Accommodation for European Exchange students

There are a number of accommodation options available to you during your studies with us.

University residences

Full-year European Exchange students

Our Residences Office can guarantee an offer of a single occupancy place in university residences if you are a European Exchange student studying with us for a full academic year providing you apply by the specified deadline which is currently the end of July each year.

There are a number of university residences and student houses to choose from, offering part-catered or self-catered residences. Around 70% of residences have their own bathroom.

Shared bathroom residences have bathroom facilities that are shared between four to eight people. Self-catered and part-catered residences have communal kitchen areas.

Find out about choosing the right accommodation for you, including comparison guides, the costs involved, and how to book a room.

You can apply online for university accommodation when you have received your formal offer from the university.

Further information about how to apply for accommodation online.

Single-semester European Exchange students

Our Residences Office cannot guarantee European Exchange students a place in university residences if they are completing a placement in the Autumn or Spring semester only. There are a fixed number of rooms available in univeristy residences each semester for single-semester European Exchange students.

If you are a single-semester European Exchange student then you can apply for a place in university accommodation, but it is recommended you also explore accommodation in the private landlord sector while you await the outcome of your application. We will send you further information regarding private accommodation once you have been accepted onto your exchange placement.

Autumn semester European Exchange students

If you are arriving in September and will study with us for the Autumn semester only, it is highly unlikely that University Residences will be able to offer all applicants a place in university accommodation.

This is due to the high number of students arriving in Cardiff at this time. University Residences will let you know if they are able to allocate you a room in early August. Autumn semester residences contract periods end in mid-January. If you are required to sit in person exams in late January you may prefer to look in the private sector.

You will be able to apply online once you have accepted your formal offer of study from us. Applications must be made by the end of July each year.

Further information about how to apply for accommodation online.

If your application is unsuccessful or you wish to look in the private sector it is not currently recommended that you wait until you arrive in Cardiff to try to secure long term private accommodation due to limited availability.

Spring semester European Exchange students

If you are arriving in January and will study with us for the Spring semester only, it is more likely that there will be vacancies in University Residences, which can be offered to single-semester European Exchange students.

You will be able to apply online once you have accepted your formal offer of study from us. Applications must be made by the end of November each year.

Further information about how to apply for accommodation online.

If your application is unsuccessful or you wish to look in the private sector it is not currently recommended that you wait until you arrive in Cardiff to try to secure long term private accommodation due to limited availability.

Short term and non-standard placements

If you are visiting us for less than a semester, or your arrival and departure dates are not aligned with our standard semester dates, it is very unlikely we will be able to accommodate you in university residences. There may be some rooms available in residences for short term let over the summer months. Please see the guidance below for finding a room in the private sector.

Private sector accommodation

There is a wide  variety of private accommodation in Cardiff that is let by private landlords or private housing providers.

However, some landlords and private providers may be reluctant to offer short-term tenancy agreements so it is important to research what they can offer carefully and view online any accommodation before signing any contracts. The student advice centre in the students’ union offers advice on renting in the private sector and also provides a contract vetting service. It also has useful advice on how to avoid housing scams.

Once you hold an offer with us you will be sent information to assist you in finding private accommodation.

Useful contacts