The capital of Wales, Cardiff, is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. It is known for its rich history, the historic coal port and is also becoming one of the top choices for international students to pursue their higher education.
Cardiff is home to several internationally renowned universities, like the University of Wales and Cardiff University, which invite several thousand students every year to the city. To cope with the influx of such a high number of students, an alternative market for student accommodation in Cardiff has been created to help students live in this beautiful city. Let’s see an overview of how life is in Cardiff for an international student.
Why International Students Choose Cardiff
Cardiff is a city that is absolutely loved by students. It’s beautiful beaches with pleasant breezes in the morning and evening make this city better than most of other British cities like London and Manchester.
The city has a multicultural environment and a very student-friendly atmosphere because of its reputation as a student city. Cardiff is not quite large but still has an excellent system of public transit. The city is home to several top institutions in the UK and therefore, is emerging as a global hub for higher education. Also, it is worth noting that the cost of living in Cardiff is very low and affordable.
Cost of Living in Cardiff for International Students
The Cost of Living in Cardiff highly depends on the lifestyle that you lead and the choices that you make. If you plan accordingly and live on a budget, you can expect to spend a month in Cardiff in well under £1000, while if you choose to spend lavishly, even a hundred thousand pounds would feel less. Here is a table underlining major expenses that one might incur in Cardiff as a student:
| Expense | Amount (In € per month) |
| Rent | 600 – 1000 |
| Food | 150 – 250 |
| Transport | 100 – 150 |
| Leisure | 150 – 200 |
| Total | 1000 – 1600 |
These figures are tentative and might change based on your lifestyle.
Student Accommodation in Cardiff
Cardiff has a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to student housing. There are several PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodations) that provide great services and make students feel at home. PBSAs are further divided into several types which have been explained beneath:
- Shared Apartments – In these apartments, students get to share a room with 2/3 occupants and get to use a shared washroom, living room, and kitchen. This is the most affordable housing option for students in Cardiff.
- En-Suite Accommodation – These accommodations provide students with an entire room attached to a washroom for themselves and a shared living room and kitchen.
- Studio Apartments – These apartments are the epitome of luxury and comfort in student housing, as students get to have a personal room with an attached washroom and a kitchen, all for just one person.
Best Areas to Live in Cardiff for Students
Overall, Cardiff is one of the best cities in the UK, and since it is the capital of Wales, it is obvious to imagine the level of safety which is in the city. The student population is vibrant, and the residents of the city treat international students with courtesy and respect. However, there are several neighbourhoods that students absolutely love to stay in due to the already established student communities. These areas are:
- Cathays
- Roath
- City Centre
- Heath
Students love to stay in these neighbourhoods as they provide great connectivity to the rest of the city and are located close to the universities in Cardiff.
Tips for International Students Moving to Cardiff
Cardiff is a gorgeous city, and students will face no difficulties in staying in the city. However, there are several mistakes that international students make before moving to the city. Here are some tips that will prove very helpful while looking for student accommodation in Cardiff.
- Plan your budget and expenses properly. Make sure not to spend more than what is allocated in your budget for a particular expense category.
- Student accommodation in Cardiff sold out very quickly. Therefore, students are recommended to begin their accommodation hunt as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute problems.
- The weather in Cardiff is very pleasant and students shall face no difficulties in adapting to it. However, the rain is unpredictable. The weather might be sunny at noon, and it still might rain 30 minutes later.
Conclusion
Cardiff is a city that offers a balanced student lifestyle with affordability and quality education. It is emerging as a global hub for higher education, and the number of people coming in the city for higher education is increasing every year.
Looking for student accommodation early helps students settle smoothly and get a variety of options to choose from with special discounts and offers. There are several organisations like University Living that help students find just the right accommodation for themselves. Therefore, forget all worries and give your career a much-needed boost only in Cardiff!
