Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
Cardiff is the perfect student city, offering a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of activities to explore. Beautiful parks and gardens can be found all over the city as well as venues for art, music, theatre and sport. Cardiff is also well known for its range of bars, cafes and restaurants which offer a variety of cuisines from around the world alongside traditional Welsh food, making it ideal for those with all kinds of tastes. As if that isn't enough reason to come to Cardiff, students will also benefit from strong transport links to other parts of Wales and England. If that’s not enough to convince you, here are 16 more reasons Cardiff is a great university city.
1. Thriving student community
Cardiff has two fantastic unis on offer, Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University, and is also home to one of the University of South Wales’ campuses. Between them, there are over 400 undergraduate degrees on offer, so there’s loads of choice when it comes to what to study.
2. Variety of things to do
The city is home to plenty of galleries, museums, parks, theatres and entertainment venues to keep you busy while you’re not studying, including National Museum Cardiff, Bute Park, New Theatre and The Globe.
3. Great transport links
The train and bus networks in Cardiff make it easy to get around and explore other parts of Wales and England. You’ll find direct trains from Cardiff Central to Cheltenham, London and Manchester as well as lots of other destinations.
4. Affordable housing
There are many accommodation options available in Cardiff that are suitable for students on a budget. The average cost of rent here is much lower than in other cities in the UK, and you’ll find it to be far cheaper than in London.
5. Stunning scenery
Cardiff boasts beautiful countryside views as well as stunning coastal stretches along the Welsh coastline. What better way to relax after a long week of studying than a visit to the beach?
6. Delicious food
There’s something for everyone when it comes to food in Cardiff, from traditional Welsh cuisine to international dishes from all over the world. Traditional Welsh dishes include Welsh rarebit (posh cheese on toast), Glamorgan sausages (sausage made of cheese!) and Welsh cakes (a sweet, flat bread).
7. Great for cyclists
The city is really bike-friendly, and there are bikes you can rent around the city. You just download the app and register, and then you can rent the bikes from docking stations all over the city.
8. Internship and job opportunities
There are many companies based in Cardiff which offer internships for students looking for experience or an introduction into their chosen field of study, as well as lots of graduate opportunities on offer.
9. World-class universities
With multiple institutions offering courses from engineering to medicine, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for in Cardiff, whether it’s at Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University or the University of South Wales.
10. Castles (yes, plural)
You might be familiar with Cardiff Castle, but did you know there’s a second, lesser-known castle in the city? Morgraig Castle sits just north of Cardiff, and was built around 600 years ago, but only rediscovered about 100 years ago. Morgraig Castle is only a ruin, whereas Cardiff Castle remains standing, but there’s still a lot to learn at both sites.
11. Music festivals
Each summer sees some of the biggest music festivals in Wales take place right on the doorstep of Cardiff with top acts hosting events at iconic venues like The Principality Stadium and Motorpoint Arena every year.
12. Sports opportunities
Not only can you attend top games such as Europe's Championship Cup but also experience sports events like MotoGP at the nearby Circuit de Wales track. Principality Stadium in Cardiff is home to the Welsh national rugby team and also hosts international football games.
13. Student discounts
Most places throughout Cardiff offer discounts to those who show their student ID cards, making studying even more affordable. Just make sure you’ve got your student ID on you, or download apps such as Student Beans or UniDays so you can make the most of the discounts on offer.
14. Extracurricular activities
There's always something going on in this lively city with many opportunities for students wanting to take part in social clubs. As well as those offered by the Student Unions at the unis around the city, there are a lot of clubs and sports teams open to students and non-students alike.
15. Friendly locals
The local people are friendly and welcoming making it easy for newcomers integrate quickly into society. You’ll feel right at home from day one in Cardiff, meaning the transition from home to uni will be super straightforward and stress-free.
16. Vibrant nightlife
No student experience is complete without experiencing the party scene in this exciting city with plenty of pubs and bars offering unique experiences for all tastes. Some popular student spots in the city include Tiger Tiger, Revolution and The Live Lounge.
Cardiff is home to three unis that offer a variety of courses and specialisations. Whatever you’re looking to study at uni, you’ll find plenty of options in this vibrant city. Cardiff also prides itself on its diverse student population and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities as well as support services such as counselling and career advice. With excellent transport links and affordable accommodation, Cardiff makes it easy for students to get around and explore the many attractions the city has to offer.
Cardiff is the perfect place for students to experience the best of both worlds - academics and recreation. The city has plenty of activities available to keep students entertained, such as galleries, museums, parks, theatres and entertainment venues. Additionally, there are always new restaurants and bars popping up within the city that offer a variety of international cuisine. Music festivals also make an appearance during summer months and sports stadiums host a range of European matches throughout the year. For those looking to stay active, Cardiff offers great outdoor opportunities with its many parks and trails in which you can explore on foot or by bike. So, what are you waiting for? Get that application sent off!
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