Living in Cardiff UK: 8 Things to Keep in Mind for Students

Living in Cardiff UK provides students with a blend of culture, affordability, and academic excellence, all in one place. Known for its vibrant nightlife, green spaces, and welcoming environment, Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is one of the best study-abroad destinations. With its prestigious universities, efficient public transport, and rich history, the city offers a well-rounded experience for students to study in UK. But is it the right place for you? In this blog, you will read all about living in Cardiff UK and what makes it special for international students.

What is Living in Cardiff UK Like? 

Living in Cardiff offers a high quality of life with a good balance of urban amenities and natural beauty. It’s a great place to live for those seeking a more affordable and less hectic lifestyle than other major UK cities. Let’s read more about what it is like to live in Cardiff for students hereon in detail. 

Academic excellence

Cardiff is a centre for academic excellence. It offers a blend of public and private institutions, each with its own set of advantages for international students. Moreover, it is home to 6 prestigious universities and colleges, together offering a wide range of courses to international and domestic students. 

University	QS World Universities Rank 2025
Cardiff University	186
Cardiff Metropolitan University	101-140
University of South Wales	155

Student accommodation in Cardiff

If you are looking for student accommodation in Cardiff, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can go to Halls of residence to get affordable accommodations in convenient locations. Since you will be surrounded by university students, you can easily socialise and make new friends. Here is some more information according to NUMBEO:

Apartment type	Location	Average rent per month (in GBP)
1 bedroom apartment	City Centre	988.46
1 bedroom apartment	Outside of Centre	806.25
3 bedrooms apartment	In City Centre	1,793.75
3 bedrooms apartment	Outside of Centre	1,200

Also Read: Study in UK for Free for International Students

Easy transportation 

One advantage of living in Cardiff UK is its excellent transport system, making it easier for students to get around the city. The city offers buses, trains, and bikes, catering to short commutes and longer journeys.

1. Buses 

Known for their vibrant orange and green colours, Cardiff buses allow students to travel with single tickets and weekly tickets. Moreover, students between 16 to 21 years of age can also get a travel pass card and enjoy a whopping 30% off on all fares. Another way is to use the Met Rider buses which operate from the Cardiff city centre to the Cardiff metropolitan campuses and the halls of residence.  

2. Trains 

Trains are a great way to get around the city if you want your journey to be hassle-free and faster. There are 4 main stations that help students travel within the city and explore nearby areas. While the fares are priced reasonably, students between the ages of 16 and 25 can enjoy a discount of a third of their fares. 

3. Bikes

Cardiff’s transport system is designed to be student-friendly, ensuring you can travel affordably and efficiently. With Next Bike stations present at every corner of the city, students can easily rent a Next Bike at reasonable prices. 

Student safety in Cardiff

Cardiff boasts a safe and secure environment for international students. No matter if it is day or night, the streets are bustling with students and local residents enjoying various activities. 

Moreover, students can expect regular patrols, security personnel, and CCTV surveillance on the university campuses. 

Top Attractions in Cardiff

Living in Cardiff UK means you’re constantly surrounded by rich history, immersive culture, and stunning architecture. If you wish to take a break from studying or simply explore weekend escape options, the capital of Wales offers numerous tourist attractions. 

You can enjoy a sunny day at some of its best beaches such as Barry Island Beach, Llantwit Major Beach, and Dunraven Bay. Additionally, the city also offers plenty of outdoor attractions like Castell Coch, Roath Park, and Castell Caerffili. 

1. Historical places

• Llandaff Cathedral- It is one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain, lying in the ancient city of Llandaff.
• Pierhead Building- It is a conference venue for the people of Wales where they can express their opinions and thoughts.  
• Cosmeston Medieval Village- An open-air museum and a popular heritage attraction. 

2. Museums 

• Techniquest- A Science museum and centre in Cardiff. 
• National Museum of Cardiff- Previously known as the National Museum of Wales, it has national art, history, and exhibitions. 

Also Read: Study in the UK Without IELTS: Accepted Universities

Cost of Living in Cardiff

Compared to other major UK cities like London and Edinburgh, Cardiff offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Due to the low living expenses in Cardiff, this city is a popular choice among international students. According to NUMBEO, the estimated monthly costs of a single person living in Cardiff are GBP 772.8. Compared to London, the cost of living in Cardiff is 26.5% lower. 

Career opportunities in Cardiff

International students can find plenty of career opportunities in the city of Cardiff. These part-time job opportunities can help students fund their expenses while living in a new country. The best tip is to start searching for jobs within the first month of arriving in Cardiff. Students are allowed to work for a maximum of 15 hours while studying. Popular employment sectors are 

• Hospitality
• Retail
• Translation
• Promotional work
• Jobs on campus 

Also Read: Part-Time Jobs in UK for International Students

Student-friendly suburbs in Cardiff

Cardiff is a welcoming city for international students. Local residents are always up for a chat, give directions, and simply welcome new faces in the city. Since it is a compact city, students are always within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. First-year students have the choice to live in halls and enjoy the safety, security, and convenience. But if you are willing to go experimental in the first year, you can explore the suburbs of Cardiff.

1. City Centre

Cardiff city centre provides easy access to markets, a happening nightlife, restaurants, and shipping centres. Many universities such as the University of South Wales and Cardiff University have campuses in the city centre. Even if you are not living next to your university, Cardiff’s efficient transport system will help you roam around easily. 

2. Cathays 

Cathays are your busier and livelier suburbs. Located by Cardiff University, the area remains highly populated with students all the time around. It is ideal for students who do not want to travel far for lectures. 

3. Roath 

If you want to enjoy the solace of quieter areas full of shops and markets, you might like Roath, located northeast of the city centre of Cardiff. This area is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing students with a bustling community. 

Nightlife in Cardiff

Another interesting part about living in Cardiff UK is its vibrant nightlife. With plenty of clubs and bars around the corner, it is a hub for social butterflies. There are plenty of options at St Mary Street and Greyfriars Road with buzzing clubs like PRYZM. If you want more fancy options, you can check out Mill Lane or the Cocktail Quarter on High Street. 

FAQs

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Hope you enjoyed reading about living in Cardiff UK. If you want to read more interesting blogs on similar topics, make sure to check out the Student Life Abroad section of Leverage Edu.