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Accommodation
Cardiff and Vale College offers safe and comfortable accommodation options for international students. Living in a supportive environment will help you settle into life in Cardiff and focus on your studies.
Students may stay in either homestay accommodation with a local host family or student residence accommodation. Both options provide a safe place to live while studying at the College.
For students aged 16 to 17, additional safeguarding and welfare arrangements are in place to ensure students are well supported throughout their stay.
Where You Will Live
International students studying at Cardiff and Vale College may stay in one of the following accommodation options.
Homestay Accommodation
Homestay allows students to live with a carefully selected local host family. This option offers a supportive home environment and an opportunity to experience everyday life in the UK.
Homestay accommodation includes:
• A private bedroom
• Three meals per day (breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal)
• Access to bathroom facilities
• Laundry facilities
• A welcoming and supportive home environment
Living with a host family can be a great way to practise English, learn about British culture and feel part of a family environment while studying abroad.
Student Residence
Some students stay in student residence accommodation, which provides a more independent living environment.
Residence accommodation typically includes:
• Private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
• Shared kitchens and communal areas
• Study spaces
• Social areas for students to meet and relax
Students living in residence benefit from modern facilities while still receiving support from the College and accommodation staff.
Your wellbeing and safety are very important while you are living away from home.
Student Residence Check-ins
Students aged 16 to 17 who are accommodated by CAVC in Zenith accommodation are supported by an on-call guardian who checks in regularly. These check-ins take place each evening and on weekend mornings. This gives students the opportunity to ask questions, discuss any concerns and receive support.
Regular Accommodation Visits
Your Accommodation Officer will also carry out termly face to face meetings and accommodation visits. These meetings help us understand how you are settling in and whether you need any additional support.
Accommodation Support
If you experience any problems that your accommodation provider or host family has not resolved, please contact your on-call guardian (Zenith) or Accommodation Officer (Homestay), who will help you access the appropriate support services.
Keep in Contact with CAVC
All students should respond to communication from the International Office throughout the year so we can ensure you are safe and well supported.
Accommodation Contacts
If you experience any issues with your accommodation, please contact the appropriate support service.
Students staying in homestay accommodation should speak with their host family first. If further support is needed, the International Team will be happy to help.
Students staying at Zenith Student Accommodation can speak with the residence staff or reception team.
If you are unsure who to contact, the International Team will help direct you to the correct support service.
Curfew for Students Under 18
Students aged 16 to 17 must return to their accommodation by 10:00pm each evening.
This rule helps ensure students remain safe while living and studying away from home. Accommodation providers and College staff may carry out regular check-ins to ensure students are safe and settled.
If you plan to stay away overnight or travel outside Cardiff, permission must be requested in advance.
What is Homestay?
Homestay accommodation allows you to live with a carefully selected local host family. This is an excellent way to experience everyday life in the UK while practising your English and learning about British culture.
Host families are experienced in welcoming international students and aim to provide a friendly and supportive home environment.
What is Included
Homestay accommodation typically includes:
A private bedroom
Three meals per day (light breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal)
Access to bathroom facilities
Laundry facilities
A supportive family environment
Your host family will help you settle in and support you during your stay.
Travel to College
Homestay accommodation is usually located within approximately 30 minutes of the College using public transport such as buses or trains.
Your host family can help you understand the best way to travel to campus, and most students travel independently to college each day.
Expectations When Living with a Host Family
Living with a host family means becoming part of their home. Students are expected to:
• Be polite and respectful
• Communicate openly with their host family
• Follow the agreed house routines
• Keep their bedroom tidy
• Inform their host family if they will be late returning home
These expectations help create a positive and comfortable living environment for everyone.
House Rules
To ensure a safe and respectful environment, students should follow some basic rules:
Respect the host family’s home and belongings
Follow curfew rules where applicable
Do not smoke or drink alcohol if under 18
Keep noise levels reasonable, especially in the evening
Inform your host family if you will be away from the house
Your host family will explain their house rules when you arrive.
Zenith Student Residence
Zenith Student Accommodation is a modern student residence located in the centre of Cardiff. It provides high-quality accommodation and social spaces designed specifically for students.
The residence is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from Cardiff and Vale College’s City Centre Campus, making it convenient for travelling to class.
Facilities
Zenith offers modern student accommodation with a range of facilities including:
• En-suite bedrooms
• Study areas
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Social and communal spaces
• Gym and wellness room
• Cinema and entertainment areas
• Rooftop terrace with views across Cardiff
These facilities help create a comfortable and social living environment for students.
Check-in Information
Students will receive check-in instructions before arrival.
Residence staff at Zenith will be available to support students when they arrive and help them settle into their rooms.
If airport transfers have been arranged through the College, support will also be available during your journey to the accommodation.
What to Bring
Students staying at Zenith should bring some personal items, including:
• Bedding
• Towels and toiletries
• UK plug adapters
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Kitchen items if you plan to cook
• Any required medication
Some students choose to order bedding and living items online before arrival so that they are delivered to the accommodation. This can be booked online via UniKitOut - #1 Student Pack supplier Trusted by over 250 Universities.
Security & Support at Zenith
Zenith provides a safe and secure environment for students.
Safety features include:
• Secure building access
• On-site staff support
• CCTV and security systems
• Supervision arrangements for students aged 16 and 17
The International Team and residence staff work together to ensure students feel safe, comfortable and supported during their stay.
If a Student Misses Curfew (Under 18)
Students aged 16 or 17 are required to follow accommodation rules and curfew arrangements designed to help ensure their safety while studying in Cardiff.
The standard curfew for under-18 students is 10:00pm.
Students may be required to complete regular check-ins with designated staff. These check-ins help the College ensure that students are safe and accounted for.
If a Student Does Not Return by Curfew
If a student misses their curfew or does not attend a required check-in, the College and accommodation staff will follow a safeguarding procedure to ensure the student’s safety.
This may include:
1. Checking whether the student has informed anyone of a delay or change of plans
2. Attempting to contact the student directly
3. Contacting accommodation staff or other relevant individuals who may have information about the student’s whereabouts
4. Allowing a short period of time for the student to respond or return safely
If the College is unable to confirm the student’s safety and there are concerns for their wellbeing, the situation may be escalated and the police may be contacted to help locate the student.
These procedures are in place to ensure that students are safe and that appropriate action is taken if a student cannot be located.
Planned Absences
If a student expects to be away from their accommodation during curfew or check-in times, this must be approved in advance by a parent or guardian.
Parents or guardians must provide at least 7 days’ notice in writing by emailing:
This allows the International and safeguarding Teams to review the request and ensure appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place.
