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Posted March 27, 2025

Cardiff – Student City Guide

The largest city in Wales, Cardiff may be one of the smallest (and wettest!) capitals in Europe but it has a big heart – a fact that makes it the 11th most visited city in the UK. It’s not just tourism that’s booming in this wonderful Welsh city. Educational opportunities are also rife with Cardiff University a particularly popular choice amongst the world’s student population.

A renowned Russell Group institution, Cardiff University has over 32,000 students enrolled from over 138 countries, and this includes more than 8,000 postgraduates. As a world leading research community, it’s the place to be if you are looking to continue your studies across a broad range of fields. But, does the city of Cardiff have the same appeal? We certainly think so! Here’s what life is like for the postgraduates who already call it a home from home…

The costs of studying in Cardiff

Traditionally, it isn’t cheap to live in a city, but after recently being named one of the most affordable university cities in the UK, Cardiff seems to be bucking this trend. While living on or off campus will determine your exact accommodation costs, average prices across the city and surrounding areas are generally inexpensive, with self-catered rooms in halls available for as little as £148 per week with all bills included.

Postgraduates looking for an authentic experience off-campus have their pick of a diverse range of accommodation types. Many postgraduates choose to split the cost of city living by opting for flat shares.

Other costs of being a Cardiff postgrad

The cost of living extends beyond accommodation and bills. You’ll need money for groceries, transport, and activities and entertainment to really make the most of your postgraduate experience. Thanks to its compact nature, most spend very little on transport in Cardiff.

If the journey from your accommodation to campus is a little longer than your legs can handle however, Cardiff’s reliable and affordable bus and train service should be explored. Be sure to liaise with your university first as there may be travel discounts available as Meraki Student explains:

“If you’re planning to study at either USW (the city centre campus) or Cardiff University, a bus pass may not be necessary, as they are more central. USW students can apply for a 5% discount on Student Annual Train Season Tickets from Transport for Wales. Cardiff Met University students, the Met Rider buses operate from Cardiff city centre to both Cardiff metropolitan campuses and halls of residence.”

We also recommend shopping around when purchasing groceries and other everyday essentials. Switch your usual trip to Sainsbury’s, Tesco or Morrisons with a visit to a discount supermarket – like Aldi or Lidl – to save big at the checkout.

Exploring beyond the classroom

One of the many perks of being a Cardiff postgrad is the opportunity to explore this bustling city outside of your studies. It’s a place that’s swamped with history and heritage, with attractions like Cardiff Castle, St Fagans National Museum and the Cardiff Story Museum well worth visiting. Living an outdoorsy lifestyle is also made easy thanks to the surrounding countryside and coastline. Whether taking on a trail by foot or bike, you’re in for a treat with plenty of places to relish natural beauty and while away those weekends. Discover more great things to do and see in Cardiff here.

By night, Cardiff is also an exciting place to explore. From bar crawls, mini golf, live music, comedy and theatre to bingo, board games and ghost tours, there’s something for every taste and budget.

See all our postgraduate courses in Cardiff and look forward to continuing your studies in this exciting student city.

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