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Paying for your accommodation

Last updated: 30/09/2026 16:50

Find out how to pay, including payment methods, key dates, and what to do if you’re sponsored or receiving a bursary.

If you’re staying in Unite accommodation, payment details will be sent to you directly by Unite after your place is confirmed.

How to pay

You can pay your rent by:

  • credit or debit card – in full, either in advance or on arrival
  • direct debit from a UK bank account – in up to 3 instalments on set dates (depending on your contract length).

Direct debits must be set up by 1 October. After this date, you’ll need to pay in instalments by credit or debit card.

This direct debit only covers your rent. Tuition fees require a separate direct debit mandate.

Exceptions and special arrangements

If your rent will be paid directly to us by a third-party sponsor:

  1. Choose ‘Direct payment by third party sponsor’ as your payment method.
  2. Email a copy of your sponsorship letter (Affidavit) to: residencesfinance@cardiff.ac.uk

We’ll invoice your sponsor after you arrive in Cardiff.

If you’re receiving a monthly NHS bursary you can request to pay your rent in equal monthly instalments:

  1. Select ‘Instalments by credit/debit card’
  2. Email confirmation of your bursary to: residencesfinance@cardiff.ac.uk

We’ll confirm your monthly payment plan shortly after you arrive.

If neither of the above options applies to you, select ‘Instalments by credit/debit card’ and then contact Student Rent Income to discuss alternative payment options.

Payment dates (2026/27)

Your rent is due in 3 instalments:

  • 28 October 2026
  • 27 January 2027
  • 14 April 2027

You’ll receive an email a couple of weeks before each date, confirming the amount and date.

Check your Cardiff University email and any other email we have on file (including your spam/junk folder).

Contact us

If you anticipate difficulty paying your rent – for example, due to the late arrival of your student funding, or because you receive a monthly NHS Bursary – contact Student Rent Income as soon as you’re aware of the issue.

Make sure you have your student number to hand whenever you get in touch:

Campus Services Income

If you’re having problems with your funding, contact:

Student Funding and Advice team