Cardiff
119 Reviews by Students #29 out of 422 University locations
Absolutely can not fault Cardiff as an area, a large player on the global scene having hosted the champions league final and rugby World Cup whilst I was there, people are the nicest people in the U.K, gorgeous place to live as a student.
By member647984 On 12th May 20
Study in Cardiff
There are two universities in Cardiff, Cardiff University which is predominantly based in the city centre and Cardiff Metropolitan University which is a short bus ride from the centre.
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Cardiff University
Founded in 1883, Cardiff University has an excellent reputation for teaching and research and is one of the 24 universities in the Russell Group, which is a group representing the UK’s leading research universities. The university has over 33,000 students enrolled from 130 countries and has 95.7% of graduates entering employment, further study or both shortly after graduating.
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Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff Metropolitan University, formerly University of Wales Institute, started life as a School of Art in 1865. Nowadays whilst still having an Art & Design Academic School, they also have faculties in Education & Social Policy, Management, Sport & Health Sciences and Technologies.
Study in Cardiff? Review your location
Cardiff Student Life
Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is a lively and student-friendly city. There is a lot on offer whether you are looking for culture, outdoor activities, shopping or a great nightlife and the city has the added bonus that almost everything is within walking distance.
Cost of Living
Accommodation costs
Student accommodation costs range from £98 - £317 per week; the average is £157 per week.
Compare the average elsewhere: Swansea: £145/week, Durham: £179/week, London: £287/week.
(prices are for all purpose-built student accommodation (both private and university-owned) over the last 12 months, as listed on StudentCrowd)
The average price for:
A cheap meal at a restaurant: £10
A pint of beer: £3.50
A regular takeout coffee: £2.90
1L of milk: £0.97
A loaf of white bread: £1.06
The cost of living is about 4% higher than in Belfast, about the same as Birmingham and about 27% lower than London.
(Source: Numbeo)
Nights Out
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Nightclubs
There is no shortage of nightclubs in Cardiff, you’ll be able to find a top night out every night of the week. Some of the most popular nightclubs are Vodka Revs, Story, Pulse and Pryzm which are all located in the city centre and have dedicated student nights with great drinks deals.
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If you want to get away from the mainstream club scene, Cardiff has you covered. The infamous Clwb Ifor Bach (Welsh Club) is known for its alternative music nights as well as live bands and DJs from international, local and emerging artists.
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Pubs
Fancy meeting some friends for a drink or two? Then there are plenty of pubs and bars to choose from. In the student area of Cathays you are spoilt for choice with student-friendly pubs such as The Woodville, Gassy’s and The Vulcan Lounge.
Public Transport
Everything is so close…
Everything is so close and within walking distance. Access to Ubers and buses are so easy for students.
Transport is good…
Cardiff is great, transport is good.
With everything being just a few minutes away…
With everything being there just a few minutes away, you don't really need to use public transport much.
Honestly never needed to use public transport…
Honestly never needed to use public transport because you can walk anywhere pretty easily
Eating Out
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High Street Favourites
St David’s in the city centre and Cardiff Bay have a huge choice of all your high street favourite restaurants and coffee shops, often they have student discounts so make sure to check before you go.
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Green & Jenks is a family-run gelateria and grocery store located in the popular student area of Roath. As well as serving their famous delicious gelato, they have a small grocery store and deli full of local and organic produce with a co-working space and they offer student discounts too.
Shopping
St Davids has pretty much every shop…
St Davids has pretty much every shop imaginable and there are tons and tons of great restaurants to choose from.
You get access to the most popular shops…
With St David's Shopping centre being 10 mins away from the main building, you get the access to the most popular shops, but also you get to go to the Arcades, where you can find more vintage shops, or just less known shops.
St David's shopping centre is HUGE…
The St David's shopping centre is HUGE and has everything you need.
Lidl, pound land…
Lidl, pound land and pound world will be your saviour.
Study in Cardiff? Review your town
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The Great Outdoors
The Brecon Beacons are a mountain range about an hour’s drive from Cardiff. If you love the outdoors or just fancy some time away from the city, a visit to this breathtaking national park should be high on your to do list. There are hiking and cycling trails, waterfalls and historical ruins to explore.
