Living in Cardiff: A city guide for international students

Cardiff is one of the UK’s most student-friendly capital cities. It offers the best of both worlds: capital-city opportunities with the affordability and warmth of a smaller city.  

One of the most notable features of Cardiff is how easy it is to make a home here. The city is well-established as a student destination, has a well-defined city layout and a friendly local culture.  

Students often say that Cardiff feels less crowded than larger UK cities and more affordable than expected, while still offering everything they need for student life. 

Key reasons students choose Cardiff include: 

• A compact city centre where you can walk or cycle almost everywhere 

• Lower living costs compared to London and many other UK cities 

• A strong sporting culture, especially rugby and football 

• A growing creative, media, and digital sector 

• Access to beaches, parks, and countryside within a short distance 

Cardiff is also well connected to the rest of the UK and easy to travel during term breaks or explore Europe. 

Cardiff's culture is shaped by its Welsh heritage, sporting spirit, and contemporary creative energy. The city is welcoming and relaxed, and many international students find it easy to settle in and feel at home. 

Welsh identity and local life 

Cardiff has a strong Welsh identity. Street signs, public transport systems and government buildings use both Welsh and English.  Festivals, music, and food often reflect local tradition, particularly during national celebrations.  Rugby is an integral part of city life. On match days, the city centre comes alive, with students and residents gathering in pubs and public areas. 

Arts, music, and creativity 

Cardiff has a growing creative scene, with live music, street art, independent makers, and theatre across the city. You will find:  

• Live music venues and regular concerts 

• Theatres and performance spaces 

• Independent cinemas and galleries 

• Street markets and cultural festivals 

This youthful and expressive atmosphere is driven by Cardiff’s creative energy, which many students find inspiring. 

The cost of living in Cardiff is generally lower than in many major UK cities, especially London. However, your monthly expenses will depend on student accommodation type, lifestyle, and spending habits. 

Below is an estimated monthly budget for international students living in Cardiff: 

Student accommodation areas in Cardiff 

Choosing where to live can shape your student experience. 

• Cathays: Cardiff's most popular student area. It's near universities, cafés, supermarkets and nightlife.  

• Roath: A foodie favourite with less hustle and bustle, offering a balance of social life and calm surroundings.  

• Cardiff Bay:  modern waterfront area with apartments, restaurants and views. It could be costlier, but it offers a different lifestyle.  

• City Centre: Ideal for students who want easy access to shopping, transportation, and entertainment.  

While planning your budget, remember to include utilities, groceries, study materials, transport and personal expenses. 

Cardiff boasts a vibrant food culture and nightlife, shaped by its multicultural student population. Whether you are craving familiar flavours or keen to try something new, there is plenty of choice. 

Cardiff's Diverse Food Scene

• Indian restaurants such as Mint & Mustard, Vegetarian Food Studio, and Mowgli Street Food.

• Chinese and East Asian cuisine, including authentic Chinese, Korean BBQ, Japanese sushi, and Thai restaurants around the city centre.

• Middle Eastern and Turkish eateries offering shawarma, kebabs, falafel, hummus, and grilled meats.

• Italian restaurants and pizzerias serving pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and Mediterranean cuisine.

• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly cafes that cater to a wide variety of dietary preferences.

Coffee culture is also a big part of student life in Cardiff. Many students study, meet friends, or unwind at independent cafes across the city centre and Roath.  Chain cafes such as Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Caffè Nero located near university buildings and libraries.

Students can find affordable meal deals and fresh produce at local food halls and Cardiff Market. 

Cardiff nightlife 

Cardiff’s nightlife is a popular part of student life.  

The city centre offers pubs, bars, clubs, music venues and late-night cafes. Whether you prefer a relaxed music bar or an upbeat dance floor, there are options to suit different tastes.  

Students can enjoy:

• Traditional Welsh pubs with live music.

• Cocktail bars offering student promotions.

• Sports bars showing football, rugby, and other major sporting events.

Many venues host student nights during the week, often with discounted entry and drinks.  

For those who prefer quieter evenings, alternatives include going to the movies, comedy shows, and live theatre shows, walking around Cardiff Bay, or visiting a gaming cafe. 

Many international students love Cardiff for its abundance of green space.  

