Host Shand House

As a first year who didn't make it into university halls I decided that the second best option would be to move into private university halls. Mansion was my only choice when I first took a tour around the building it appeared to be really nice, everything was really modern and nice the rooms looked spacious and luxurious for student accommodation. Sadly the rooms they show you might not be the rooms you actually get, rooms vary in size and you might be unlucky and not even get a window in your room, you'll pay exactly the same as someone else who has a big room and a window. At the start of the year there were many problems with the building including the water just going off randomly and the heating not working, we had no idea when they were coming back on and were never updated. The lift in the building is extremely dodgy, sometimes it would work sometimes it wouldn't, as a whole it was worth sending up a prayer before entering it. As a whole the staff were nice although they liked to blame damage on anyone they could, I remember one morning waking up to a member of staff banging on the door which I opened to receive a torrent of abuse as to why "I" had broken a plaster board at the end of the corridor, he later apologised as he had nothing to suggest that it was I that caused it. The student warden ali, refused to abide by the buildings rules of a strict drug policy and would consistently be spraying air freshener outside his room at all times of the night to cover the stench of weed. The receptionist whom I don't knows name was always really nice and kind as well as the handy man tom always seemed to be working hard late into the night, probably could have done with some extra help! The security is also a joke half the time the outside doors didn't actually lock allowing anyone into the building, the security was only on guard for about 2 or 3 nights a week when at the start of the year we were told the would be there every night. Overall the place is a joke for the price you pay you'd be better off going to Student castle where the facilities actually worked! If it wasn't for the people I met there I would have almost definitely given this place a one star.

I have lived in the building for 2 years and have loved it both times! I moved in for my first year and came back for my last, wish I never left in between! The rooms are modern, spacious and lots of storage! The whole building has had a refurb and the common room is great, with a pool table and PS4 it's a great place to hang out in the evening and also in the day for studying. The staff in reception are so lovely and will help with anything you need and any maintenance is carried out very quickly! The location is also great, such an easy walk into the town centre and to the University. Overall 5/5 accommodation and would recommend to anyone looking to stay in Cardiff! :)

The rooms are great, mine's is particularly big with lots of free space, a comfy twin size bed and a personal TV(Which I don't use). People sometimes set off fire alarms while cooking and it is not pleasant to be standing in the rain while freezing in the morning. shower will cycle through cold and hot non-stop so don't expect a lengthy hot shower.

I’m currently living at Shand House and love it here. My room is really spacious and the staff are great, always ready to help. I have made some great friends and I always feel safe and looked after. If you’re a student looking for accommodation in Cardiff, I can’t recommend Shand House enough.

Great and friendly staff, my friend stay here and I stay over with her for a couple day. Big room with a good facilities.

The maintenance guy is very helpful! stuff got fixed within hours.
Great rooms and convenient locations:)

My daughter stayed here for her first year at university I would recommend.

Excellent accommadation, great staff, very friendly and helpful, by far the best student accommadation in Cardiff.