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South Wales has a stunning coastline, you will find beautiful beaches for traversing, sunbathing and surfing. Penarth beaches, Porthcawl beaches and Barry beaches are all within an hour's drive from Cardiff.
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If you fancy spending time away from studying but don’t want to travel out of the city, Cardiff boasts a number of green parks to both explore and relax in. Bute Park is the green heart of the city, it is home to Cardiff Castle, the River Taff, a canal, landscaped gardens and so much more.
Top 10 Cardiff Accommodation
Zenith
Firstly, Zenith is a beautifully breathtaking accommodation. It has all of the facilities you could ever want and more. The staff were amazing especia...
Glendower House
Excellent place to live- Karen and Richard are lovely and always happy to go above and beyond to helps s the whole place has a friendly and close feel...
Eclipse
Stayed here for my post grad year, the staff are brilliant, the rooms are SOOO much bigger than other accommodation, location is fantastic, the commun...
Bridge Street Exchange
I have live in bridge street exchange for three years. The most amazing aspects of bridge street exchang is its‘ beautiful windows （although it is a l...
City Heights
One thing that I've surely admired about the accomodation is that how friendly the staff members are! Probably one of the best experience so far. A...
Crown Place - Cardiff
Lovely rooms and social area - shame we couldn't have done more events bc of covid but the ones held so far have been great! The reception staff are a...
The Neighbourhood Cardiff
This is the best private student accommodation I’ve ever lived . The people here are very good and helpful also the rooms are very nice. I’ll recomme...
The Fitzalan
Great place with all necessary services. It is located near the city centre so you can easily access supermarkets or shopping malls. People are friend...
Arofan House
Great location, walking distance to town and easy access to bus routes! The staff are so friendly and helpful. I stayed here for the whole duration of...
Blackweir Lodge
Liberty Fields had amazingly friendly, fun and helpful member of staff but at reception and on the maintenance team. The security team was also lovely...
Read Cardiff Reviews
Due to the cheap price...
Due to the cheap price and being a student city in Cardiff, everything is affordable. However, the buses in Cardiff is a mess with buses being able to arrive earlier or later than expected or just won't ever come or would ignore you even if you hail the bus that is not fully occupied. It is a gamble to take buses in Cardiff and will be more risky if you do not have a lot of time. read more
This town is very cheap...
This town is very cheap compared to other places in the UK read more
A very cute city , everything...
A very cute city , everything in one place read more
I love the city! There...
I love the city! There is wonderful Restaurants, Cafes and bars. I love shopping experience in Cardiff, there are plenty of stores to visit. And there is easy access to public transport read more
Cardiff is a great student...
Cardiff is a great student city! The nights out are amazing and it’s a really cheap place to live read more
Cardiff is great! Accommodation...
Cardiff is great! Accommodation can be fairly expensive according to what you are used to, however, Cardiff provides a city-based student living. Nights out are great with a range of places to choose from with different atmospheres and music genres. There is a huge range of shops and shopping malls and arcades. There are also spaces like the castle and Bute Park which are great to relax in. read more
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A truly great student...
A truly great student city price wise and with great food and drink places all around town which is ten min walking distance read more
Never had an issue with...
Never had an issue with transport. I mostly walk as most places are at walking distance. Most of the streets feel safe to walk alone. read more
Mostly 5 stars, like...
Mostly 5 stars, like the prices and cost of living is WAY cheaper than somewhere in England for starters. Nights out wise there are so many different Clubs you can go to. Eating out is actually world class, they have everything! Shopping is also insane, I’d say that it’s just as good shopping wise as Southampton, Brighton, Bristol, Nottingham . Just a little behind Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, London etc read more
Welsh people are nice...
Welsh people are nice . Very good area it's very nice read more
Cardiff Some palaces...
Cardiff Some palaces here are bit expensive but it worth it read more
It’s. anxie city I like...
It’s. anxie city I like it lol read more
Good city to live in...
Good city to live in and student friendly. Everything is within a close range. read more
Cardiff is sick! Great...
Cardiff is sick! Great people small city where everything is accessible read more
Great city to live in...
Great city to live in for student read more
Good city, I love it...
Good city, I love it here a lot read more
Cardiff is the best student...