Despite being a capital city, Cardiff has plenty of parks where students can relax, exercise, study outdoors, or socialise. 

Cardiff parks to explore 

 The waterfront area features restaurants, cafes, walking paths, entertainment and scenic views. It is a popular choice for weekend outings and socialising.  Cardiff Bay is a popular destination for students for outdoor dining, events and waterfront walks. 

Outdoor activities in Cardiff 

If you enjoy staying active, Cardiff offers plenty of outdoor options, including:  

• Walking and cycling trails 

• Kayaking and water activities near the bay 

• Weekend hiking trips across Wales 

• Watching live sporting events 

• Exploring nearby beaches and countryside 

The city's geographical location makes it easy to enjoy both city living and natural landscapes.

Getting around Cardiff is easy, affordable and student-friendly. The city centre is compact, and many students choose to walk or cycle for their daily travel. 

Buses 

Cardiff's extensive bus network covers the city centre, residential neighbourhoods, university campuses, shopping centres, Cardiff Bay, and surrounding suburbs. 

Benefits for students: 

• Frequent services throughout the day. 

• Student travel cards and discounted passes. 

• Contactless payment options on most buses. 

• Mobile apps that provide real-time journey updates and ticket purchases. 

Popular student areas such as Cathays, Roath, Heath, and Cardiff Bay are well served by bus routes, making commuting straightforward. 

Typical bus costs: 

• Single journey: approximately £2-£3 

• Weekly student pass: around £15-£20 

• Monthly student pass: around £50-£65 

Trains 

Cardiff's rail network provides excellent regional and national connections, making it easy to travel around Wales and other parts of the UK. Cardiff Central Station is the main railway hub and is located within walking distance of the city centre. Popular rail journeys include: 

Cycling  

Cardiff is considered one of the UK's more cycle-friendly cities, with dedicated cycle lanes and shared-use paths throughout many areas. 

Popular cycling routes include: 

• City Centre to Cardiff Bay 

• Bute Park cycle paths 

• Taff Trail, which stretches north through scenic countryside 

• Routes connecting Cathays, Roath, and university campuses 

Walking 

One of Cardiff's biggest advantages is its walkability. Many key locations are within a short walking distance, including: 

• University buildings 

• Libraries 

• Student accommodation 

• Shops and supermarkets 

• Restaurants and cafés 

• Cardiff Castle 

• City centre entertainment venues 

Typical walking times: 

• City Centre to Cardiff University: 10-20 minutes 

• Cardiff Central Station to City Centre: 5 minutes 

• City Centre to Cardiff Bay: 30-40 minutes 

From historic landmarks and waterfront attractions to festivals, sporting events, and scenic Welsh countryside, Cardiff provides plenty of opportunities for students to explore, relax, and create memorable experiences outside their studies.

Searching for some things to do in Cardiff, outside the classroom? Here are some student favourites:

Cardiff offers something for every student, making it easy to balance academic life with exciting experiences beyond the classroom.

Knowing what to expect before you arrive can help you settle into student life more quickly, avoid common challenges, and make the most of your experience in Cardiff.

 Is Cardiff a good place to live for international students? 

For many students, the answer is yes. 

Living in Cardiff means studying in an affordable capital city with a strong student community, an active social scene, and a welcoming atmosphere. 

The city offers a balance that can be difficult to find elsewhere – affordable living, vibrant nightlife, green spaces, cultural experiences, and excellent transport links, all within a manageable and student-friendly environment. 

Whether you enjoy city life, outdoor activities, sport, culture, or meeting people from around the world, Cardiff has something to offer. 

If you are planning to study in the UK, Cardiff could be a great place to call home during your student journey. 

Planning to study and live in Cardiff can feel exciting, but choosing the right university, course, and city also comes with many decisions. This is where IDP can support you at every step of your study abroad journey. 

Whether you need help shortlisting universities in Cardiff, understanding entry requirements, preparing your application, or exploring scholarship options, IDP’s experienced counsellors can guide you based on your study goals and budget. 

If you are still deciding whether Cardiff is the right fit, IDP can help you compare student cities in the UK based on lifestyle, affordability, career opportunities, and university options. 

Ready to study in Cardiff? Explore courses in the UK and book free counselling with IDP to find the right university, course, and city for your goals.