If you’re planning to move to Cardiff in 2025, you’re not alone. This capital city might not always be the first name students think of when picturing UK university life—but maybe it should be. It’s more affordable than London or Edinburgh, packed with culture, and has that friendly, small-city energy that makes settling in just a little bit easier.
But how do you actually live well in Cardiff without blowing up your bank balance? Let’s break it down—where to study, how to find good student housing, and where you’ll probably end up spending your weekends.
Where Can You Study in Cardiff?
- Cardiff University
It’s the big one. Cardiff University is part of the Russell Group and offers a strong mix of research, real-world skills, and top-tier teaching. Thinklaw, medicine, engineering, and all the heavy hitters. Plus, it’s based right in the city centre, which makes commuting a breeze if you choose student apartmentsnearby. - Cardiff Metropolitan University
With a more vocational feel, Cardiff Met has a growing reputation for business, design, and sport sciences. The Llandaff and Cyncoed campuses aren’t quite as central, but still well connected by bus or bike. - University of South Wales (Cardiff Campus)
This one’sideal for creative folks—especially if you’re into music, film, or animation. The city-centre location means you can grab a coffee and head straight to lectures without needing to budget for daily transport.
Side note: Wherever you study, the campuses are close enough that you won’t need to live miles out just to save a few quid.
Where Should You Stay?
Now for the fun (or stressful) bit – finding somewhere to live. Cardiff has a solid mix of classic student digs, modern student apartments, and purpose-built housing.
Best Areas to Look:
- Cathays:Student central. Close to Cardiff Uni and packed with cafés and takeaways. It’s not the quietest area, but definitely the most popular.
- Roath:A little cheaper, a bit more laid-back. Quirky vintage shops, leafy parks, and fewer late-night kebab shops.
- City Centre:If you like everything on your doorstep—and don’t mind paying a bit more for the convenience.
Types of Accommodation:
- Shared houses (cheapest, but comes with chores and negotiation over fridge space)
- Studio flats (more privacy, higher cost)
- Purpose-built student housingwith bills included, 24/7 security, and on-site laundry
Want a shortcut? Try University Living. They help students compare student accommodation Cardiff and book verified places online. Saves a lot of time scrolling through sketchy landlord listings.
What’s the Real Cost of Living in Cardiff?
Let’s be honest. Tuition fees are one thing, but daily life costs can really sneak up on you. Here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at in 2025:
- Rent: £500–£800/month (shared vs. private studio)
- Food: Around £150/month if you cook. Much more if UberEats becomes a habit.
- Transport: About £40/month for a student bus pass. Many students just walk or cycle.
- Utilities: Often included in rent if you’re in student apartments.
- Nights out and social stuff: Totally depends, but budgeting £60–£100/month is realistic.
Some weeks you’ll spend less, others you’ll overspend and survive on toast. That’s student life.
Where Do Students Socialize in Cardiff?
Cardiff isn’t just about lectures and lab reports. When it comes to student-friendly fun, it delivers.
Nightlife & Entertainment:
- Clwb Ifor Bach:Known as “The Welsh Club,” this place is iconic for indie music nights.
- Live Lounge:Mix of live music, cheap drinks, and zero judgement on your dancing.
- Gassy’s:A Cathays classic—quiz nights, sports screenings, and burgers that are better than they need to be.
Low-Budget Fun:
- Bute Park:Huge green space for runs, meetups, or just reading in the sun
- Cardiff Market:Affordable lunch options and good coffee if you’re skipping chain cafés
- Museum & Castle:Yep, the museum is free. The castle’s not, but it’s worth it at least once
Also, university societies are worth checking out—even if you’re just in it for the free pizza at the first meeting.
Is Cardiff a Good Long-Term Choice for Students?
Actually, yes. Rents are manageable (especially compared to southern England), the city is compact, and students make up a big chunk of the population—so you won’t feel out of place.
Plus, there’s a growing graduate job market in media, healthcare, finance, and public services. A lot of students end up sticking around post-uni because it works.
And if you ever feel the need for a change of pace, the Brecon Beacons are an hour away, London’s two hours by train, and the beach isn’t far either.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Cardiff is a smart choice if you want a balance of affordability, academic quality, and genuine city charm. From finding student apartments that don’t drain your loan to discovering weekend hangouts that feel like home, this city makes it pretty easy to settle in.
So, whether you’re heading to lectures in Cathays or catching a gig in the city centre, Cardiff gives you just enough buzz—without burning a hole in your wallet. Just plan ahead, budget realistically, and use platforms like University Living to get a head start on your student housing search.
