Ibrahim Gardner
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a popular destination for international students due to its universities, sports activities, nightlife, and relatively low cost of living. The city offers various accommodation options for students, including shared flats, private rentals, and student halls of residence. The average monthly rent for a room in a shared flat ranges from £450 to £500, while private studios can cost upwards of £1200 per month. Students can search for accommodation through letting agencies, online platforms such as Spareroom and Erasmus Play, or directly through their university's accommodation services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Renting options | Rent a room in a shared apartment, rent an entire apartment, or live in student halls/flats |
| Rent prices | A room in a shared flat ranges from £280-£1000 per month, with an average of £450-£500 per month. Student halls of residence average £170 per week. |
| Recommended areas | Cathays, Roath, Grangetown, City Centre, Colum Road, North Road, City Road, Maindy Road, Woodville Road, Miskin Street |
| Cost of living | Daily expenses for food and leisure are relatively cheap. Total budget estimated at €700-800 per month. |
| Additional costs | Deposit (usually one month's rent), bills, Council Tax (unless exempt as a full-time student) |
| Rental process | Rent through letting agents or directly from landlords. The Student Advice team at Cardiff Students' Union provides housing support and contract checks. |
| Rental websites | Erasmus Play, Spareroom, Facebook groups (e.g., Overheard at Cardiff University), Accommodation for Students |
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What You'll Learn
Where to live in Cardiff
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a culturally diverse and academically vibrant city. It offers a wide range of student living options to suit different needs and preferences.
Cathays
Cathays is one of the most popular places to live as a student in Cardiff. It is close to universities, student activities, and amenities like supermarkets, cafes, and bars. Housing options vary from shared houses to modern student apartments, providing a range of options to fit different budgets. A room in a shared flat in Cathays goes from £450 onwards, with the average being £500 per month.
Roath
Roath is ideal for students who value a balance between a quiet residential feel and the convenience of urban life. It is surrounded by the beautiful Roath Park, where the recreation ground and lake are situated. The houses here are much more spacious, and it is a very popular spot for student dwelling.
Plasnewydd
Plasnewydd is known for its varied student accommodation options, all within a comfortable distance from Cardiff University and central areas. The neighbourhood provides a good selection of terraced houses and new apartment complexes.
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is a modern area with a host of new apartment buildings overlooking the water. It is well-connected by public transport and offers a vibrant place to live for students who enjoy an active social life.
Penylan
Penylan is close to parks and local shops, offering a break from the city's pace without sacrificing convenience. Its housing mainly consists of larger, family-style homes, which may be more suitable for postgraduate students or those seeking less crowded living spaces.
Adamsdown
East of the city centre, Adamsdown is an exciting neighbourhood with a mix of cultures and affordable living options. Its location places students within easy reach of Cardiff University and various cultural hotspots, making it a lively and accessible area.
Llandaff
Llandaff provides a quieter, village-like atmosphere with easy access to Cardiff Metropolitan University. The area is known for its historic buildings and community feel, making it ideal for students who prefer a slower pace of life.
Private Student Accommodation
There are also private student accommodation options available, such as Vita, Eclipse, and West Wing, which offer studio-style living with additional amenities like gyms and breakfast. These options tend to be more expensive, and it is worth noting that a large portion of international students in private accommodation are Chinese and tend to be more closed off from other students.
Student Blocks
If you are an international student looking to live with other international students, student blocks are your best option. Zenith, Bridge Street Exchange, and Northgate House are a few examples.
Shared Apartments
Most students in Cardiff decide to rent a room in a shared apartment, as it is cheaper and more fun. A room in a shared flat has a price range of £280 and can go up to £1000, although the average is £500 per month.
Cardiff offers a wide range of options for student living, and the right choice for you will depend on your budget, preferred location, and desired amenities.
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Types of accommodation
There are several types of accommodation available for international students in Cardiff. The most popular option is to rent a room in a shared apartment with other students. This option is usually cheaper, as the rent and monthly expenses are divided among the tenants. It is also a great way to meet other students and share your experiences. The cost of a room in a shared flat can vary, with prices ranging from £280 to £1000 per month, with an average of £500.
Some popular neighbourhoods for shared student flats include Cathays, Roath, and the city centre. Cathays is known for being a student area and is close to the university, while Roath offers a cheaper alternative. The city centre is also a popular choice, with many accommodations within walking distance to universities and the city's attractions.
Another option is to rent a private studio apartment or flat. These can be more expensive, with prices reaching £1200 per month. Some examples of private student accommodations include Vita, Eclipse, and West Wing, which offer various amenities such as gyms and breakfast.
Additionally, there are student halls of residence, which can be university-run or private. Halls of residence usually offer short-term stays and can cost around £170 per week on average.
For those looking for a quieter option, private lettings outside the city centre may be a good choice. Cardiff is known for having many green spaces and nature nearby, so you can find rentals that offer a peaceful environment.
To find accommodations, you can use online platforms such as Spareroom, which allows you to specify your preferences, or Erasmus Play, where you can compare verified rooms across multiple websites. The Student Advice team at Cardiff Students' Union can also provide specialist housing support and advice.
