Living in Cardiff
Our students fall in love with Cardiff. So what makes the Welsh capital so appealing?
We’re welcoming
We don't know whether it’s the cheerful way we thank our bus drivers, or the fact we're partial to a cwtch (hug), but we've garnered a bit of a reputation for being a particularly friendly lot. We pride ourselves on being open and inclusive – but don't take our word for it. Pay us a visit to experience a warm Welsh welcome for yourself.
Welcoming Cardiff
- Over 94 languages are spoken here
- Ranked the #1 city in Europe for newcomers (European Commission 2023)
- Voted Welsh University of the Year (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide)
We’re wild
Ready for an adventure? With Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons ) National Park just an hour north of the city centre, and miles of golden coastline to the west, Cardiff is the perfect launchpad. Plus, with over 330 parks and gardens, we boast more green space per person than any other UK core city.
Our students love:
- Picnics in Bute Park and walking the Taff Trail
- Descending into the otherworldly Dan yr Ogof caves
- Being in one of the top most bike-friendly cities in the UK
- Heading to Waterfall Country in the Neath Valley
- Ziplining at the iconic Cardiff Principality Stadium or across the nearby Penrhyn Quarry
We’re legendary
For Europe’s youngest capital city, we sure have a lot of history. The surrounding region is peppered with medieval settlements, ancient ruins and impressive forts – and you’ll find Cardiff Castle smack bang in the centre of town.
Our students love:
- St Fagans National Museum of History – voted the best free museum in the UK (Which?)
- The Big Pit National Coal Museum, a Unesco World Heritage Site
- Caerphilly Castle – the biggest castle in Wales
- Seeing history come to life at Cosmeston Medieval Village
We’re cultured
Want West End shows, creative workshops and up-and-coming comedy? We’ve got you covered. We’re particularly proud of our iconic Wales Millennium Centre, lovingly known as ‘the armadillo’. Annual festivals such as Tafwyl celebrate the Welsh arts and there are plenty of opportunities to learn our growing language.
Our students love:
- Chapter Arts Centre for indie films and plays
- The Sherman or New Theatre for cutting-edge and classic shows
- The Glee Club for top-notch stand-up comedy
- Spillers Records, the world’s oldest record shop – a living piece of music history
- Our unique festivals for music, theatre, film and gaming and so much more!
We’re active
From the Six Nations to the Cardiff Half Marathon, our streets, stadiums and sports centres regularly host world-class athletes and must-see events. But don’t stay on the sidelines – we have an Olympic-standard white water centre, ice rink, climbing facilities and countless sports clubs to keep you busy.
Our students love:
- Welsh Varsity – the biggest student event in Wales
- Watching a rugby match at Principality Stadium
- Running Cardiff Half Marathon as part of the university’s #TeamCardiff
- Catching a Cardiff Devils ice hockey match at the Vindico Arena
- Stand-up paddleboarding at the Bay
- Gorge scrambling in the nearby valleys
We’re food lovers
With cool cafes, street food stalls and much-loved farmers markets, Cardiff's growing food and drink scene serves up so much more than Welsh cakes – though they're pretty delicious too. Take your pick from Danish pastries, Indian street food, authentic Italian pasta and more – what else would you expect from such a cosmopolitan city?
Our students love:
- Grabbing pizza at Ffwrnes or plant-based treats at Clancy’s in Cardiff Market
- Trying inventive Welsh beers and dirty fries at the Tiny Rebel bar
- Tucking into different tea blends and artisan bakes at one of our Waterloo Tea cafes
- Exploring the rotating street food at Neighborhood Kitchen or Tiger Yard
- Catching food festivals like Cardiff Food and Drink in the Bay or Feast On in Bute Park
We’re fun
Whether you want to dance the night away to the latest pop hits or catch an unsigned band at an intimate gig, you can craft your perfect night in Cardiff. The city proudly holds Purple Flag status, meaning our pubs, clubs, bars and music venues are diverse, safe and welcoming for all.
Our students love:
- Watching world-class headliners perform
- Hopping between bars on Womanby Street for live music
- Checking out alternative acts and winter festivals at Tramshed and Depot
- Y Plas, our very own nightclub inside the Students' Union
- Attending inclusive community events and pop-up markets at The Queer Emporium
We’re trend setters
The Welsh capital offers shoppers a tempting blend of big brands, department stores, indie shops and pop-ups. Wander through our Victorian arcades to discover art galleries, vintage clothing, incense-filled trinket shops and the world’s oldest record store; then explore historic Cardiff Market, where you’ll find anything from fishmongers to fortune tellers.
Our students love:
- Scoring unique finds at Flamingos Vintage, Hobo's, or the Headlock Vintage sales
- Discovering hidden gems in the Castle Quarter, home to independent boutiques
- Grabbing the latest trends and tech at St David's Arcade with over 150 big-brand stores
Visit us
If you’re thinking about studying at Cardiff University, come and explore our campus and city at our next Open Day.