Cardiff is the best student city. Affordable but with the same aspects and attractions as London read more
Trains to the bay are...
Trains to the bay are so cheap, most things are within walking distance. So many good independent coffee shops and restaurants. The arcades are good for shops as well as St David’s read more
Cardiff is a great city...
Cardiff is a great city to live read more
Fab place to live, have...
Fab place to live, have thoroughly enjoyed my time here read more
I like it but wouldn't...
I like it but wouldn't live here doe read more
Heyahwbtlshagsgsbsnfmgbsbamajshsm
Heyahwbtlshagsgsbsnfmgbsbamajshsm read more
Cardiff is a brilliant...
Cardiff is a brilliant place, the bars and restaurants are fantastic, as well as the place being extremely safe. read more
The town is honestly...
The town is honestly one of the bonuses of studying here, there are soo many shops and soo many restaurants and many activities spots and everything is a reasonable prices! read more
Lots of love for Cardiff...
Lots of love for Cardiff - what a great place. read more
It’s lovely city with...
It’s lovely city with plenty of different place to go for meals and nights out with different activities read more
Cardiff is just an amazing...
Cardiff is just an amazing place to live, everything is near by and it’s a very lively city. I’m very glad a moved here read more
Maybe Cardiff is not...
Maybe Cardiff is not a large city, but it's very appropriate for living and studying. You can have a great trip in Cardiff for each season. read more
The city is so quiet...
The city is so quiet and such a lovely people. Great for international students read more
Cardiff is the ideal...
Cardiff is the ideal city to go to uni or hang out as it’s small and not daunting, I get bored due to the flatness of the land but it’s okay because you can follow the taff trail very easily and escape the city when you need to relax and get fresh air.cycling to penarth is also great because of the beach Everything is walking distance if you’re not lazy and if you are transport is easy and cheap 😊 I love the mornings in Cardiff because it’s a sleepy city so if you go out in the morning before 10 no one is around and it’s perfect plus when it rains everyone stays inside so you get the whole city and basketball court to yourself read more
I did enjoy cardiff as...
I did enjoy cardiff as you can get the full city experience without it being as daunting and as big as cities such as London. I do enjoy a night out in cardiff as it isn’t too expensive depending where you go and the atmosphere is typically nice and positive. The city itself I found I got bored quite easily of going to the same places but it pushed me to be more independent to go and explore places by myself a lot more. There’s loads of cool food places to try out new food and have a good time with your friends. read more
Best best best... best...
Best best best... best town ever. read more
The cost is cheaper than...
The cost is cheaper than other cities in the UK. read more
Cardiff is a very compact...
Cardiff is a very compact city centre with everything you need in a walkable distance. Has a good night life with varying clubs and scenes to attend with a good attractions for day time activities too. read more
It's a great city for...
It's a great city for a student, but I feel like there aren't a lot of activities to do here read more
I love Cardiff, the people...
I love Cardiff, the people are amazing and friendly. Cardiff town is great, easily accessible to everything. read more
If you live a calm and...
If you live a calm and serene environment. This place is for you read more
I love Cardiff. City...
I love Cardiff. City is not big but has everything. read more
A small town without...
A small town without many shopping malls and big brand stores. Very chill and peaceful. read more
Calm and beautiful city...
Calm and beautiful city with very kind people read more
Nice city to live basically...
Nice city to live basically I like Cardiff:) read more
A great and bust city...
A great and bust city to live in with plenty to do read more
I like this city very...
I like this city very much, and life is very convenient! read more
Safe, small city with...
Safe, small city with lots to do and nice parks. read more
Amazing!! Love it here,...
Amazing!! Love it here, couldn't recommend more! read more
Cardiff city centre is...
Cardiff city centre is brilliant. Great nightlife, great shopping, easy to navigate and surrounded by several parks and stuff read more
Great friendly city,...
Great friendly city, great night out and lots to do! read more
It’s a lovely small city...
It’s a lovely small city to start of read more
Love it. It’s great fun...
Love it. It’s great fun and McDonald’s takeaways took over my life read more
Haven’t been out properly...
Haven’t been out properly in cardiff yet because of covid but I’ve heard it’s good and quite cheap! There’s everything here, so many restaurants and shops it’s a good city to be in! Everything is within walking distance read more
Cardiff is expensive....
