New day, new comparison and today we are going to cover something interesting in our series of comparing UK cities. Whether it is about lifestyle or student accommodation in UK, there is so much to explore when you are in the almighty United Kingdom. As for today, we have picked up the very infamous Cardiff vs Derby debate. Got a little interested, didn’t I? Well, when we talk about Cardiff and Derby, there is one thing anyone can say with confidence that both the cities are an excellent choice for students. When you stumble across a choice and are not sure which one to choose then you have to read this blog as it is just for you!

In this particular blog, we are going to discuss every detail when it comes to Cardiff vs Derby. Starting with the cost of living to universities, let’s find your answers. After all, Uninist covers it all and not just student housing in UK. What are you waiting for? Let’s get right into it!

Cardiff vs Derby – What is the Cost of Living

Every city in UK has a different cost of living because of the accommodation prices, food expenses, public transportation and more. Speaking of Cardiff vs Derby, there is quite a difference between the cost of living. To make you understand it more easily, here is a table you should have a look at:

Speaking of the choice, both cities have their own uniqueness. Given the cost of living, we can clearly see that Cardiff is a bit cheaper than Derby, especially in terms of student housing and overall monthly spending. A student can expect to spend between £800-£1200 per month in Cardiff while for Derby, the cost comes between £1000-£1250. Other things like groceries and food are also a bit cheap in Cardiff. Although both the cities have almost the same range of monthly expenses, Cardiff comes out a little bit more budget-friendly.

Cardiff vs Derby – How to Find Student Accommodation in Both the Cities

Living alone is quite a task, isn’t it? You have to manage everything on your own, especially finding the right place to live away from home. Here are the top things to consider while finding student accommodation in UK:

• Make a Non-Negotiable List: Before you start your search, draw a list of things that you won’t compromise on. For instance, budget, distance from campus, private room or shared room, facilities you want in your student housing. Making a non-negotiable list helps in eliminating unsuitable houses from the search.
• Pick the Right Housing Options: In UK, you will find a large variety of housing such as university halls, ensuite rooms, private flats, and shared student apartments. For first year students, universities usually offer on-campus accommodation. However, with limited supply, you might have to look for off-campus accommodation. When you are confident that you can live alone you can simply make a move to private houses to enjoy more freedom.
• Prioritise University Halls Applications:  Just like the rest of the Universities in UK, the universities in Cardiff and Derby also give preference to freshers students and international students in UK for on-campus halls. Check the deadline, rules, and priority criteria at both Cardiff and Derby universities to avoid missing a slot.
• Use Reliable Platforms and Set Alerts: If you failed to get a slot in university halls then begin your search on reliable platforms like Uninist. Narrow the results with filters such as budget, ensuite, or bills included. Enable email alerts so you can act quickly when new listings appear.
• Visit the Student Accommodation in Person: The best way to know how your soon to be student accommodation will be is to visit the property in person. There are multiple factors to consider for  the accom that cannot be revealed just by photos and listings. When you visit the property inspect the safety features, heating, cleanliness, and CCTV cameras are available or not.
• Go Through the Tenancy Agreement Carefully: Check your tenancy agreement carefully and know your tenancy duration, notice period, etc. Moreover, know what is the student accommodation maintenance for better understanding. Plus, the deposits also have a legal cap, so check tenant fee rules beforehand.
• Where and How Deposits are Protected: Landlords must register deposits under an UK approved scheme. Ask for details and a receipt and never hand a large sum in cash or to unofficial accounts without a contract.
• Clarify what’s Included: Confirm which bills are included like electricity, gas, water, internet, etc. are included in rent. Many “cheap” places turn out costly once extra expenses are added.
• Red Flags you Should Dodge: Be cautious of unrealistically low rents, landlords who won’t meet in person, or requests for money before viewing. Always check if the listing you are looking for is listed on multiple sites.
• Move in and Keep Records: On the Move-in day, take photos of the condition of the room before settling in. Keep all tenancy agreements and receipts safe for future reference in case disputes arise.

Cardiff vs Derby- How Student Life and Places to Visit

Student life in Cardiff

• The city has a vibrant and diverse student community with multiple universities like Cardiff University, Cardiff Met, and University of South Wales. Also, the city is affordable compared to larger UK cities while still offering a lively city atmosphere. 
• The city is popular for nightlife with clubs, pubs, and student-friendly bars in areas like Cathrays. One more factor that makes this city great for students is its sports culture. Simply put, you will find some of the best stadiums in UK. Some of the things you should try include rugby at the Principality Stadium and Football at Cardiff City Stadium. So, make sure you explore as much as possible when in Cardiff.
• It is a coastal city with easy access to braces like Barry Island and nature escapes in South Wales. 

Places to visit in Cardiff

Here are the top places to visit in Cardiff for students:

• Cardiff castle
• Principality Stadium
• Cardiff Bay
• Bute Park
• National Museum Cardiff

Student life in Derby

• The city is home to University of Derby which offers a tight-knit and friendly student environment. One of the best things about Derby is, it is quiet, smaller, and more affordable than many UK cities. 
• Derby has a strong emphasis on community, making it easier with the top tips for international students in UK to settle. The city is also known for practical, career-focused courses and supportive academic culture.
• The most pleasing thing about Derby is that the city has a good balance between city convenience and access to nature in the Peak District nearby. 

Places to Visit in Derby

Here are the must-visit places in Derby for students:

• Derby Cathedral
• Markeaton Park
• Derby Museum and Art Gallery
• Darley Park
• Peak District National Park

Conclusion

Now that you are aware what aspect holds high in the Cardiff vs Derby debate, it’s the time to make a decision. We understand, it can be tough given the strong aesthetics, culture, and study facilities. But as a student, it is necessary to understand first and then make an informed decision. Both Cardiff and Derby are much more affordable compared to big cities in UK like London, Birmingham, Manchester, etc.

Given the comparison, we can see Cardiff is more affordable than Derby. Considering the cost of living surely Cardiff is a better option but Derby is not that expensive. So, whether it is student accommodation in UK or general expenses, make a wise choice. And for more listings and guides like how to succeed as a student in UK, visit Uninist!

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