If you’ve decided that you want to go to Cardiff for university, then you’ll need to know what student accommodation is in Cardiff. Though universities often have their own on campus, they aren’t your only options.
There are plenty of reasons why you might not want to stay at your university’s accommodation. It might be out of your price range, not offering the space you’re after or it’s too far away from your campus.
Another popular reason for not choosing university accommodation is that they mostly offer halls. Whilst that’s a great option for some, the prospect of living with strangers can be a little too daunting for some, myself included.
I had unusual requirements when I moved to university as I planned to live with my boyfriend who was also a student, but neither of us could afford the rent of living independently. If that sounds like you, or you just have other needs, there we have lots of other options for student accommodation in Cardiff.
What Student Accommodation Is In Cardiff?
Cardiff is home to four universities. Cardiff University, the University of South Wales, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. All of them have their own linked accommodation, but there are only loads of other options for if you want to share with friends attending other unis, or for any other reason.
Student Houses
One popular option is renting a big house and sharing the rent with friends. There are lots of student-orientated landlords in Cardiff, particularly in Roath and Cathays. Normally these come with plenty of bedrooms, but you probably won’t get your own bathroom each. But, it is a great option if you have a big group of friends and you don’t mind waiting for the bathroom.
Plus, there won’t be rules about curfews, when/if you can receive post, or strange fobs to open your doors. There are plenty of options here if that idea catches your eye.
Student Halls
If the idea of halls appeals to you but the ones are your university isn’t what you want, then there are loads of private student accommodation halls in and around Cardiff. A few of the main companies with accommodation in Cardiff are CRM, Collegiate AC and Unite Students.
Most of their accommodation comes with additional perks such as access to a gym, a cinema room, CCTV and bike storage. A few of them also have parking which is a luxury when living in Cardiff. Bills are typically included and they’re right in the hub of the city too. If your campus is USW Atrium then you literally have 3 or 4 sets of accommodations within a 5-minute walk of the campus. It’s the same for those studying at Cardiff University, whose buildings are spread around the city a bit more.
Studio Flats In Cardiff
Sometimes, all you want is your own space and studio flats are the perfect way to achieve that. I lived in a studio flat for all three years at university as it was ideal for me and my boyfriend. I will warn you, if there weren’t two of us then we wouldn’t have been able to afford it. They come at a higher price, but personally, I found it worth it for that extra space and privacy.
For my last two years, I stayed at CRM’s City Heights Student Accommodation on City Road in Roath. This was during the pandemic as well and we felt really safe and looked after there. The only annoying this was not being able to receive post after 4 pm or at weekends — but you’ll probably find this anywhere you go. What really appealed to us here was that it was all studio flats. In our first year, we stayed at Unite Students North Road accommodation and our studio flat was wedged in between two sets of halls. I’m more boring and introverted than the average student, so it was just really loud and disruptive for us.
If you want a studio flat, then Cardiff’s range of student accommodation has plenty on offer. Just make sure whether they’ll be halls as well if that’s not something you’re after.
There really are dozens of student accommodation buildings in Cardiff, so there will definitely be one that appeals to you. Plenty of them do virtual tours as well as in-person tours too, so you can really get a feel for the place before you make up your mind.
