Cardiff is one of the ideal destinations for international students seeking higher education in an overseas country. In the past few years, many international students have shown interest in enrolling in Cardiff. For the new international students in Cardiff, here we will provide some important information. This information will help you explore your new city and enjoy student city life in Cardiff.
About Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales plus it is also its most populous city. Here are some of its significant details,
Cardiff Geography
Cardiff comprises a relatively flat center and is bounded by hills in three directions, which are east, north, and west. The world’s largest coal port has influenced its location. It is close to the coalfields of the South Wales Valleys. Garth Hill is the highest point in the local authority area and is 307 m (1,007 ft) above sea level.
Population of Cardiff
In 2022, Cardiff’s population was recorded as 372,089.
Weather in Cardiff
Cardiff comes in the north temperature zone. It has a maritime climate, which is marked by mild weather that often remains cloudy, windy, and wet. The atmosphere remains warm and sunny in the summer. The average maxima in summer have to be between 19 and 22 °C (66 and 72 °F). There are fairly wet winters. Rainfall and frost are rare in the winter. A similar feel can be seen in spring and autumn. Temperatures may remain above 14 °C (57 °F).
Study in Cardiff
Why study in Cardiff?
Studying in Cardiff has numerous benefits. First, you get international exposure, which is good for your future career. Besides, you learn to see things from different perspectives. Moreover, Cardiff offers world-class education to students from around the globe. The faculty of Cardiff provides education with a practical approach. Moreover, Cardiff also has excellent arrangements for students, such as accommodation and leisure.
Top Universities in Cardiff
Cardiff has three major universities, which are:
- Cardiff University
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- University of South Wales
There is also a popular conservatoire here named the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.
Cardiff University is the topmost university in the city and has been ranked #186 out of 1503 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Best Student Accommodation in Cardiff
Here, you will know about the top localities and accommodations in Cardiff, which will help you in finding suitable accommodation.
Top Localities in Cardiff
Some of the top localities for international students in Cardiff are:
- City Centre
- Cathays
- Roath
- Cardiff Bay
- Grangetown
- Llandaff
- Sands & Splott
- Penylan
Top 10 Accommodations in Cardiff
Here are the top 10 properties designed for Student Housing in Cardiff.
1. Summit House
2. Vita Student Park Place
3. Eclipse
4. Zenith
5. The Neighbourhood
6. Windsor House
7. Glendower House
8. City Heights
9. Crown Place
10. The West Wing
Jobs in Cardiff
International students can do jobs in Cardiff during their years of studies as well as after completing their studies. Some popular jobs for students in Cardiff are:
- Retail Jobs
- Hospitality and Catering
- Tutoring
- Internships
- Administrative Support
- Customer Service
- Event Staffing
- Freelancing
- Research Assistant
- Delivery Jobs
Living in Cardiff
Cost of Living in Cardiff
Here is the information about the cost of living in Cardiff.
1. Accommodation
- University Halls: £100 to £160 per week
- Private Rentals: £173 per week to £4,600 per month
- Shared Accommodation: £300 to £600 per month (per person)
- Accommodation in an Off-Campus Student Housing Property: £139 to £461 per week. The prices may differ in the case of double occupancy and may also be split. For a double-occupancy studio, the highest price is £554 per week.
- Homestays: £25 to £75 per night.
2. Utilities
- Electricity, Gas, Water, and Internet: £100 to £150 per month (depending on usage)
3. Food
- Groceries: £150 to £250 per month
- Dining Out:
- Inexpensive restaurant: £10 to £20 per meal
- Mid-range restaurant: £30 to £50 for two
4. Transportation
- Public Transport: £2 to £3 per single bus ticket; monthly pass around £60
- Bicycles: Renting a bike can cost around £20 to £50 per month.
5. Entertainment
- Cinema Ticket: £10 to £15
- Gym Membership: £25 to £40 per month
- Night Out: £30 to £60 (including drinks and entry fees)
6. Miscellaneous
- Mobile Phone Plan: £10 to £30 per month
- Clothing: Varies greatly; budget around £50 to £100 per month for essentials.
Total Estimated Monthly Cost
- Low Budget: £800 to £1,000
- Moderate Budget: £1,000 to £1,500
Travelling in Cardiff
Buses and metros are the public transport options in Cardiff. You can visit nearby cities and towns in Wales by train. Taxis and ride-sharing are also available in Cardiff. There is also an option to rent bicycles.
Best Clubs in Cardiff
You would also like to visit clubs in Cardiff for your entertainment from time to time. Here are some best clubs in Cardiff.
- The Live Lounge Cardiff
- Popworld – Cardiff
- Fuel Rock Club
- Clwb Ifor Bach
- Mary’s Cardiff
Best Restaurants in Cardiff
You would also like to go for dining out occasionally. Here are some of the best restaurants in Cardiff for you.
- Milgi
- The Hummus House
- The Veggie Table
- Anna Loka
- Café Citta
Student Apps
Cardiff University Student App and Umii are the two popular student apps for Cardiff University students. The Cardiff Students’ Union app is another one to provide food and drinks and news from friends. Blackboard Learn and Zoom are the perfect apps for studies of students. The University Living app is the best app for students to find accommodation in Cardiff.
Tourist Attractions in Cardiff
Visiting some popular tourist attractions in Cardiff is a good idea to enjoy life in the city. Here are some popular tourist attractions in Cardiff.
- Cardiff Castle
- National Museum Cardiff
- Cardiff Bay
- Principality Stadium
- St. Fagans National Museum of History
- Roath Park
- Bute Park
- Welsh Millennium Centre
- Techniquest
- Llandaff Cathedral
Visiting these places will make your stay in Cardiff memorable for your lifetime.
Read more: Student City Life in Luton: Explore Your New City
