Accommodation for UK Postgraduates
Your Options
Unfortunately we are unable to guarantee UK postgraduates a place in University residences. A limited number of places may available in University residences for UK postgraduates, however most UK postgraduate students stay in some form of privately-owned accommodation. There is a wealth of accommodation available in Cardiff, all within walking distance of the University and city centre. In the private sector, supply exceeds demand, keeping standards high and rents low.
Note: We advise that you make arrangements for your accommodation prior to arriving at Cardiff to commence your postgraduate studies.
Private Accommodation
Most UK postgraduate students stay in some form of privately-owned accommodation. There are three main ways in which you can arrange this:
1. Attend the Postgraduate House Hunting Event
The Postgraduate House Hunting Event is for all new postgraduate students (primarily from the UK) looking for rented accommodation in the private sector. The event is jointly organised by the Postgraduate Recruitment Office and the Graduate Centre, with support from the Students' Union and current postgraduate students.
By attending the event, you will get advice and information on properties available to rent in Cardiff, a chance to meet potential housemates and sample the social life in Cardiff and, of course most importantly, the opportunity to organise viewings of properties either on your own or in a group.
2. Book a room in a private hall of residence
There are now several privately-owned halls of residence in Cardiff, including at least one which is exclusively for postgraduates and mature students (Severn Point). If you are looking for accommodation with a university residences feel, this may be the option for you.
3. Book private sector accommodation independently
If you are unable to make it to our House Hunting Event, or if you are looking for single accommodation (e.g. a one bedroom flat), another option is to contact our Residences Office for a list of private sector accommodation. They can also offer short-stay summer accommodation in university halls to those visiting Cardiff for this purpose.
For further information, please visit the Residences website, or contact:
Letting Agencies
In addition, you may wish to look independently for private accommodation in Cardiff. To help get you started, we have provided a list of several letting agencies available in the City, including Cardiff Student Letting, the Student Union’s own Student Letting agency.
**Click here for a list of letting agencies in Cardiff**
| Hot tip: There is a surplus of private accommodation in Cardiff, and it is noticeable, even during the summer months, that supply outstrips demand here, so if you are prepared to spend a couple of days looking around and comparing, maybe even haggling, it should not be difficult to find somewhere that suits what you are looking for. We recommend visiting Cardiff well in advance of the start of your postgraduate course. |
University Residencies
A limited number of places may be available for UK postgraduates in University residences. If places are available, you will be able to submit an online application for University residences as soon as you have firmly accept your offer. Places will be allocated in August/early September according to two dates. The first is the date the Residences Office receives confirmation of your place to study from Registry; the second is the date of receipt of your application.
For further information about University residences and to apply for a place online please visit the University Residences website
Advice and Support
Advice on tenancy agreements and other aspects of living in private accommodation is available via the University’s Student Support Centre and also from the Advice and Representation Centre in the Students’ Union, where advisors will also check your contract/tenancy agreement before you sign. Contact details are provided below.
Students' Union Advice & Representation Centre
Cardiff University Students' Union
Park Place
Cardiff
Wales
CF10 3QN
Additional information:
The Student Advice Centre is situated on the third floor of the Students' Union building. We are open every weekday, including holidays, offering a drop-in service between 9.30 am and 4 pm
Web: www.cardiffstudents.com/advice
Housing Guide
The Advice and Representation Centre also produces a Housing Guide each year, which can also be downloaded for free from the Students’ Union website. The Housing Guide is a comprehensive source of information for students investigating private accommodation, and is well worth taking a look at.
The guide can be downloaded from www.cardiffstudents.com/advice/housing/booklet