University Hall

Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University have announced the exchange of contracts for University Hall, Birchwood Road, Cyncoed.

Cardiff Met has agreed to purchase the site, currently home to more than 650 Cardiff University students.

Current residents are unaffected, remaining in their accommodation until summer 2027.

The agreement between the two universities means more students in the capital will live within walking distance of where they study.

Cardiff Metropolitan University gains existing student accommodation close to its busy Cyncoed campus, which is home to Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences, Cardiff School of Education & Social Policy and a wide range of sporting facilities including the National Indoor Athletics Centre.

Completion of the purchase will take place in July 2027, when current Cardiff University student residents reach the end of their tenancies.

This means that accommodation arrangements for both universities will be unaffected this academic year, providing time for Cardiff Metropolitan University to prepare for the arrival of students into University Hall from September 2027.

Staff currently working for Cardiff University at the site will be consulted with regarding a potential transfer to Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Professor Rachael Langford, Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff Metropolitan University said: “This is a key strategic acquisition for the University and will allow us to further develop the experience for our students, particularly those whose studies are primarily based at our busy Cyncoed campus.

“It will mean that more of our students will be able to live a just short walk from where they study, train and socialise, and it forms part of our commitment to invest further in an excellent student experience and ensure that we can keep costs down and quality high for our students.

“We look forward to working with Cardiff University to ensure a smooth transition period and are excited to be welcoming Cardiff Metropolitan University students to University Hall in September 2027.”

Cardiff University’s Director of Estates, Anita Edson said: “This is a win-win for both universities. It ensures that both sets of students will have access to more accommodation options closer to their place of study and allows us to focus on our city-centre campus and wider estate ambitions.”