Pros and Cons of Living in Cardiff as a Student: The Complete Guide to Wales’ Capital

Cardiff beats other UK cities hands down. Here's why students love it- The green space is insane. Cardiff has 330+ parks and gardens. That’s more than any other major UK city. You can study outside most days. Along with spacious and convenient student accommodation in Cardiff, people here are genuinely friendly. Welsh culture welcomes everyone.  Also, you will get thorough information with the help of the city guide for Cardiff students regarding the transport, as well as other things.

Why Cardiff Should Be on Every Student’s Radar?

• Cardiff offers affordable student living with the second-lowest rents in the UK. 
• Strong nightlife, excellent transport, and vibrant student culture make it perfect for international students. 
• Budget around £875 monthly for comfortable living.
• Cardiff's a brilliant choice for students. The city feels like home within weeks.
• Most people skip Cardiff for London. This Welsh capital has everything you need. Plus, your money goes twice as far.

Want to know why Cardiff student accommodation stands out? Explore our full guide on why live in Cardiff student accommodation to see how the city combines comfort, convenience, and community.

Living Costs That Won’t Break You

Cardiff is affordable. NatWest ranked the city second-lowest for rent in 2025. Understand the cost of living in Cardiff first. Your monthly budget is:

Most students spend between £1,115-£2,380+/month, all in. Want to see how your lifestyle stacks up? Use our cost of living calculator to create a personalised budget in minutes.

Cardiff's Universities Are Actually Good

Three universities call Cardiff home. All these top universities in Cardiff are providers of excellent education.

Cardiff University

Cardiff University is a proud member of the Russell Group. Founded in 1883, this university has about 33,000 students roaming the campus daily. The campus sits right in the city centre. The business school and the Engineering college are top-notch. They have quality learning, good staff and state-of-the-art labs. Moreover, loads of scholarships are available, and international students get decent support. 

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Metropolitan University is more practical. Founded in 1865, it has three campuses across the city. It is especially a great option for arts and communications students. The university has a massive gym at the Cyncoed campus and boasts sports facilities. Elite Sport Scholar Awards help athletes. Financial aid is generous here. 

University of South Wales

It is the best choice for students of research and offers distance learning options too. It has a good reputation locally. The university runs the Celtic Studies Centre. 

Where to Live in Cardiff

It is very easy to find the best student accommodation in Cardiff. There are loads of options that suit different budgets. You can find top student accommodation in Cardiff for every need. 

Purpose-built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

PBSA’s your best bet. Modern buildings with everything included. Gyms, study rooms, and social spaces. These are some good options for luxury student accommodation in Cardiff. 

Top picks:

• Bridge Street Exchange
• Eclipse
• The Fitzalan

University Halls

First-years usually pick halls. Great for meeting people. Freshers' Week events happen here.

It can get noisy, though. Depending on what you want. Also, if you want affordable student accommodation in Cardiff, try the housing near the university campus. 

Private Houses

Second and third-year students often share houses. They are cheaper than PBSA. They have comfortable bedrooms and a decent kitchen. Everything is within walking distance of the student accommodation. You can also refer to the best private student accommodation in Cardiff. 

Getting Around Cardiff

Transport is sorted. Multiple options work for different budgets. The transport guide for students in Cardiff will provide detailed information. 

Trains

Cardiff Central and Queen Street stations connect everywhere. London is under two hours. Student discounts apply through the Student Railcard UK. Season tickets save money if you travel regularly.

Buses

The bus network covers the whole city. It offers a 30% student discount for under-21s. Night buses run during term time. Hence, it is easy to get home safely after nights out. To keep you safer, our Cardiff safety guide for students is of great help. 

Cycling

Loads of people cycle here. 4.3% of residents bike to work/uni. Three main routes:

• Taff Trail
• Ely Trail
• Rhymney Trail

Most accommodations have bike storage. Unis offer maintenance services.

Cardiff Student Life Rocks

Academic work balances perfectly with social life in Cardiff. From buzzing nightlife to budget-friendly eats, there are tons of things to do in Cardiff that can attract students. If you're curious about what it's really like to live and study here, check out our student life in Cardiff blog for a deeper dive into the day-to-day experience.

Nightlife That Actually Bangs

Cardiff's nightlife has proper good venues everywhere. Students can enjoy the best clubs in Cardiff. Retro runs 'Pounded Wednesdays' and it has three floors, 90s to current music. First-year students can vibe here.

• The Live Lounge has live bands until midnight. DJs until 4 am and happy hour 5-10 pm daily.
• Gassy’s does quiz nights and karaoke. It gives student discounts. Bottomless brunch on weekends.
• Cardiff Stable offers £10 pizza and pint deals. Student unions throw regular events here. 

Food Scene's Decent

Eating out won't bankrupt you. International options are everywhere. You can visit the best restaurants in Cardiff, with very delicious food and good offers. 

