Student houses are made available throughout the year – so don’t feel you have to rush. There are plenty to choose from. Some agencies don’t release their housing lists until much later in the academic year.
We recommend you view a variety of properties before signing a contract. You must make sure it is right for you, you’re happy with who you are living with and you can afford it.
Remember contracts are legally binding so don’t feel pressurised into signing. Seek advice before you start looking for a house.
There are many places to look for houses in the private rented sector. We recommend looking at your University private sector housing list first. But wherever you look for a home – check the landlord is licenced through Rent Smart Wales and the house has been licenced by Cardiff Council if necessary.
Properties listed by your university will comply with Rent Smart Wales requirements and the Cardiff Council’s licensing scheme.
Rent Smart Wales:
The law now requires all landlords to register and agents and self-managing landlords to obtain a licence. Always check first that your landlord is registered and the managing agent/landlord is licensed.
Council Licences for Houses of Multiple Occupation:
Houses in Cardiff with 3 storeys and 5 or more tenants, need a Council issued licence. This licence is only given if the property meets criteria for safety and living standards.
If the house is in Cathays or Plasnewydd (Roath), it requires this licence if there are 3 or more tenants, no matter the size of the property. Check with the landlord or letting agent whether the property is licenced as required. If you have any concerns, email
Housingenforcement-cardiff-srswales@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff MET will be releasing their recommended housing list in January on “MET Central”.
For more information about release of the housing list, take a look at this year’s poster.
University of South Wales
Search for accommodation on Studentpad, University of South Wales’ free student accommodation search engine.
Cardiff University
Cardiff University no longer provide a list, instead students are directed to Cardiff Student Letting who are based in and run by the Students Union.
Cardiff University also provides advice for living in the private rented sector.
Think about the area you want to live in.
◾Is the house close to the town centre, University buildings and Student Unions?
◾Is there a GP surgery, supermarket and pharmacy in walking distance?
Most Cardiff University and University of South Wales Atrium students live in Cathays or Roath, Heath campus students live in the Heath area and Cardiff Metropolitan students tend to live in the Roath area. These areas are close to local amenities, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live elsewhere! Cardiff is easily accessible on foot, bus or train.
Your University and Student Union can provide you with free, professional housing advice on all matters of accommodation. Find out more about the services available to you below.
Cardiff Metropolitan University
◾The Accommodation Advice Line provided by the University Accommodation service can give students tailored advice on your legal rights as tenants. They can also check over tenancy contracts for unfair terms.
◾The Students’ Union Advisor can provide students with free, professional and impartial advice on all housing and welfare matters.
University of South Wales
◾The University Accommodation Service provides students with guidance and support on housing matters. Check out the useful videos on their website
Cardiff University
◾The University Student Support service offers a series of resources to help you with your housing needs.
◾The Student Advice service in the Students’ Union provides guidance on all housing issues, including providing tailored advice on your legal rights as tenants. They can also check over tenancy contracts for unfair terms.
Shelter Cymru can provide housing advice to all tenants in Wales. They have free resources and local advisors that can advise you on all aspects of housing, including legal matters such as deposits and contracts.