings and city centre.
Busy, central streets around Queen Street and St Mary Street, with big-name shops, bars and nightlife on your doorstep. Great if you like being in the middle of everything.
Leafier residential streets, Roath Park and a good mix of cafés and takeaways. Popular with second- and third-years who want a slightly calmer feel than Cathays.
Modern waterfront living with restaurants, bars and the Senedd nearby. Further from campus, but great if you want a more grown-up, scenic base.
Home to the Heath Park campus and University Hospital of Wales. Quieter, with more families and med students, plus easy access to big green spaces.
Trendy areas west of the centre with independent cafés, bars and Victoria Park. Good if you don’t mind a slightly longer walk or bus ride for a more chilled neighbourhood.
Iconic three-floor venue on Womanby Street with indie, alternative and drum & bass nights, plus live bands. Great if you like your music a bit less mainstream.
Legendary student spot with live bands all day and into the night, cheap drinks and a very casual, singalong vibe.
Basement bar known for cocktails, R&B and hip-hop, plus late opening hours. Ideal for when you’re not quite ready to go home yet.
Busy Cathays club with student-heavy nights, cheap drinks and a mix of indie, drum & bass and chart. Great for messy midweek nights close to where you live.
High-energy club just off St Mary Street with student nights, chart bangers and R&B. Ideal for societies, birthdays and big group nights out.
Big bar-club known for cocktail trees, bottomless brunches and student deals. Great as a start-of-the-night spot that often ends up being the whole night.
Three floors of throwback tunes from the 80s, 90s and 00s, neon décor and singalong classics. Perfect if you love cheesy nights out with zero judgement.
Historic indoor market just off St Mary Street with stalls selling everything from Welsh cakes to fresh baps and coffee. Great for a quick, cheap lunch in between lectures.
Beloved student breakfast spot in Cathays serving huge fry-ups, pancakes and hangover-curing brunches at wallet-friendly prices.
Cardiff Uni’s classic SU bar with very student-friendly prices on food and drinks. Great for casual dinners, society meetups and pre-drinks before a night out.
Popular Indian restaurant on Whitchurch Road, known for rich curries and generous portions. A go-to for Talybont students looking for a proper sit-down curry night.
Much-loved South Indian spot on Cowbridge Road East serving dosas, curries and sharing plates at student-friendly prices. Frequently shouted out in local uni group chats.
Restaurant in a former bank vault just off the Hayes, serving modern British dishes and great cocktails. Perfect for date nights, graduations and special occasions that still feel relaxed.
Award-winning Welsh-Indian fusion restaurant in Canton. A treat-yo-self option for birthdays or when parents are in town and picking up the bill.
Huge park stretching from the castle up the River Taff, with paths, lawns and hidden corners. Ideal for walks, revision picnics and clearing your head after long library days.
Classic Cardiff beauty spot with a big lake, lighthouse, gardens and walking paths. Great for Sunday strolls, running routes and de-stress time.
Scenic path stretching out across the bay with sea views, cycle routes and plenty of fresh air. Perfect for longer walks and sunset photos.
Neighbourhood park in Canton with a lake, lawns and places to sit with takeaway coffee. Handy if you live west of the centre.
Main Cardiff University library for arts and social science subjects, with quiet zones, group rooms and plenty of desks for long revision days.
Specialist library for healthcare and medicine students on the Heath campus, with clinical resources and quieter, focused study spaces.
Modern public library near the Hayes with big windows, quiet areas and good Wi-Fi. Ideal if you want to study in town but away from campus.
Independent coffee shop with big tables, plug sockets and chilled background music. Great for laptop days when you need caffeine and a change of scene.
Bright, modern library on the Llandaff campus with group rooms, PCs and quiet zones. Ideal for Cardiff Met students who want everything on one site.
Use the filters below to find inspirations on all the best things to do in Cardiff for students.
