Explore our campus
Last updated: 12/08/2024 13:32
Familiarise yourself with the campus before you start your studies.
The university is located across 2 campuses: Cathays and Heath Park.
Cathays campus
Our Cathays campus is a short walk from the city centre and a beautiful mix of listed buildings and purpose-built modern facilities.
The Centre for Student Life
The Centre for Student Life (or CSL, as we all call it) is at the heart of our Cathays campus and was designed with you in mind. It’s home to our Student Life Services, 5 floors of open-plan social study spaces, and the UK’s longest balcony!
Cardiff Students’ Union
Right next door to the CSL is our award winning Students’ Union.
The Students’ Union has its HQ in a purpose-built facility in the centre of Cardiff that houses cafés, shops, bars, a live music venue, letting agency, Post Office, 24-hour flexible study spaces and much more.
Whether you want to play sports, join a society, volunteer your time in the community, or contribute to our award-winning student media, you've come to the right place!
Get involved in freshers' events to find your community when you arrive. The Students' Union hosts a diverse range of events from the 16 to 29 September and Freshers' Fairs from Monday 23 to Thursday 26 September.
Heath Park campus
Heath Park is home to the schools of dentistry, healthcare and medicine and has its own dedicated student facilities including a Students’ Union and Health library which is open 24/7. Good transport links will get you to and from Cathays in just over 10 minutes.
Additional facilities
Alongside our learning and study spaces, our campuses offer a variety of other facilities, including:
Libraries
We have 10 libraries across both campuses, each offering a wide range of resources and study spaces.
Need to borrow a laptop? Our libraries offer 2 week and 4-hour loans. You can also print from your own laptop or networked computer in any of our libraries.
Library induction
When you arrive on campus, you'll be offered an online library induction. You can also request an in-person library tour at the enquiry desk.
Sports facilities
Whether you want to try a new sport or continue training in one you already love, our sports facilities are open to everyone.
We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities on campus, including a fitness and squash centre, dance studio, training village, and a 33-acre sports field.
Discounted sports membership
Purchase a membership before 31 October and receive £25 off your annual membership fee, plus access to 81 gyms across the country!
Living in university accommodation?
Residence Life and CU Sport offer free weekly badminton and football activities in Talybont Sports Centre. These events are a great opportunity to make new friends and incorporate physical activity into your weekly schedule!
Join a sports club
Our Athletic Union (AU) facilitates 68 student-led sports clubs and offers you the opportunity to represent the university regionally, nationally and beyond. Our AU sports clubs primarily compete in British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) against other universities.
Attend a Give It A Go session and take part in your favourite sports or discover a love for a new sport!
Food and drink
Whether you’re after a morning coffee, sandwich or hot meal our catering service have a range of outlets across campus to suit your needs.
Accessible spaces
We have partnered with AccessAble to create detailed access guides for the university.
Chaplaincy and quiet rooms
Our Chaplaincy is based at 61 Park Place and offers pastoral and spiritual support to all members of our university community regardless of whether you hold any explicit faith.
Quiet rooms
Quiet rooms for contemplation, meditation, and personal prayer are available on both campuses.
Nursery
Little Scholars is our on-site nursery located at 43-45 Park Place, Cathays offering childcare support during your studies.
Getting around
It's easy to get around our campuses and city on foot by bike or public transport.
Find your way around
- download the Student App to find your way around campus. Store your favourite places and find out what other facilities are around your location.
- to plan your journeys to and around the university, visit My Uni Journey
- to plan journeys outside of the university, visit Traveline Cymru.
Bring a bike
Cycling is a healthy, green and fun way to travel around the city and is popular with students. Cardiff is well connected with a growing cycle lane network, making travel safer and more enjoyable.
We provide secure storage facilities at university accommodation and our campus buildings, so if you own a bike, why not bring it with you?
Keep your bike secure
Purchase a D-lock for £20 via cashless payment from our Security Centre reception desk, Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 14:30.
We work closely with South Wales Police who offer security marking of student bikes throughout the year.
Public transport
Bus and train services are provided within the city centre, local suburbs and the wider area.
Travelling by bus
Our campuses are well served by local and national bus/coach service providers.
| Local routes | National travel | Airport shuttle |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiff Bus | National Express | Traws Cymru |
| Adventure Travel | Megabus | Cardiff Airport |
| Newport Bus (X30 via Heath Park) | Bristol Airport | |
| Stagecoach | ||
| Traws Cymru |
Travel Pass
16 to 21 year olds can apply for mytravelpass to receive up to 30% on bus travel in Wales.
Travelling by train
Cardiff Central is a hub for the train network in Cardiff, linking the city with the rest of south and west Wales, and other major British cities. Other rail stations available in Cardiff include:
| Campus access | Closest station | Walking time |
|---|---|---|
| School of Engineering (Trevithick and Queens Buildings), McKenzie House, Eastgate House, Senghennydd Court, Senghennydd Hall, Gordon Hall. | Cardiff Queen Street | Approximately 10 minutes |
| University buildings at Cathays Park (excluding those close to Cardiff Queen Street station). | Cathays | Approximately 15-20 minutes |
| University buildings at Heath Park. | Heath Low Level and Heath High Level | Approximately 20 minutes |
Tickets and railcards
You can choose from single, return, multiflex (12 single tickets for the price of 10), weekly, monthly and annual tickets.
Transport for Wales Railcards can help you save money on travel. The 18 Saver Railcard gives a 50% discount on standard fares to 18-year-olds, and the Student Railcard provides a 34% discount.
Earn rewards for active and sustainable travel
Take part in the Changing Steps Cardiff sustainable travel challenge. Earn BetterPoints for choosing active and sustainable travel journeys to and from campus.
Students who take part in the challenge will be rewarded with BetterPoints to redeem on some great local offers on campus, on the high street and with local transport providers. There are also many prizes to be won, and seasonal campaigns and challenges are held throughout the year to encourage students to travel sustainably.
Discover more about the university and the city of Cardiff through our interactive tour.