Cardiff ranked as one of the top five Russell Group universities for student life

Cardiff University has been ranked as one of the top five Russell Group institutions for student life.

This is according to University Compare, which award Cardiff a 4.53 out of five average.

Other Welsh unis were also in the ranking, such as Swansea University which scored 3.95 for this category.

Students on Uni Compare praised Cardiff’s friendly atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and the city’s affordable lifestyle compared to other major university cities. The university’s strong academic reputation, combined with a great social lifestyle, continues to make it a popular choice for students across the UK.

A medicine student in 2023 wrote: “I have found Cardiff to be an excellent university for student life. From a wide range of accommodation choices to fantastic student support, I have no regrets about choosing Cardiff.

“There is no end of clubs available for nightlife and a long list of inclusive societies with something for everyone.”

Many Cardiff University students reside in Cathays, the beating heart of Cardiff’s student life. Packed with cafes, pubs, cheap eats, and student residences, it’s practically a rite of passage for any Cardiff student.

With everything just a short walk from campus, it’s easy to see why students rate the lifestyle so highly.

Eleanor Foulds on WhatUni wrote: “Cardiff is the perfect place for students to experience the best of both worlds – academics and recreation. The city has plenty of activities available to keep students entertained, such as galleries, museums, parks, theatres and entertainment venues.

“Additionally, there are always new restaurants and bars popping up within the city that offer a variety of international cuisine. Music festivals also make an appearance during summer months and sports stadiums host a range of European matches throughout the year.”

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Reviewing the cost of living in Cardiff, Eleanor wrote: “You’ll find a cappuccino for around £3 and very affordable drinks, with a pint of beer costing £4 on average. With prices as low as this, there’s no reason not to head out and paint the town red!”

With pint prices lower than the national average, what’s not to love?

Cardiff Uni’s social life was additionally named second in Wales for student life according to WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025. With a strong 4.4 out of five from over 3,600 reviews, students again highlighted the vibrant Students’ Union, diverse social scene, and affordable living.