Private accommodation

Would you prefer a house to halls? No problem, we can help with that too.

Finding your own accommodation

You might choose to go through a letting agency or a private landlord.

And don’t forget to join the RWCMD Facebook forum page – a closed Facebook group for support, help and advice.

For more guidance on finding private accommodation, you can also explore the University of South Wales’ webpages

Close to everything you need

The area of Cathays is situated right by food shops, doctors, dentists and the hospital, making it an easy walking commute to get your everyday necessities.

From Cathays	Distance to main building – between 0.3-1 mile

From Cathays	Distance to Llanishen Studios – 2.9 miles

From Cathays	Walking time – 6-20 minutes

From Cathays	Cycling time – 5-12 minutes

From Cathays	Bus time for Llanishen Studios – 25-30 minutes (28/28A/28B)

From Cathays	Nearest supermarket – Lidl (Cathays Terrace)

Some of the things to look out when renting

Always make sure you go to see the property before you sign a tenancy agreement.

Are bills included? Check your finances – can you avoid all the extra costs, such as bills/internet charges?

Do you need a guarantor? Talk to Student Services if you have any problems with this.

What is the deposit and the deposit protection scheme?

Make sure there’s a clear inventory list so you know what’s there when you move in. It also makes it easier to get your deposit back at the end of your tenancy.

Read the tenancy agreement carefully – do you have to pay over the summer, for example?

Security – how do you feel about coming back late at night? What are the transport links after dark?

Talk to the current tenants – have they had any problems with damp or bills, for example?

Choosing who to live with – our Find a Friend scheme

Don’t forget that our friendly Student Services team is here to help you with applying for halls of residence

Further reading

If you need more information about choosing the right accommodation, these resources can help:

University of South Wales: Choosing where to live – Guidance on the types of student accommodation available, including tips on making the best choice for you.
Cardiff Digs – A comprehensive guide to student housing in Cardiff, with advice on private rentals, house-hunting and tenant rights.

Useful information

Guide to Cardiff

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about your new city.

What to bring with you

Get ready to pack for your big move to Cardiff! Take a look at our handy uni checklist to make sure you don’t forget the important things.

Council Tax and TV Licence

It’s your responsibility to check whether you're covered for Council Tax and a TV Licence so you don’t end up with a fine.

Guide to Cardiff

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about your new city.

What to bring with you

Get ready to pack for your big move to Cardiff! Take a look at our handy uni checklist to make sure you don’t forget the important things.

Council Tax and TV Licence

It’s your responsibility to check whether you're covered for Council Tax and a TV Licence so you don’t end up with a fine.

Explore section

Overview

We’re so excited to welcome you to our creative community. This is the beginning of an incredible journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Before you arrive

Your journey at RWCMD starts here. Here you can find everything you need to plan your arrival.

When you get here

Your first weeks at RWCMD will be full of new experiences, and we’re here to help you settle in quickly.

International student guide

Our guide for international students provides everything you need to prepare for your big move and help you settle in.

Your starter checklist

Get organised with our checklist of essential starter tasks, from finalising your accommodation to confirming your registration, ensuring you're fully prepared for your time at RWCMD.