Exploring Cardiff University Accommodation: A Guide for New Students

Your Accommodation Guide to Cardiff University

As a new student at Cardiff University, finding the right accommodation is crucial for settling into university life. Cardiff University offers a variety of accommodation options, each with its unique features and advantages, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

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Exploring Cardiff’s Residences

Talybont Complex

• Price: Varies depending on the residence
• Available to: Undergraduates, postgraduates
• Capacity: Accommodates over a thousand students

The Talybont complex, encompassing Talybont Court, South, North, and Gate, offers a vibrant community with excellent sports facilities and close proximity to parklands, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between study and leisure.

Senghennydd Court

• Price: From £129.92 per week (Total cost from £5196.80)
• Available to: Undergraduates, postgraduates
• Capacity: Accommodates 610 students

Senghennydd Court is a large hall of residence offering both self-catered and part-catered options. Its proximity to the Cathays Park campus, the Students’ Union, and the City Centre makes it convenient for students pursuing Mathematics, Engineering, Physics and Astronomy, or Computer Science. The evening meal service, available Monday to Friday except during vacations, provides students with a hot meal at the nearby Trevithick Restaurant in the Queen’s Buildings.

Senghennydd Hall

• Price: From £168.84 per week (Total cost from £6753.60)
• Available to: Undergraduates
• Capacity: Accommodates 103 students

Senghennydd Hall, a part-catered residence, is located in close proximity to the Cathays Park campus, making it ideal for students studying Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, Engineering, or Computer Science. Similar to Senghennydd Court, it offers an evening meal service Monday to Friday (except during vacations) at the nearby Trevithick Restaurant in the Queen’s Buildings, providing students with added convenience and comfort.

Aberconway Hall

• Price: From £140.56 per week (Total cost from £5622.40)
• Available to: Undergraduates
• Capacity: Accommodates 72 students

Situated next to Cardiff Business School, Aberconway Hall offers a prime location for students studying in the business and law fields. Its proximity to the John Percival Building, Cardiff Law School, and the Cathays Park campus makes it a convenient choice for those looking to minimise travel time between classes and their residence.

Aberdare Hall

• Price: From £129.92 per week (Total cost from £5196.80)
• Available to: Undergraduates, postgraduates
• Capacity: Accommodates 132 students

Steeped in history and character, Aberdare Hall, built in 1893, boasts many period features, offering a unique living experience. Adjacent to the Cathays Park campus, it provides both part-catered and self-catered accommodation options. The part-catered option includes evening meals Monday to Friday during term-time. While Aberdare Hall is a women-only residence, visitors of all genders are allowed to visit and stay overnight. The hall also has male personnel working within it on a daily basis.

Gordon Hall

• Price: From £147.49 per week (Total cost from £5899.60)
• Available to: Undergraduates
• Capacity: Accommodates 91 students

Located in a residential area, Gordon Hall offers a cosy, intimate living environment. Particularly convenient for students studying Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, Engineering, or Computer Science, Gordon Hall provides part-catered accommodation with evening meal service Monday to Friday (except during vacations) at the nearby Trevithick Restaurant in the Queen’s Buildings.

Personal Experience: Colum Hall

During my first year of study in 2021, I had the pleasure of staying at Colum Hall, which provided me with a memorable and comfortable living experience. Colum Hall, located conveniently close to the main campus, made commuting to and from classes a breeze, taking me only about 7 minutes on foot. This proximity not only saved me time but also allowed me to explore the campus and its surroundings at my leisure.

One of the highlights of living at Colum Hall was its proximity to various grocery shops, including Lidl and Tesco, making it incredibly convenient to stock up on essentials. Additionally, being situated near Cathays added to the convenience, providing access to a vibrant area with plenty of amenities and a lively atmosphere.

My living arrangements at Colum Hall included sharing the space with 8 roommates, all while enjoying the comfort of an ensuite room. The room size was decent, offering enough space to study and relax. The affordability of Colum Hall was also a major plus point, as I found the pricing to be reasonable, especially considering the amenities and location.

Another aspect I appreciated about Colum Hall was its 44-week contract, which catered well to my undergraduate schedule. Overall, my stay at Colum Hall was enjoyable, and I would highly recommend it to future students seeking a comfortable and convenient living arrangement during their time at Cardiff University.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for a memorable student experience. Living further from campus in Cardiff is not a drawback, as the city is small and easily walkable. This provides a unique student life experience. The city centre’s proximity offers a variety of social and entertainment options.

In conclusion, I hope my insights into Cardiff University’s accommodation options have been helpful. Trust the process and enjoy choosing your new home away from home.