Student Accommodation Near Cardiff University

Student housing near Cardiff University

Find student accommodation near Cardiff University on Housr, with a wide range of shared houses and student-friendly properties across Cardiff. You can filter listings by price, number of bedrooms, and property type. All property prices listed on Housr are bill-inclusive with Housr Bills, making it easier to plan your monthly budget as a student.

Where Cardiff University is based

Cardiff University operates across two main campus areas, both closely connected to the city centre. The Cathays Park campus is the primary site and is home to most academic schools, libraries, and student facilities. The Heath Park campus is located slightly north of the centre and focuses on medicine, dentistry, and healthcare-related subjects.

Because the Cathays Park campus sits next to established student neighbourhoods, many students choose to live within walking distance rather than searching for housing next to individual buildings. When looking for Cardiff University accommodation, students often prioritise proximity to Cathays, access to bus routes, and easy links to the city centre.

Some students, particularly those studying medicine or healthcare, choose to live closer to Heath Park to reduce commute times. However, housing options near Heath are more limited, which is why areas such as Cathays and Roath continue to be the most popular choices for Cardiff University students.

University rankings and what Cardiff University is known for

Cardiff University is highly regarded for its combination of academic excellence and practical, career-focused learning. The university places strong emphasis on placements, professional development, and industry connections, making it a popular choice for students who want to gain real-world experience and improve their graduate prospects.

University Rankings

Cardiff University ranks 22nd in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2026, and 181st globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

What subjects is Cardiff University known for?

Cardiff University has established strengths in:

• Medicine and Dentistry

• Engineering and Technology

• Business and Management

• Law and Social Sciences

• Psychology and Neuroscience

Beyond league tables, the university is also known for its research excellence, strong industry links, and extensive professional pathways. Its sporting facilities and competitive BUCS teams attract students interested in sports alongside their studies, many of whom choose to live in established student areas such as Cathays and Roath.

Private student accommodation near Cardiff University

When looking for private student accommodation near Cardiff University, most students compare housing in a small number of well-known Cardiff neighbourhoods.

Cathays

Cathays is Cardiff’s most established student area and one of the most popular locations for Cardiff University accommodation. It has a large number of shared student houses, a lively student atmosphere, and strong bus links across the city.

Living in Cathays places you within walking distance of Cardiff University’s Cathays Park campus, with easy bus connections to other university sites such as Heath Park. You’ll also be close to the city centre, nightlife, and social spaces, which makes the area especially popular with second- and third-year students choosing to live with friends.

Roath

Roath is often compared with Cathays by students looking for Cardiff University housing with a slightly calmer residential feel. While it still has a strong student presence, Roath offers more green space, independent cafés, and local amenities.

If you’re commuting from Roath, you can still rely on regular bus routes into the city centre and out towards Cardiff University campuses, making it a good option if you want a balance between student life and quieter living. Browse Roath student accommodation here. Cathays and Roath aren’t just popular because they’re student-heavy; they offer flexibility. If your timetable changes, placements move, or you work part-time, living in these areas keeps your options open across the city.

Getting to key hubs from Cardiff University

Cardiff City Centre

If you’re living in Cathays or Roath, frequent bus services run directly into Cardiff city centre. This gives you easy access to Cardiff Central station, major shopping areas, nightlife, and part-time work, all key factors when choosing where to live.

Commuting to campus

If you’re living in Cathays or Roath, you can rely on Cardiff’s bus network to reach Cardiff University sites such as Heath Park, with most journeys taking around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the route. Cathays is also within walking distance of the main university buildings, making day-to-day travel straightforward for many students.

This is why checking bus routes early, not just distance, is important when choosing between different Cardiff University accommodation options.

Browse Cardiff University accommodation on Housr

Use Housr to compare Cardiff University accommodation by location, price, and property size. Our List and Map views let you see exactly where each property is located and how it connects to transport routes and student neighbourhoods.

All properties on Housr are listed with bills included through student utility packages, making it easier to compare Cardiff University housing options and plan your budget confidently.