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    Study in Cardiff

    City guide

    Not only a buzzing student city, Wales' coastal capital is a creative and sporting hot-spot.

    It’s a capital city full of life and things to do, yet it doesn’t feel too big. You can walk everywhere, there’s masses of green space, and it’s on the coast. There’s such a community atmosphere. and it feels safe. (Third year student, Cardiff University)

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    • Chloe

      University of South Wales
      BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing
      Hi I'm Chloe, a 26 year old student ambassador. When I finish this degree I am hoping to do a postgraduate degree in Film Screenwriting or a PHD in English. I want to be a novel writer and/ or go into the publishing industry. However, I'm still discovering my options. I live in the University Mountain Halls and I love to read any books that interest me such as Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games and more. I love movies such as Ghostbusters, The Conjuring Movies and others that interest me. Anything I can do to help just give me a text. I'm here to help you with whatever questions or queries you have.

    • Saanvi

      University of South Wales
      BA (Hons) Interior Design
      I am passionate about interior design, also an introverted person who ironically enjoys talking to new people and getting to know about different cultures all over the world.

    • Rebecca

      University of South Wales
      MSc Computer Forensics
      Hi I'm Rebecca i am currently studying MSc Digital Forensics, straight after graduating from BSc Computer Forensics with USW. I am originally from South Wales, but lived in Cyprus for 16 years. Once i graduate in January 2026 i plan on finding a job in digital forensics field.

    • Kat

      University of South Wales
      BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security
      I'm apart of a society in USW with a great community. I love video games and talk to new people. I am also dyslexia, so if you're curious about the support available and the process in uni, just give me a shout! Also, I'm living in the accommodation, so any questions about it, feel free to ask, I'm here to help!

    What Cardiff's famous for...

    Rugby

    Rugby's big in Wales! You have to catch at least one game at the Principality Stadium.

    Welsh rugby ball

    Cardiff nightlife, according to students

    The nightlife is amazing and there’s something for everyone. Coyote Ugly has to be experienced at least once (if you’re brave enough to ride the mechanical bull that is!). If you want a break from clubbing there are something like eight Wetherspoons to choose from (I think, it’s hard to keep count!), and tons of other bars and cafes – it’s a capital city, so there’s a lot of choice. The Alchemist is definitely my favourite if you feel like splurging on a fancy cocktail or two. (Cardiff university student)

    Creative industries

    Used as a filming location many times, Cardiff is home to world-leading production companies – Bad Wolf (His Dark Materials, A Discovery of Witches and I Hate Suzie), Real SFX (an Emmy Award and multi-BAFTA winning special effects company), and Cloth Cat animations (CBeebies and Netflix).

    Pierhead Building Cardiff

    Cardiff nightlife, according to students

    All the clubs are in the central area of town, mostly situated on St Mary Street and Greyfriars Road, with a few others dotted around. There's also plenty of live music, at places such as Clwb Ifor Bach. (Third year student, University of South Wales)

    City Hall

    City Hall stands at the heart of Cardiff, as the centrepiece of one of the world's finest civic centres.

    Cardiff city hall

    Student life in Cardiff

    Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.

    Friday feeling

    The most popular nights out are probably Pryzm and Live Lounge. (Third year student, Cardiff University)

    Sunday chilling

    Roath Park lake is beautiful, and you can hire pedalos. Bute Park has lovely views of the River Taff and the Principality Stadium. (Third year student, Cardiff University)

    When family visit

    Cardiff Castle is a classic, and [after your first visit] all residents (including students) get a 'key' to the castle allowing free entry. (Second year student, Cardiff University)

    Catch up with mates

    The Blackweir Tavern pub is popular with students for having events every night of the week, including pub quizzes, game nights, and karaoke! (Cardiff University student)

    Feeling cultural

    Chapter Cinema is a great little independent cinema that shows nice films in a cosy setting. They also do student rates, and have a lovely cafe. (Cardiff University student)

    Low on cash

    The National Museum and Museum of Cardiff are free entry. Cardiff Bay is good for a nice wander. (Second year student, Cardiff Metropolitan University)

    Treat yourself

    The comedy club in the bay often has some fun events on the weekends. (Third year student, Cardiff University)

    Grab a bite

    There's an abundance of independent food businesses, such as The Grazing Shed (voted best burger in Wales), or ‘Chip Alley’. (Third year student, University of South Wales)

    Cardiff in pictures

    Cardiff Castle

    It's in the city centre, and a true staple [of] Cardiff's history, with the castle walls having been used in the Second World War as air raid shelters. A great day out, despite the rain! (Tara Titcomb, third year student at Cardiff University)

    Cardiff University

    Cardiff Castle doesn't just offer you a brilliant view of the city, but also subjects you to the wind and rain Cardiff is famous for! (Sophie Redfern, Cardiff University student)

    Cardiff Castle

    Find out about upcoming gigs at Cardiff Castle.

    Living in Cardiff, according to students

    Cathays is brilliant. Everything is, at most, a 15-minute walk. It has its own train station right next to the Students' Union, with trains every half hour, as well as a massive Lidl in the middle and a few other convenience stores. It also boasts seven pubs, and a bunch of cafes and chip shops in Salisbury Road. (Second year student, Cardiff University)

    The Millennium Centre 

    A great place to watch some performances. (Dean Williams, second year student at Cardiff University)

    Millennium Centre, Cardiff

    Living in Cardiff, according to students

    I decided to get a house [in Roath] because it's very close to the engineering department. It's also halfway between city centre and campus. It's a good area to live in, next to City Road where you can find lots of shops, but not ideal if you want to live close to your friends because everybody tends to live in Cathays. There is way more stuff than Cathays, though: churches, local shops, and supermarkets. It's about five minutes from town, which is ideal for nights out. (Second year student, Cardiff University)

    Welcome to Cardiff

    All modern signs in Wales feature directions in Welsh and English, usually with the Welsh printed first.

    Cardiff street sign

    Living in Cardiff, according to students

    The opportunities for young creatives in Cardiff are endless thanks to the locality of the film and TV industry and Cardiff becoming a hub of emerging talent in this industry. (Georgia Turnbull, Graphic Communications student, University of South Wales)

    Living in Cardiff

    Housing, travel, and budgeting tips.

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    Where you'll find students

    • Cathays
    • Roath
    • Llandaff

    Local transport

    • My Travel Pass card – aged 16 to 21
    • 30% off our on bus fares
    • Bus

    Student money tips

    nextbikes are £1 for 20 minutes for uni students [which] can be convenient if the stations are near your halls. (Second year student, Cardiff University)

    The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.

    Discover more savings on student life in Cardiff with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.

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