199 Student halls of residence in Cardiff

Many students choose the comfort of a student residence in Cardiff —one of the most popular accommodation options— to do an exchange. In this article, you'll find key information about the residences, from the pros and cons to details on private and university residences. We also guide you through affordable options and answer the FAQ’s. Let’s do this!

Advantages and disadvantages of living in Cardiff residences

In this section, we'll tell you the most notable pros and cons of this accommodation type in the Welsh city:

Pros of living in student residences in Cardiff

• They’re near the busiest neighbourhoods —like Cathays or the city centre— so you can go out for a drink and walk home, making the most of the nightlife.
• They usually organise activities and events so that residents can make friends when they arrive in this new city.
• Many have "No Visa, No Pay" or "No Place, No Pay" policies, making cancellations possible without penalty if a visa is denied or a place at the university is not secured.
• Rent includes the costs of essential services, including heating. You'll probably appreciate not having to worry about that expense during the cold Welsh months. No more freezing!
• The city is a magnet for students from all over the world, and you’ll have the possibility to make friends from all corners, perfect for practicing languages and learning about cultures.
• Many residences organise activities such as movie nights, parties, and excursions. With Cardiff packed with pubs, parks and historical sites, there’s always something new to discover with your friends.

Cons of living in student residences in Cardiff

• You’ll have to share space with many people, so it may be difficult to find quiet moments.
• Rooms are usually compact, so you might end up missing a little extra space for your things.
• Some residences usually have strict rules regarding entry and exit times or use of common facilities, as well as receiving guests.
• Cardiff has some very affordable shared apartment options, and although comfortable, residences are usually more expensive.
• Cardiff is great for meeting people, but sometimes it's hard to find a corner for yourself and disconnect a bit.
• Residences usually have permanent contracts and they don't allow as many customization options.

Private student residences in Cardiff

Cardiff's private residences are often located in the city centre, neighbourhoods like City Centre, Cathays, and Plasnewydd. There are others a little further from the centre, but all have good public transport to access institutions and leisure areas.

As for accommodation, you can find both single rooms —the most affordable option, with shared kitchen and common areas— and studios.

Common facilities are designed to encourage student interaction. It's common to find gyms, movie theaters, game rooms with pools and ping-pong tables, and study spaces. Some also offer music rooms, private dining rooms and outdoor terraces, which is preferred by many.

Included services cover all utility bills, internet access, 24-hour security, common area cleaning, and on-site maintenance. Some also offer extra services such as free breakfast Monday through Friday, bi-weekly room cleaning, and social events.

It’s important to note that some residences offer "No Visa, No Pay or "No Place, No Pay" policies, which allows you to cancel a booking if a visa is not approved or if there’s no space for residents.

University halls of residence in Cardiff

University residences in Cardiff are located in various neighbourhoods of the city, such as Cathays, Gabalfa, and Roath. They can also be placed on-campus or off-campus.

As for types of accommodation, options usually are single rooms with shared bathrooms —more budget-friendly— and single rooms with private bathrooms —greater privacy—. You can also find studio flats —with a private kitchen and bathroom, although they cost the most—.

Common facilities include study rooms, gyms, laundry areas and social lounges like game rooms or TV areas. Some residences also offer gardens or outdoor terraces.

The included services generally cover internet access, 24-hour security, common area cleaning, and facility maintenance. Some residences offer extra services such as regular room cleaning, breakfast during the week and organised social activities to make integration easier.

University residences in Cardiff usually organize events to make it easier for students to integrate. We encourage you to take part in these events, as you'll not only be able to participate in cultural celebrations, but you'll also be able to meet other young people who share your hobbies.

Residences of Cardiff University

This prestigious institution has many available university residences in different neighbourhoods. Please note that they can’t guarantee that there will be places available for exchange students who’ll be there only for one semester, since full-year students have priority.

Another fact to keep in mind is that there are residences in which certain individual preferences are prioritised, such as some that are quieter (called “quiet”), others where LGBT+ students may feel more comfortable, others for Welsh students or speakers and some for couples or families.

If you want to know more about accommodation near Cardiff University, check out this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Cardiff

To find a student residence in Cardiff that offers good value, decent features and a good location, you can use Erasmus Play! Our comparison tool allows you to explore verified private residences available for your stay in the Welsh capital. Once you've made your secure online reservation, you can move on to another important step: discover the best places to enjoy food in Cardiff!

FAQ’s about student accommodation in Cardiff