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Cost of rent
Cardiff is known for being an affordable city in the UK, and it has been voted the most cost-effective university city in the UK. The cost of living in Cardiff is usually cheaper than in many other UK cities, and the daily expenses of food and leisure are typically inexpensive.
Most students in Cardiff decide to rent a room in a shared apartment, as it is cheaper than renting an entire apartment alone, and it can be more fun to share the experience with other students. The price of a room in a shared flat ranges from £280 per month and can go up to around £1000, although the average is £500 per month. The average monthly cost of a private room with a shared bathroom is around £500, with the minimum usually being £300 per month. The average cost of renting a room in a shared house is around £450 per month, not including bills.
The Cathays neighbourhood is a popular choice for students as it is close to one of the universities and rent is usually cheaper. A room in a shared flat in Cathays goes from £450 per month, with an average of £500 per month. Roath is another good option for students looking for cheaper accommodation.
There are also private student accommodations available, such as Vita, Eclipse, and West Wing, which offer studio flats or larger rooms. These options tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from £9900 to £1200 per month.
The cost of student accommodation in Cardiff also depends on the type of accommodation chosen. A shared house will cost around £87 per week, while a hall of residence will cost on average £170 per week, but this can vary depending on the type of room selected. Short-term stays in halls of residence are also available, with the most that can be legally charged being five weeks' rent.
Overall, the cost of rent in Cardiff for students varies, but there are many affordable options available, with prices starting from £280 per month for a room in a shared flat.
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Contracts and deposits
Contracts
When renting in Cardiff, you will typically sign a contract with your landlord or letting agent. It is important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant before signing any contract. The Student Advice team at Cardiff Students' Union can offer specialist housing support and help you understand your contract. They provide free contract checks, so you can email them your contract before signing to ensure you understand the terms and conditions.
Deposits
When renting in Cardiff, you will typically be required to pay a deposit. The amount of the deposit can vary, but it is usually equivalent to one month's rent. By law, your landlord or property manager must protect your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. This ensures that you will get your deposit back at the end of your tenancy, provided you have met the terms of your contract and have not caused any damage to the property.
It is important to note that some student accommodations in Cardiff halls of residence may not require a deposit at all. However, if you are renting a shared house, you can expect to pay a deposit. The average deposit for a shared house in Cardiff is £348.
Rent and Expenses
The cost of renting in Cardiff can vary depending on the location and type of accommodation you choose. On average, renting a room in a shared house costs around £450 per month, excluding bills. However, prices can range from £280 to £1000 per month. The areas of Cathays, Roath, and the city centre are popular among students and offer a range of accommodation options.
It is important to consider your budget and plan your expenses carefully before signing a contract. In addition to rent, you will need to factor in the cost of utilities, food, and other living expenses. Some accommodations may include bills in the rent, but this is not always the case.
Finding Accommodation
There are several ways to find accommodation in Cardiff as an international student. You can use online platforms such as Erasmus Play, Spareroom, or Facebook groups like "Overheard at Cardiff University" to find rooms available for rent. You can also contact student letting agencies or the university's accommodation office for assistance.
Additionally, consider your preferences for roommates. Many international students may prefer to live with other international students, and there are specific accommodations that tend to house a large number of international students, such as Eclipse and West Wing.
Legal Considerations
It is important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant in the UK. The Student Advice team at Cardiff Students' Union can help you navigate these matters. Additionally, as a student, you may be exempt from paying Council Tax, but it is important to check your status.
In summary, renting as an international student in Cardiff involves understanding contracts, deposits, and your legal rights. By seeking advice, planning your budget, and utilising available resources, you can navigate the rental process and find suitable accommodation for your stay in Cardiff.
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Living with other international students
Some recommended areas to find shared accommodation with other international students include Cathays, Roath, Grangetown, and the city centre. Cathays is a popular choice as it is close to Cardiff University and has a lively student atmosphere. Roath is another good option if you're looking for something more affordable.
If you're specifically looking for accommodation with other international students, student blocks tend to have a high population of international students. Zenith, Bridge Street Exchange, and Northgate House are some examples of student blocks that may suit your needs.
You can also find shared houses with other international students through platforms like Spareroom or Facebook groups such as 'Overheard at Cardiff University'. Some students have also found success using WhatsApp groups dedicated to finding flatmates.
Private student accommodations like Vita and Eclipse are also options, but they tend to be more expensive. While these accommodations offer amenities like gyms and free breakfast, they may not provide the same level of cultural exchange and social opportunities as living with a diverse group of students from different countries.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular neighbourhoods for international students in Cardiff are Cathays, Roath, Grangetown and the city centre. Cathays is especially popular as it is close to one of the universities and rent is usually cheaper.
The average rental costs in Cardiff vary depending on the type of accommodation and location. A room in a shared flat can range from £280 to £1000 per month, with an average of £500 per month. A shared house can cost around £450 per month, excluding bills. A halls of residence will cost, on average, £170 per week.
Some websites to find accommodation in Cardiff are Erasmus Play, Spareroom, and Accommodation for Students. You can also join student groups on Facebook, such as Overheard at Cardiff University, where people often advertise spare rooms.
