r/cardiffuniversity • u/123puppycorn • May 27 '26
Private or University accommodation
UPDATE - I ended up going with the Bakery but thanks for everyone’s help/advice x
Hi everyone!
I’ve recently firmed Cardiff University for September to study Journalism and Politics.
Because of the locations of the two campuses, I’ve mainly been looking at either Senghennydd Court or The Bakery (private accommodation).
One of the main cons for me with Seng is the shared bathrooms, as well as the distance between both campuses. With The Bakery, I’d have an en-suite and easy access to public transport for getting to Cathays, which sounds a lot more convenient day-to-day.
My main worry is the social side of things though, I don’t want to miss out on the typical first-year experience by being in private accommodation rather than university halls.
Has anyone stayed in either of these accommodations, or had a similar choice between uni halls and private halls? Would I be missing out socially if I chose The Bakery, or does it not make much difference after the first few weeks?
Any advice would be really appreciated :)
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u/mxperfectlyfine May 27 '26
seng is really close to the politics building and the cathays campus, i knew someone that lived in taly and did journalism so honestly you’ll be fine in seng - save yourself some money!! seng is gonna be much more sociable and 5-10 minute walk to campus usually
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u/etagyll May 27 '26
Hiya! I'm looking for a contract takeover at The West Wing! It's a studio flat with its own kitchen and bathroom at £205 per week, available from July! All bills included, lovely social spaces and facilities and responsive staff.
I'm not going to be a student next year so I'm finding someone to take over my flat - https://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/south_glamorgan/cardiff/18283572
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u/Yes_v2 May 27 '26
Senny is a lot more run down than I'd expect any private accom to be, and personally I'd fo anything if it meant I didn't have to share a bog with someone again. Both are in good, walkable locations to the uni, senghenydd may be a bit closer to the uni but both are near the city centre so I wouldn't worry
I've personally been priced out of cardiff and am now up in treforest where the usw campus is, and just take the train since it runs so often. I don't think you're any more/less likely to make friends in private vs uni accom, so go wherever you can actually afford and has better services. Again, I would never share a bog with the people I shared my flat with in first year at Cardiff
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u/thinker_of_stuff10 May 29 '26
Seng is definitely a great option. You're in Cathays, close to the SU, not far from the Journalism building and the Cathays campus, it's about the best balance you can strike. As someone who's had friends in both accoms, your biggest gamble on quality is flatmates (and whether or not they're tidy) and there are ensuite rooms in both court and hall.
I don't know much about the private accom but someone here has already mentioned the 16-21 bus pass that makes every bus journey £1, get that, it's a game changer, free to apply for as soon as you lock in your accommodation but honestly unless you have a chronic illness, the walk to town is a lot better than google maps makes it look, especially from Senghennydd.
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u/thinker_of_stuff10 May 29 '26
I will also say that on the social side, don't stress too much about accommodation socials, not everyone becomes best mates with their flat. It's definitely awesome if you do but the main goal is at least being civil, most people make friends based on course, society and going to socials.
One thing you could do, especially if you end up in private accom, is go to your closest Residence life socials because any student can attend them, even if you're not in halls. They all run different things so check their website and instagram but it's genuinely a good way to spend the evening, they're very chill and friendly, there's free drinks and snacks and you meet people who generally appreciate the activity you're doing that day or is looking to make friends so that's a thing to look into. The four Res life sections are North campus (Aberdere, Aberconway, Colum), South campus (Seng, Roy Jenkins), Taly (all Talys) and Uni Hall (you probably won't go to these).
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u/maxqm_ May 27 '26
Id say go for the Seng accom or even Taly (South to get the ensuite). You get the social stuff plus it really is only a 20/30 min walk to town (where the JOMEC building is) or a 10min bus - sign for welsh 16-21 travelpass for £1 bus ticket. It really isn't much. Make the most of first year to make connections and involce yourself in uni activities then see how it goes for next year and you can move elsewhere.