Study in Pontypridd

Pontypridd at a glance

Pontypridd is a small but lively town in South Wales, located at the gateway to the Valleys. It’s home to the Treforest campus of the University of South Wales and offers students a welcoming community, natural beauty, and easy access to nearby Cardiff. With its relaxed pace and affordability, Pontypridd is ideal for students looking for a quieter setting with strong academic support.

It's very well connected to Cardiff and all the amenities there, while also having a countryside feel due to the surrounding greenery and hills. There's also plenty of options for student activities, as basically everyone who lives there is a student, so the town provides for them very well. (Third year student, University of South Wales)

City highlights

Pontypridd is known for Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, home to the National Lido of Wales – Lido Ponty. The town centre has a mix of shops, markets, and cafés, and the historic Old Bridge is a popular photo spot. Students enjoy the relaxed community vibe, easy access to hiking trails, and a growing arts and music presence.

The Old Bridge: The 140ft single-span bridge remains the town’s most famous landmark. In fact, Ponty’s name comes from ‘Pont-y-ty-pridd’, or ‘bridge of the earthen house’ in Welsh. 

Transport tips

Pontypridd is well connected by train and bus. Direct trains to Cardiff take just over 20 minutes, and regular buses link surrounding towns and university campuses. Students can get travel discounts via Transport for Wales or use the local TrawsCymru services. Cardiff Airport is the nearest international hub, accessible via train and shuttle services.

Accommodation

Most students live in Treforest or central Pontypridd, within walking distance of the University of South Wales. The area is one of the most affordable student locations in the UK, with university halls, private rentals, and shared houses available. The university offers dedicated international student support, including arrival help, accommodation advice, and cultural integration programmes.

Accommodation advice

Where to eat

Pontypridd has a growing selection of cafés and restaurants. Students enjoy Café Royale and Otley Arms for social meals, while The Rickard’s Arms offers classic pub food. For takeaways and global dishes, try Thai Sky or Indiaah. The town also has halal and vegetarian options, and Cardiff’s food scene is just a train ride away.

What to visit

Visit the Pontypridd Museum to learn about local history, or walk the Taff Trail, which runs through town and offers great views of the valleys. The Muni Arts Centre often hosts concerts and student performances. Nearby attractions like Castell Coch, Caerphilly Castle, and Cardiff Bay are easy day trips for students based in Pontypridd.

Cardiff Bay: A short journey for food, drinks, and a walk around. 

On your doorstep

Pontypridd is surrounded by beautiful hills and rivers, with walking and cycling routes throughout the valleys. Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is just a short train ride away for shopping, nightlife, and sports events. Brecon Beacons National Park is close by, offering hiking, stargazing, and scenic escapes from study life.

The Brecon Beacons

Basic safety

It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.

Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:

• Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
• Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
• Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
• Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
• Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
• Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.