DEPOT has street food vendors. Thai, Mexican, everything. Craft beer and cocktails, too.

Purple Poppadom serves Indian food with British twists. The restaurant offers food at affordable prices. It won Best in Wales 2021 at the British Curry Awards. 

There are loads of student-friendly chains near campus, McDonald's, Subway, and Greggs. You know the drill.

Culture and History

Cardiff mixes old and new brilliantly. Many attractions offer student discounts. Cardiff Castle sits in the city centre as a historic fortress, giving visitors decent Instagram shots.

Moreover, you can visit the top museums in Cardiff. The Cardiff Story Museum, for instance, costs nothing. It shows local history and is located in the old library.

Off The Wall Gallery displays contemporary art. You can buy them at an affordable price sometimes. You will also find yourself chatting about the fun facts about Cardiff. 

Shopping Won’t Disappoint

• Cardiff’s shopping scene works for students. St. David’s Centre has 150+ brands, including Urban Outfitters, Foot Locker, and everything.
• Queens Arcade mixes independent shops with big names. Food courts provide study breaks.
• Cardiff’s Indoor Flea Market sells vintage gear. It is perfect for unique room decorations.
• Student Lock-in events happen each September. You can get exclusive discounts and freebies.

The Good Stuff About Cardiff

Money Goes Further

Cardiff has the second-lowest rents in the UK. £1,115-£2,380+/month covers everything comfortably here, whereas students in London spend double.

Transport Links Rock

• London is two hours by train from Cardiff. Manchester's three hours. Europe is accessible via Cardiff Airport.
• Public transport works efficiently. Buses reach all areas. Night services run during the term.

Student Community's Massive

30,000+ students create a proper atmosphere. City feels young year-round. International students integrate easily. Additionally, student societies and clubs in Cardiff help outsiders to adjust and mix with the city’s culture. 

Culture is Rich

Welsh heritage meets modern attractions with museums, galleries, and historic sites. Local and international cultures are celebrated.

Green Spaces Everywhere

More parks per person than anywhere else. Students enjoy coastal areas too. Mental health benefits are real. Students love the best places to live in Cardiff that have lovely green spaces. 

Universities Deliver

The academic reputation of the city is strong because of its universities. Students will find abound research opportunities along with career services that help them post-graduation.

The Not-So-Great Bits

Cardiff is a good and student-friendly city. However, there are some disadvantages to the city. As a student, you must know the pros and cons of living in Cardiff. 

Job Market's Limited

The job market in Cardiff is smaller than in London or Manchester. Acquiring part-time jobs in Cardiff for students gets competitive. Graduate jobs often require moving.

Weather Isn’t Always Ideal

Welsh weather means rain and wind. Students from warm countries struggle in winter. Proper clothing is essential.

Welsh Language Confusion

English dominates, but Welsh signage exists. Older locals sometimes speak Welsh. Rarely causes problems.

Nightlife Ends Early

Venues close before 2 am weeknights. 24-hour entertainment is limited. Party animals might feel restricted. However, you can enjoy the best clubs in Cardiff that give good student discounts. 

International Community’s Smaller

Growing but still limited. Some miss larger multicultural scenes. Specific cultural foods are harder to find.

Transport Costs Add Up

Efficient but expensive. Monthly passes strain tight budgets. Cycling becomes a necessity for saving money.

Making Cardiff Work for You

Budget Smart

As a student, you have to know how to save money. Here are some tips: 

• Track spending with banking apps. 
• Use student discounts everywhere. 
• Cook at home. 
• Save money for social stuff.

Get Social

To gel with the Cardiff culture, student societies in Cardiff help a lot. You can: 

• Join societies matching your interests. 
• Attend Freshers’ Week events. 
• International student groups provide cultural connections.

Study Effectively

• Use the uni study spaces and libraries in Cardiff. 
• Form study groups. 
• Academic support services help when struggling.

Explore Properly

• Visit free museums and galleries. 
• Day trips to the Welsh countryside. 
• Local festivals happen year-round.

Final Thoughts: Is Cardiff the Right Fit for You?

Cardiff strikes a thoughtful balance between affordability, academic excellence, and vibrant student life. Whether you're drawn to its diverse cultural experiences, green open spaces, or the welcoming community that supports student success, Cardiff offers an enriching university experience without the financial strain often associated with larger UK cities.

For international students and those seeking a well-rounded, budget-conscious lifestyle, Cardiff presents a compelling option. However, if your ambitions lean toward fast-paced metropolitan living or wider employment markets, it's worth weighing those priorities before making a decision.

Ready to begin your student journey in Cardiff? Start by exploring your accommodation options early, particularly purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), which fills quickly. Be sure to factor in location, amenities, budget, and social preferences to find a space that complements your academic and personal life. Check out our student housing guide for Cardiff to get an in-depth overview of how to choose the best accommodation for yourself in the city. Cardiff welcomes you with an opportunity. All that's left is to take the first step.