Cardiff is expensive. But, it has everything a student would want. Lots of clubs and retail shops. read more
Nothing is open at the...
Nothing is open at the moment but when it is it's great, the shopping centre is great with all the shops you could need. Plenty restaurants and delivery is great at the moment too read more
Nit really crowded. Perfect...
Nit really crowded. Perfect for education emvironment. Groceries and daily expenses are relatively cheap read more
Cardiff is a perfect...
Cardiff is a perfect city. Cheap and nice to get around. Buses are fine but too many separate companies. Trains are okay but poor compared to the rest of the UK. The shopping and night life is excellent read more
Good experience and lots...
Good experience and lots of shops. read more
Cardiff is the best place...
Cardiff is the best place I have ever lived. The food options here are genuinely stunning and I never have any trouble getting around. I would advise potential students to have a look at the NextBike scheme. You can ride a bike to and from your lectures for free if you register with a student email. Honestly, it's great. read more
Cardiff is an amazing...
Cardiff is an amazing city. Although smaller, it has the vibe of a capital, but unlike London, Cardiff is not overwhelming. The pubs are very cool and offer very good deals for students. You can easily get everywhere by bike or bus. In terms of activities, you always have something to do, whether it's just a walk in Bute park or Cardiff Bay or a go karting or paintball session. So I can say that Cardiff is the most accessible city in the UK at least when it comes to value for money. I love living here! read more
Cardiff is so cheap but...
Cardiff is so cheap but So amazing. Best city to live in, everything is walkable, the uni have a partnership with Nextbike for 30 minutes free cycling every day. Would give 10 stars if I could read more
Cardiff is the most adventurous...
Cardiff is the most adventurous and affordable location in the UK. I can't wait to stroll around and meet new people with a smile. read more
Has something for everyone....
Has something for everyone. Nighclubs, bars, pubs, gyms etc.. read more
Absolutely can not fault...
Absolutely can not fault Cardiff as an area, a large player on the global scene having hosted the champions league final and rugby World Cup whilst I was there, people are the nicest people in the U.K, gorgeous place to live as a student read more
The city is very good,...
The city is very good, has everything you need to get by. read more
A lovely city. Good mix...
A lovely city. Good mix of plenty to do and also a small/homely feeling. Beautiful place too read more
Cardiff is a beautiful...
Cardiff is a beautiful city. Everything is so close and within walking distance. Access to Ubers and buses are so easy for students. Town is always lively and busy, the St Davids centre has really nice places to eat. Nights out for uni students are great, cannot complain. Especially on student nights where drinks are cheaper, you are guaranteed to enjoy a night out in Cardiff whether its events, gigs or club nights. There's something for everyone. read more
I love your arcades in...
I love your arcades in Cardiff that so much fun read more
Cardiff is great transport...
Cardiff is great transport is good. read more
Cardiff is definitely...
Cardiff is definitely a walking city. You can get most places in about 30 minutes and the night life is great. Clwb Ilfor Bach is brilliant (everyone calls it Welsh Club) and Live Lounge is always fantastic. St Davids has pretty much every shop imaginable and there are tons and tons of great restaurants to choose from. read more
Cheap and enjoyable,...
Cheap and enjoyable, wales really is the place read more
A very safe and friendly...
A very safe and friendly City, good shopping, restaurants and bars. read more
Again, Cardiff is known...
Again, Cardiff is known for its cheap accommodation, not only when it comes to the halls, but also the rent is in most cases reasonable. There's a lot of places where you can eat out and enjoy good food, usually for a really good price. You can either go to town where you find the most popular chains of restaurants, such as Wagamama, or stay near the campus and enjoy Hogwurst's famous milkshakes and hot dogs. If you're staying in Cathays then the number of options is overwhelming. The place is full of cheap take aways and restaurants. Nights out in Cardiff are always fun, and since the city is full of students, it is usually quite cheap to go out. With St David's Shopping cetre being 10 mins away from the main building, you get the access to the most popular shops, but also you get to go to the Arcades, where you can find more vintage shops, or just less known shops. With everything being there just a few minutes away, you don't really need to use public transport much. read more
cardiff is great, has...
cardiff is great, has everything you need, bus, trains, shopping, eateries, everything! read more
Obviously the best city...
