With over 40,000 students living in Cardiff, students make up a fairly big segment of the population. Whether you’re living in halls of residence or private rented accommodation, you are an important part of the Cardiff community!
Getting involved in the local community or simply getting to know your neighbours can make all the difference in creating a friendly neighbourhood. So take a moment to introduce yourself to your neighbours, a quick knock on the door to say hello can go a long way.
If you are a bit shy, you can always pop on of our postcards through the door.
There are benefits to having a good relationship with your neighbours, when you go home for the holidays, you can ask them to keep an eye on your home. Or they can help you to settle in, letting you know about the recycling system or where you can get the best coffee in the area.
If you would like to help welcome students into the community, we organise volunteering opportunities with South Wales Police and the Environmental Champions to advise residents on keeping their homes secure and making Cardiff a cleaner greener city.
Many students, young families, professionals and elderly residents call Cathays, Roath and Gabalfa home. Living in the city, sound can travel. But being disturbed by excessive noise can have a serious effect on a person’s health and wellbeing; disturbing sleep patterns, affecting study schedules, or creating tensions between neighbours.
We want you to love being part of Cardiff’s community and enjoy everything the city has to offer but please be mindful of others in your neighbourhood.
Follow these tips to have a positive experience and avoid potential noise complaints.
• Say hello and introduce yourself to your neighbours. Perhaps you can even consider sharing contact details. Being friendly and approachable goes a long way. If you’ve just moved in, it’s a perfect opportunity.
• Be mindful of volume anytime of day or night. It is a myth that noise is allowed up until 11pm!
• Keep windows and doors closed to reduce sound travelling.
• When playing music, be mindful of bass levels – it really carries. If playing music, take a step outside to see if you can hear it and if you need to turn the volume or bass down.
• Ensure that the sound system you use is proportionate to the size of you room or home. Place speakers away from neighbouring walls.
• Keep the noise down if you walk home with friends late in the evening. General chatter can wake people who are sleeping and they may have an early start!
Remember, extreme or persistent noise will be perceived as anti-social behaviour and will be dealt with by Cardiff Council, South Wales Police and/or your University through the Student Code of Conduct. Be a good neighbour and make sure you are not the perpetrator!
Politely knock at their door and explain the problem in a calm manner, you may find they were unaware of the problem and agree to keep the noise down. However if this does not work, you can contact the Council.
You can report on-going issues such as noisy parties and neighbours to the Councils Shared Regulatory Services online or by calling 0300 123 6696.
Cardiff is a compact city that is easy to get around on foot or by bicycle so it is best to not bring your car to university. Parking is scarce in the city centre areas including residential areas and running a car can really eat into your student budget, costing thousands of pounds each year. Keeping a car in Cardiff is not as convenient as you may think.
Some students have personal circumstances that require the use of a car and Cardiff Council issue residential parking permits online if your property is eligible to have a car parked outside.
If you have mobility difficulties, you may be able to benefit from the national Blue Badge scheme. You can find out more about the Blue Badge scheme and how to apply here.
If you would like to use a car occasionally but would like to avoid the cost of running and maintaining a car and hassle of finding a parking space, Cardiff’s Car Club might be for you.
We’re reminding students that their actions can have a negative or positive impact both on and off campus.
Your University expects you to conduct yourself in a reasonable and appropriate manner, with respect for others, and to show courtesy and consideration at all times. As a student and member of the community, you are seen as an ambassador for the University whilst enrolled on your course, and the University expects you to represent them in a positive manner. You can do this by being respectful and courteous to your neighbours, keeping the noise to a minimum, and understanding your waste and recycling responsibilities.
In the event where student behaviour is detrimental to the community or causing a nuisance, Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales may deal with student misconduct through their student disciplinary procedures.
Examples of what the Universities will consider as detrimental to the community includes excessive noise from properties, anti-social behaviour or severe nuisance issues arising from rented properties, which could include environmental concerns.