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The overall ranking is decided by students from this institution rating them in a 2026 Whatuni review. This forms the basis of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs for short).
5.04.04.63494 Student reviews
Sort:Latest reviewsCardiff overall is the key seller for me, the city is all a student can ask for, I personally have seen/visited maybe 10+ other universitys with fellow friends that attend these uni's and have had the chance to compare the differences in lifestyle through the uni campuse, night-life and the general feeling of safety a city has to offer and by far cardiff is the overall winner.
Generally a very good university. Engaging and demanding course. The interference from Covid caused some doubt about that, especially when considering there was no reimbursement for the inevitable drop of teaching standards. The lecturers are not to blame but to justify taking the same from students is wrong- even a 20% reimbursement would go a long way. The student atmosphere at the university makes it a great place to live and study, and the SU with all its functions contributes to that. Worst aspect was on a year in industry I felt there could have been more support, or resources dedicating to helping students cope with completely new demands. There should be an agreement between companies and the university to allow placement students some time to do their uni work during their job hours. Some placements demand 11+ hour days, on reduced pay and no tolerance for other work to be done.
18-24 years
First gen student
My academic school (School of Bioscience) is equipped with some fantastic teaching and learning facilities, well stocked labs and knowledgeable lecturers. With 24 hour library access, there's always space to work and the university generally just provides well for its students. It's positioned in a fantastic location just a short walk from the main city centre and the buildings look, for the most part, either modern and sleek or antique and grand. Some buildings look a little bit worse for wear, but for the most part aren't noticeable. I've had lots of fantastic support while at university from both lecturers and other academic staff, however sometimes for my course specifically it feels like this is too much and we are spoon-fed the answers to assessments and coursework, which is why I've lowered this score slightly. Being a student living in Cardiff has been overall a fantastic experience, with plenty to get involved with. Overall, there's something for everyone, including some great student groups run by students to suit any interest you may have. The biggest downfall is by far the Students' Union, which markets itself as the centre of all things students want and need, but fails to provide any of them besides an overpriced, overhyped nightclub. It claims to have students best interests at heart but consistently shows it only cares about their money, spending huge amounts on renovating its commercial venues, marketing these to students and then failing to re-invest in anything which has any meaningful positive impact on student life. Luckily, you can mostly ignore the Students' Union while you study here should you wish.
Good study spaces, all close to uni and student area
I enjoy it here!
Cardiff as a city is quite boring. The SU is good and the university in general is supportive. However, Heath campus is run down and lacks a good campus feel.
Worst aspects is the transport in Cardiff, buses aren't frequent and quite expensive compared to other cities.
Enjoy how close the SU is to campus and how there is so much student support. I really like all the events that are held within the su. The look and design of main building (my building) is lovely and the cafe is so nice. the taff is a lovely pub with very reasonable prices.
My main criticism would be that University Halls campus is so far away from the university itself!
The new CSL building is great, lots of modern new spaces to study and also sit with friends. I feel like there’s plenty of places for studying and relaxing. The uni is in a great location for heading into town and so close to the student housing area. The worst part of my uni experience is the two years affected by covid - the teaching really went downhill and I found myself paying tuition fees and not really receiving a lot back. I think this is unis in general though, not just Cardiff.
Plenty of events for student outreach, with equal opportunities for all. Important information could be highlighted to stand out from less important news
I feel that the university has so much support to give to the students and that there's a variety of activities you can join outside of your curriculum
Really nice city, good friendly student life
Best - meeting new people and new experiences Worst - Accomodation
Cardiff is a great student city with lots to do. Campus is accessible and active.
18-24 years
First gen student
The student union study space makes it great for studying.
No
Very good uni and SU all support feels available Worst: sports facilities feel outdated and thinly spread: Tennis courts only at certain times in a local clubhouse. Archery: SU is very bad at managing timetabling and prioritieses it's societies and clubs very poorly
18-24 years
Brill location, so much to do and so many places and surrounding places to go. facilities in general university buildings are fab, not so much in first year uni owned accomodation but it’s all about who you’re with at the end of the day :)
4.5
It's a really friendly campus, with good surrounding nightlife. The centre for student life could use more seating areas, particularly booths, as could the student libraries. There could be more pastoral support put into place for students with disabilities, particularly from the medical school, as it is lacking.
Lecture slides are rarely given out before the lectures - high course contact time, but that is expected. Lecturers take a long time to reply to students, particularly clinicians, but again that is expected.
Poor value for money and a bit of a walk into campus.