**Welsh Universities Rated for Student Accommodation: Bangor Leads the Way**
Choosing the right university often comes down to more than simply the quality of the education; for many students, accommodation is at the heart of their decision-making process. The latest survey from Uni Compare – a student review platform – has shed light on which universities across Wales and the UK are meeting the mark when it comes to providing a comfortable living environment for their students.
According to the 2026 Uni Compare rankings, assembled from more than 28,000 verified student reviews, Bangor University stands out as the top-rated Welsh institution for accommodation. Placing 12th overall in the UK, Bangor has made significant strides, improving its position by 17 places compared to the previous year. This strong performance means Bangor leads all Welsh universities in this critical area.
The cost of student accommodation remains a key concern, with annual fees stretching from £139 to £341 per week for most students, and even higher costs reported within London. Such significant outlays mean prospective students are increasingly scrutinising accommodation provision during the application process, pushing universities to prioritise quality and affordability.
Notably, Cardiff University—a member of the Russell Group and Wales’s largest university—scored poorly in this year’s accommodation chart. Falling 43 places to 95th out of 100, Cardiff’s result reflects a growing apprehension about the student housing market in the city. Even the institution itself acknowledges this issue. Professor Wendy Larner, Vice Chancellor at Cardiff, told a recent Senedd committee that housing is the number one factor discouraging students from choosing Cardiff University.
Cardiff Metropolitan University was the second-best performer in Wales, ranking 28th UK-wide, up eight places from last year. Swansea University secured the third spot among Welsh universities, though its national position slipped six places to 33rd. Other notable Welsh entries included Aberystwyth University, moving up 16 places to 52nd, and the University of Wales Trinity St David, which rocketed 39 spots to reach 55th. Meanwhile, the University of South Wales climbed to 69th place, and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama experienced one of the largest leaps, advancing 54 places to 79th.
A closer look at the wider UK list reveals that none of the Welsh universities managed to break into the national top 10 for student accommodation this year. The highest spots were claimed by universities such as Edge Hill, Liverpool John Moores, Newcastle, and Lincoln, all singled out for their modern facilities, convenient locations, and strong campus communities.
Uni Compare’s rankings are based on an expansive methodology that not only prioritises the number and quality of reviews, but also emphasises authenticity. Reviews are collected from student halls and various off-site options, with the platform deploying CAPTCHA checks and monitoring IP addresses to ensure reviews are genuine. Moreover, institutions with a larger sample size of reviews benefit from improved statistical reliability, according to Uni Compare.
The volume of feedback gathered reflects a high level of engagement from the UK student community, with the platform now hosting more than 151,000 reviews since its inception. For universities, these rankings offer invaluable feedback, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement in their approach to student welfare and support.
Students preparing for university life in Wales would do well to consider these rankings, which provide a candid insight into the lived experience of recent and current residents. As the debate over rising accommodation costs and quality intensifies, it’s clear that universities must listen to their students if they are to remain competitive and foster positive student experiences in the years to come.
For the full breakdown of rankings and additional details, the complete list is available on the Uni Compare website. As competition among universities heats up, only those institutions prioritising quality, affordability, and student satisfaction are likely to attract and retain the next generation of students.