Studying in Cardiff was one of the best decisions of my life. The city is full of vibrant energy, friendly people, and loads of opportunities for students. But let’s be honest it’s easy to overspend when you're living away from home for the first time. I learned that the hard way during my first few months. Rent, groceries, travel, it all adds up fast. 

The good news? I figured out how to save without missing out on the fun. If you're planning to move into your student accommodation in Cardiff, these money-saving tips will help. Here's everything I learned, so you don’t have to go broke learning it yourself. 

1. Pick the Right Student Accommodation in Cardiff 

This was the biggest game-changer for me. When I first moved, I booked a place without researching properly. That was my big mistake. It looked good in pictures but had hidden costs like extra bills for Wi-Fi and laundry. 

Here’s what I did next: 

• Compared prices online 

• Looked for all-inclusive rent (covering electricity, water, Wi-Fi) 

• Chose a location close to campus to save on travel 

I ended up in a place that was affordable, close to universities, and had everything included. Total lifesaver student accommodation in Cardiff booked through University Living. 

2. Cook More, Eat Out Less 

Yes, I love a cheeky Nando’s as much as the next person, but cooking at home saved me serious cash. I started meal prepping twice a week pasta, rice bowls, fries, and curries were my go-to. 

Budget-friendly tips: 

• Shop at Lidl or Aldi (way cheaper than Tesco or Sainsbury’s) 

• Buy in bulk-especially rice, pasta, and canned stuff 

• Use student discounts at Co-op with a TOTUM card 

3. Make the Most of Student Discounts 

This one’s a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to use their student ID. I signed up for UNiDAYS and Student Beans, and honestly, they’re gold. 

Where I saved the most: 

• Clothing: 10–20% off at ASOS, H&M, Boohoo 

• Food: Discounts on Deliveroo and Domino’s (treat days only!) 

• Tech: Got Microsoft Office and Spotify Premium at student rates 

Always ask, “Do you offer a student discount?” Even small local shops in Cardiff are happy to knock a few pounds off. 

4. Ditch the Gym Membership 

I joined a fancy gym for a month. Used it four times. Cancelled it. Cardiff has beautiful parks, scenic routes along the Taff River, and loads of free or cheap fitness options. 

Here’s what worked better for me: 

• Free YouTube workouts in my room 

• Walks or bike rides to save bus fare and stay fit 

 My student accommodation in Cardiff had a small gym on-site, and it was free to use. 

5. Learn to Budget Like a Pro 

I started using a free app called Emma to track my spending. It linked to my bank account and showed where my money was going. Once I saw the numbers, it got easier to manage my expenses. 

My simple budgeting rules: 

• Set weekly limits for food, travel, and fun 

• Avoid impulse purchases—sleep on it 

• Withdraw cash for the week and stick to it.

6. Save on Transport 

Cardiff’s a super walkable city. Most days, I didn’t even need the bus. But when I did, I used the MyTravel pass-it gave me discounted fares across Wales. 

Other travel tips: 

• Get a 16–25 Railcard for 1/3 off train fares 

• Cycle instead of taking taxis 

• Book train tickets in advance for trips home or weekend getaways 

Also, choosing student accommodation near campus really helped cut down on daily travel costs. 

7. Textbooks? No Thanks. 

Buying brand-new textbooks is a scam. I borrowed most of mine from the university library or bought second-hand from older students. 

My study hacks: 

• Used online PDFs and eBooks 

• Shared books with flatmates 

• Joined Facebook groups where students sell their old books for cheap 

I spent less than £30 on books during my entire year and that’s no exaggeration. 

8. Say Yes to Free Events 

Cardiff is buzzing with student events many of them free. Movie nights, quiz evenings, pub crawls, job fairs, society meetups you name it. Instead of splurging on expensive nights out, I started attending these events more. 

Where to find them: 

•  student union pages 

• Facebook and Eventbrite 

• Posters in your accommodation lobby 

You’ll save money and make new friends.  

CONCLUSION 

Saving money as a student in Cardiff doesn’t mean missing out. It just means being smart about how and where you spend. From choosing the right student accommodation in Cardiff to grabbing every possible discount every little hack makes a difference. I still had fun, ate out now and then, travelled, and even treated myself occasionally. But I stayed within budget!