Living in Cardiff: What International Students Need to Know

Thinking of moving to Cardiff from abroad to study? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of international students choose this friendly Welsh capital as their UK university home. With its mix of world-class education, affordable lifestyle, and vibrant student scene, Cardiff offers an exciting and welcoming place to live and learn. Whether you’re a history lover exploring Cardiff Castle or a sports fan watching rugby at the Principality Stadium, student life in Cardiff has something for everyone.

Cardiff is the capital of Wales and one of the most student-friendly cities in the UK. It’s known for its compact layout (you can walk almost everywhere!), green spaces, buzzing nightlife, and multicultural community. The city is safe, diverse, affordable, and full of things to see and do. From finding international student accommodation in Cardiff to understanding the local culture, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Why Study in Cardiff?

1. A Diverse and Inclusive Culture

Cardiff is home to a large international student population. You’ll meet people from around the world, find cultural events, language groups, and societies that help you feel right at home.

2. Affordable Living

Compared to cities like London or Edinburgh, the cost of living in Cardiff for students is much lower. From rent to groceries, it’s easier to manage your budget here!

3. A Supportive Student Experience

Universities in Cardiff offer tailored support for international students, including orientation programmes, wellbeing services, and academic help. Similarly, so does our student accommodation in Cardiff, the West Wing. With regular social activities, communal spaces, and 24/7 support, find all the support you need right Here!

Top Universities in Cardiff

There are multiple top-ranked universities in the city, all with great reputations:

Cardiff University 

Known for its research excellence and strong international partnerships, Cardiff University is a member of the prestigious Russell Group—a UK-based consortium of 24 leading research-intensive universities, known for its strong focus on high academic standards and global impact. Ranking 27th on the University League Table 2025, it should definitely be one of your top choices if you do decide to study in Cardiff!

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Offering career-focused degrees and a supportive environment, Cardiff Metropolitan University is certainly a top contender, especially if you’re an eco-conscious student. Ranked as the best university in Wales for sustainability in the People & Planet University League 2023/24, this is an institution that really cares about both your and the planet’s future.

University of South Wales (Cardiff campus)

Known for creative industries, studying at the University of South Wales will really help you to flourish. Home to a vibrant and creative community, you can excel in diverse courses, including games and design, fashion, film, and so much more.

No matter which university you choose, you’ll find opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Transport & Getting Around

Getting around Cardiff is easy and affordable:

• Walking – The city centre is compact and walkable. In fact, you can walk to the city centre from the West Wing in just 20 minutes.
• Buses – Local buses run frequently and cover the entire city. For discounted rates, be sure to apply for a My Travel Pass!
• Trains – Whether you’re travelling near or far, Cardiff Train Station can easily connect you to other cities, so be sure to apply for a Rail Card to save some extra cash!
• Cycling – The city is flat and compact and filled with cycle lanes, making it well-suited for bikes.

Cost of Living

One of the biggest advantages of living in this city is the low cost of living in Cardiff for students. Compared to other major UK cities like London, Oxford, and Manchester, Cardiff offers excellent value for money, without compromising on quality of life. Of course, costs will vary depending on your lifestyle and personal choices, but Cardiff offers flexibility to live well on a student budget. Understanding the typical costs can help you plan your budget and avoid surprises when you arrive.

Here’s a quick look at the average cost of living in Cardiff for students on a monthly basis:

• Rent: £500–£850 for shared private accommodation
• Bills: £50-£100 (But lucky for you, Here! Students offers all-inclusive bills).
• Groceries: £100–£150
• Transport: £30–£40
• Leisure: £75–£150, but this really varies depending on your habits and activities.

Resident tip: “Get a TOTUM card and download UNiDAYS for student discounts. It saves money on everything from takeaways to train tickets!”

Cultural Insights

Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also feel unfamiliar. Here are some quick cultural tips to help you get settled in straight away:

• Weather – Cardiff has a mild climate, but it rains often. But don’t let this put you off—it just makes duvet days even more cosy. Just remember to bring a waterproof jacket for when you decide to venture out.
• Local slang – Just like any city and country, Cardiff has its own local dialect. From “tidy” and “lush” to “chopsy” and “tamping”, it’s best to familiarise yourself with some of Cardiff’s local slang.
• British etiquette – In the UK, people often say “please” and “thank you” more than most.
• Food – You’ll find both global and local cuisines in Cardiff, from Indian curries to fish and chips by the sea. And if you’re cooking from your home, you’ve got to give Welsh Rarebit a try—the Welsh take on cheese on toast
• Making friends at Uni – Join student societies, attend welcome events, or try language exchange meetups. At Here! Students, we make this as easy as possible with communal spaces, calendar events and shared apartments.

Practical Advice for Moving from Abroad

Here are a few things to sort out in your first weeks:

• SIM cards – Grab a UK SIM (like Giffgaff or Voxi) for affordable data and calls.
• Healthcare – As a student, you’ll have access to the NHS. Register with a GP (the local doctor) once you arrive.
• Bank accounts – Most banks offer student accounts. You’ll need proof of ID, address, and a university acceptance letter. Having a UK bank account helps you avoid extra charges for international transactions

Where to Live

Cardiff has several popular student areas. Here are some of our favourites:

• Cathays – This old Cardiff Suburb is a more relaxed neighbourhood. It’s close to Cardiff University and still full of student life.
• Adamsdown – An inner city area and community in the south of the city. This lively location is home to Here! Students’ international student accommodation in Cardiff.
• City Centre – Convenient for shopping, nightlife, and transport, not forgetting the proximity to the three primary universities. 

Tips for Settling In

• Join a society – Most universities have clubs for everything, including photography, football and more.
• Look for part-time work – Usually, international students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time. Be sure to check your own visa regulations before you apply.
• Ask for support – Whether it’s visa questions, homesickness or academic stress, your university will offer services to help with your transition. And our friendly team at Here! Students are always Here! too.

Conclusion

Living in Cardiff as an international student is a fantastic experience. It’s a city where you can feel safe, supported, and inspired. With welcoming people, great universities, and an affordable lifestyle, Cardiff for international students truly delivers.

Living in Cardiff as an international student is a fantastic experience, offering world-class education, a welcoming community, and an affordable cost of living. From learning the local culture to finding your way around the city, there’s plenty to discover. And with the right support, settling in becomes much easier.

Finding the right accommodation is key to starting your student journey with confidence. A safe, inclusive space helps you focus on your studies and enjoy student life to the fullest.

Need somewhere safe, stylish, and international student-friendly in Cardiff? Explore Here Students’ all-inclusive student accommodation today.