Obviously the best city around. Amazing prices for students, great atmosphere and perfect for students. read more
I couldn't have wished...
I couldn't have wished for a nicer, more friendly city to spend my uni years in. All the great things about the city, but with lots of green areas and not too big. I always feel completely safe. read more
5 stars for all! Everything...
5 stars for all! Everything about living in Cardiff is fantastic, it's small enough that you can walk pretty much everywhere but there are buses for when you're feeling lazy! The St David's shopping centre is HUGE and has everything you need. Their food court provides a closely grouped variety of different food options, but there are restaurants spread over the city. The club nights are fantastic with plenty of places to choose from, or if you want a more classy night you can choose to have a candlelit dinner by the Bay! read more
Plenty of jobs available...
Plenty of jobs available in this large city centre, shops, restaurants, bars &nightclubs are widely available! There are also plenty of schools for people to complete any placement! read more
Can't really beat the...
Can't really beat the nightlife or shopping!! Eating out can be expensive, but the food is nice and can get good student deals!! Cost of living is pretty decent, and rent is cheaper than most other cities!! read more
Overall amazing city...
Overall amazing city , really can't fault it, in terms of public transport I'm sure it's great but there's no need to use you can walk everywhere ! read more
Overall amazing city...
Overall amazing city , really can't fault it, in terms of public transport I'm sure it's great but there's no need to use you can walk everywhere ! read more
Such a fantastic city...
Such a fantastic city with everything you need and great housing costs. Beautiful parks and a wide range of housing types read more
I have fallen in love...
I have fallen in love with Cardiff, I graduate this summer and have decided to stay in the city to lice and work, as there is so much to do and there is something for everyone, I don't drive but it is easy to get around via public transport read more
Cardiff is the perfect...
Cardiff is the perfect place for students. read more
Fantastic city, at first...
Fantastic city, at first you may feel overwhelmed because of the size of it but once you have settled in for a while you will realise that it is actually quick and easy to get to many of the different parts of the town. read more
Cardiff is the best city...
Cardiff is the best city as its not massive but you get to know your way round quickly. Plenty of things to do and a great variety of shops and restaurants read more
Cardiff is an absolutely...
Cardiff is an absolutely fantastic city - coming from Manchester I was amazed about how much it had to offer. It is a compact city but has so much to do e.g cinemas , ice rinks , white water rafting and even a snow dome in the next few years ! Cardiff is also incredible for sport - every year is the 6 nations rugby which is mental and the champions league final will be held here in 2017. The nightlife speaks for itself , its unreal- its big , its crazy but its still safe! Well worth a trip to see what the city has to offer ! read more
Cardiff is an excellent...
Cardiff is an excellent city and students are never far from the heart of it. read more
Perfect city for a student....
Perfect city for a student. So student friendly, I can't imagine anywhere is better in terms of these criteria. read more
Everything you could...
Everything you could ever want/need is in cardiff! Honestly never needed to use public transport because you can walk anywhere pretty easily. read more
Brilliant. One of the...
Brilliant. One of the few student friendly cities. Lidl, pound land and pound world will be your saviour. So many places to eat and go out, with a different student night every night of the week. read more
Very good nights out...
Very good nights out in Cardiff and amazing shopping within walking distance, very cheap living costs and nights out! read more
Great city, by the bay...
Great city, by the bay not far from the beach read more
Amazing place one of...
Amazing place one of the best city's of the United kingdom read more
Cardiff is an amazing...
Cardiff is an amazing city, from the skin tingling atmosphere that game night brings, to the liberal rally's on divided social issues. You never know you may also see an impromptu marching band! The city is diverse and vibrant with a constant mellow buzz to it. However cost of living is an issue for me personally as I hail from the north where things are dirt cheap - so it does feel extortionate paying £3.79 for a korma, what's the deal cardiff?! Other than that the place is fantastic, can't get enough of it! read more
Easily the cheapest place...
Easily the cheapest place to live, practically everyone is a student in Cardiff. Good night life, never want to leave. read more
Cons?
5p Carrier Bag a go.