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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 reviewsLots of events and a big space, lots of support.
It is a conveninent city and is very walkable to get to places you need.
Being part of Cardiff University Hockey Club is definitely one of the best aspects of the uni experience. The club offers a great mix of competitive sport and social life, making it easy to meet people across different courses and years. Whether you’re playing BUCS matches, training at Talybont, or just heading to the SU after a game, there’s always something happening. The Varsity matches against Swansea are a highlight, bringing a real buzz around campus. On the downside, like many student sports teams, it can be quite expensive—membership, match fees, travel, and socials all add up. Training times can also be tricky, especially when balancing placements or coursework deadlines. And if you’re not in one of the top teams, the level of coaching and pitch availability can sometimes feel a bit limited. Right now, there’s a mixed atmosphere around Cardiff University. On one hand, the student life is still strong, and the SU events, societies, and sports clubs keep things lively. But there’s also a growing sense of frustration, especially around funding and facilities. • Tuition fees vs. value: There’s a feeling that students are paying more but getting less—some faculties have cut back on contact hours, library resources, and support services. • Strikes and disruptions: Like many UK unis, Cardiff has seen its fair share of lecturer strikes and marking boycotts, which has left students feeling uncertain about their degrees. • Accommodation & cost of living: Rents in Cathays keep going up, but maintenance in student houses isn’t improving. The cost of food, transport, and nights out has also shot up, making it harder for students to enjoy the city in the same way as before. Overall, the hockey club and student sports are still big positives, but there’s definitely frustration over the wider funding issues and general student experience.
Cardiff University has some great study spaces and a lovely student life. It has great student support due to the welcoming feeling no matter the problem.
The uni is really close to the city centre which makes it ideal if you need to run an errand. the students union is right on cathays campus which is very near to where many students live which cuts down on commuting time. staff are always very helpful in the SU!
Best - Student life is phenomenal, along with the location and proximity to the city centre! The facilities are also really good including the libraries and centre for student life (CSL) which provides great spaces for studying individually or part of groups. The CSL also provides great student support with the likes of career advisers and event where you can meet potential fututre employers at meet and greets with some major companies. The students union is just fantastic! It includes a pub with a great atmosphere, food and drink, so many other places to eat around the building including bagels and fresh falafels, as well as a shop to get all the grocery essentials and even a Tech store. The union is also home to YOLO, the nightclub on Wednesdays which is just amazing and great opportunity to meet new people and have a great night. Improvements - the student area of Cardiff (Cathays) is fairly interesting. not particularly related to Cardiff university but university in general is the significant burden of a student loan and the financial support available and the stresses that come associated to it. Living as a student can be extremely challenging at times!
Really like the SU and CSL, could do with some more parking.
Love it.
Strong sense of community. Wide range of opportunities. Great free facilities.
Cardiff University is a great place to study, offering a strong reputation as a Russell Group uni with quality teaching and respected degrees. The city itself is super student-friendly, with a buzzing nightlife, a top-tier Students’ Union, and plenty of green spaces like Bute Park to relax in. Plus, it’s much cheaper to live in than places like London or Manchester, which is a big win for students. The diverse community and solid support services also make it a welcoming place. However, there are a few downsides—accommodation costs have been rising, and private housing isn’t always the best. The Welsh weather is famously rainy, and some departments are quite spread out across the city, which can be inconvenient. While Cardiff is growing, its job market isn’t as packed with opportunities as bigger cities, and during exam season, library space can be hard to find.
The best aspect of my university is that all the cultures and ethnicities are entirely welcomed by the people around here. This just makes it a great place to study because everyone feels comfortable around everyone and their is no judgement for what you do. The worst aspect about my uni experience is that the amount of expenses there is to consider when living here. Everything single thing is way too expensive and you have to think twice before making even a small purchase.
I like the vibe here, low cost of living and always having fun new things going on in the student union as well as the societies to be apart of! I think one way it could be improved is creating more collaborative study spaces as I usually struggle to find them.
Best - the location and its affordability. Worst - some faculties are old and outdated.
I love how walkable the city is; you can walk to all the libraries/campuses. I like the events that the uni puts on, especially when free food is involved. I think there is lots of opportunities and places to ask for support when needed, whether that be financial, academic, etc. I will say that the student's union club (YOLO) has become difficult to get into since people have now started queueing at 7pm so it becomes really busy really quickly.
Good being in the city centre, good transport links.
The study spaces are numerous meaning you can pick one that caters to you. They have clear signage about volume levels in study areas, keeping the quiet areas quiet and also allowing for areas where group work can take place. Lots of food and drink options around also. Potentially there could be more independent study locations on campus so that on a busy day you can still get a space.
The fact the we, international/ exchange students feel very welcomed and that there is so much different opportunities, such as opportunities to travel, integrate sport clubs or societies. The communication around all of that and the responsiveness of the administration, of the student union, if we ask questions ( trust me it’s not the same in France).
The location of Cardiff Uni is a big win, its built so into the city the need for public transport isn't there, you can walk basically everywhere. The students union has everything, from food places, the club, the Taf as well as a dance studio used for so many types of training including my sport. Its a lovely environment and looks great when the sun is shining.
Beautiful city with some of the nicest people around, excellent facilities and student support year round and excellent when taking and applying feedback.
4.5
18-24 years
Generally very helpful, and big fan of the students' union. Great location nearby to city centre. Not a fan of the Vice Chancellor and how she has ruined things for many departments, all whilst giving herself a pay rise.
Content is good but workload can be very intense and it's easy to burnout even just doing the minimum required for exams. I do wish feedback on coursework and exams were more actively helpful and constructive. Currently on placement and enjoying it very much - very grateful for the support in finding it and grateful for the quality of experience that I am currently gaining.
I do genuinely love Cardiff. It is cheaper than a lot of places to live here but you do need to know where is best to shop, make the most of discounts, etc. I'm not the biggest fan of the public transport around here but I rarely need to use it anyway because I can walk pretty much everywhere I need to go. It is quite diverse and generally openly inclusive.
Bear in mind that I stayed here two years ago so some things may have changed. The location was not too bad in terms of distance from high street shops and the main uni campus, though it was very far from the city centre and so I felt disconnected from the city. I also remember there being one staff member who was particularly rude on multiple occasions. However, most staff were generally nice and I appreciated the frequent cleaning of shared areas. I also appreciated the uni asking for preferences for things like quiet living. Considering all bills were included and we had semi-ensuites, I thought it was pretty good value for money.